Shree Jain Shvetamber Derawasi Sangh

JAIN YOUTH CLASSES

Bringing Jainism To You
Ref: 007
Date: 10 February 2011
Jain Festivals and Celebrations
Jainism has a rich tradition of rituals and festivals. Traditionally, festivals are a time for
celebration, jubilation, enjoyment, and entertainment. But Jain festivals are meant for
renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, recitation of holy hymns, meditation, and
expression of devotion for the Tirthankaras.
Jain rituals and festivals emphasize the spiritual aspects of Jainism. During Jain festivals, many
events of Lord Mahaaveeras life are acted out in symbolic form to bring out the message of Lord
Mahaaveera in a simpler way. Rituals and festivals involve the practice of Jainism as well as
revitalization and strengthening of our beliefs in Jainism. The Jain festivals are known as Parvas.
The word Parva means auspicious day.
The daily worship is always fruitful and useful for the upliftment of the soul but, the day of
festival or parva is a special day of worshipping, a special kind of worshipping and there is
always an ancient event associated with the day. The parva has some special kind of rites that can
increase merits for future. More penance, more worship, more religious activities are done on the
day of parva. A soul can create or bind the 'Aayushya Karma' (i.e. type of future birth) on a parva
day.
Festivals are of two types - (1) Worldly (Laukika) and (2) Beyond worldly (Lokottara). In the
worldly festivals, the feelings of worldly pleasures are important. This is the cause of Karmabondage. So they are not the real festivals whereas the festivals which are beyond this world-i.e.
Divine festival are the steps to take the soul to the upper position. In the second type of festivals,
the worldly pleasures are not important.
Why is it important to celebrate a festival?

Highlights an auspicious occasion

Social gathering and meet your own type of people and rejoice
Bondage with culture
It gives one identity
Purifies thoughts into our daily life
Lights the lamp of religious knowledge within us.

Generally all Hindu (including Jain) religious festivals are dated according to the lunar calendar.
This calendar is quite straightforward but, as it is based on the phases of the moon dates are not
always the same from year to year as in the solar calendar. Jains observe penance and undertake
religious practices with different levels of intensity. The most important and commonly observed
days are as follows.
Twelve tithis (days of a month)
The 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 14th and 15th days of each half moon cycle are considered auspicious. Most
Jains observe five days the sud 5th, sud & vad 8th and sud & vad 14th (sud = shuklapaksh =

bright half of the month, vad = krishapaksha = dark half of the month). Some may be more
familiar with the Gujarati names of these tithis i.e. paacham (5th), aatham (8th) and chaudas
(14th). Jain scriptures indicate that the Aayushyabandh for the next life takes place on one of these
days and hence ones physical and spiritual activities on these days are significantly contributory
to the type of future birth one attains).
Jnaan Panchami (Gnaan Paacham) (The holy day for worshipping knowledge)
Jnaan Panchami is the name given to the celebration that takes place on the 5th day of the first
month (Kartik) of the Indian calendar year (5th day after Diwali). This day is designated for the
worship of pure knowledge. On this day, the scriptures, which impart knowledge to the people,
are worshipped with religious devotion by offering Vaasakshep (sandalwood powder). One also
carries out on this day, Swaadhyaay (self-study), meditation, and Pratikraman (to repent for the
mistake that has been committed and to refrain from it, and also to remain alert that no new
mistakes are committed). Moreover, the books preserved in the religious libraries are cleaned
and refurbished as may be necessary. To pay respect to educational material, notebooks, pens,
pencils etc. are offered during Poojaa (worship). The day is also known as saubhaagya panchami
or laabh panchami.
Short story
Sundari has 5 sons and 4 daughters. The children went to school but they were lazy and
not interested in learning.
Their teacher tried his best to teach them but they did not understand and he beat them
Sundari asked her children to beat the teacher and also burnt books
When the children were older and ready to get married the sheth looks for spouses but no
one wanted to marry these wayward children
The sheth blamed his wife and they had a fight. In anger he throws a stone which hits
Sundari and she dies.
Sundari is reborn as Gunamanajari, daughter of Sheth Sinhadaas and Kapurtilaka
Sheth Sinhadaas & Kapurtilaka have a deaf & dumb and diseased daughter named
Gunamamjari
Sheth asks Vijaysen Acharyadev why their daughter is suffering like this
The Acharya said that she has disrespected knowledge in her previous life and thus she is
suffering in this life.
So they had to face the results of their sins.
Then Acharya recommended her to do Gnan Pancham Aradhana.
The gnaan paacham aaradhanaa is performed by fasting on chauvuhaar or ekasanu , sprinkling
vaasakshep on religious books, doing Jina pooja, supaatra daan, doing 51 kausagga (meditative
posture) of Logassa sutra, making 51 saathiyaa, doing 51 khamasamana (bowing down) and
gnaan pad jaap of Om Namo NaNassa, 20 navakarvalis are done on this day. It is an auspicious
day for acquiring knowledge.
To respect Gnaan (knowledge) one must not:

Misuse implements of knowledge

Burn, mishandle, and throw books
Put trash on paper/clean trash with paper
Sit on paper
Steal/hide books and other implements

Disrespect teachers
Keep knowledge to yourself (i.e. share with others)
Hinder others to acquire knowledge
Read in the bathroom

There are 5 Categories of Gnaan (Knowledge)

Sensory (Mati gnaan)
Scriptural (Shruta gnaan)
Clairvoyance (Avadhi gnaan)
Telepathy (Manahparyava gnaan)
Omniscience (Keval gnaan)
Mauna Agiyaaras (Mauna Ekadashi)
It falls on the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Magshara during November or
December. On this day complete silence and fasting are observed and meditation is directed
towards the Tirthankars whose various Kalyaanaks (auspicious life events) fall on this day. It is a
very auspicious day as a total of 150 kalyaanaks of past, present and future Tirthankaras have and
will happen on this day.
On this day the following rites are done: A fast is observed in Paushadha while keeping silence,
Kausagga of 12 Logassa, 12 Khamasamanas, 12 Swastiks and 20 Navakarvalis of the Jap Pad.
According to Jainism, any person, who does all the rites shown in the Jain scriptures, can get the
ultimate happiness of Moksha as did Suvrat Sheth in the remote past by observing Mauna
Ekadashi.
Kaartaki Poonam
Kaartaki Poonam comes 15 days after Diwali (Full moon day of the month of Kaartik). It is a day
when people fast to wash away the sins.
Two grandsons of Rushabdev, Draavid & Vaarikhil got Moksha (salvation) together with 10
crore munis at Shatrunjaya (Palitaanaa) on this day
After the four months of rainy season (Chaturmas), the pilgrimage of Shatrunjaya, Paalitaanaa
reopens. On this day the munis (monks) finish their monsoon (chaumaasu) stay at one place and
resume their movements from one place to another.
Rituals of Kartaki Purnima include: Kayotsarga of 21 Logassa, 21 Khamasanas , 21 Swastiks and
20 Navakarvalis with the Jap Pad of - 'Shri Shatrunjaya Tirthadhirajaya Namah'
After the pilgrimage or celebration of this day, the fast is broken by serving of Sukhu bhaathu
(bundi laadu and gaathiyaa)
Every Parva is celebrated with some special rules and principles. The rites of worship and
activities have some special kind of importance.

Aayambbil
Twice a year, fallinng in March//April (Chaittra) and Sep
ptember/Octoober (Ashwin), the ninee-day Oli
period of
o semi-fastiing called Aayambil
A
is observed by
y taking onlly one meal a day of veery plain
food (w
without any spices,
s
salt, milk, oil, butter,
b
fruits or vegetablles). It is a festival of physical
(Arihant, S
austerityy and is observed to meditate
m
upoon Pancha Paramesthi
P
Siddha, Aacchaarya,
Upaadh
hyaay and Saadhu),
S
Jn
naan (Gnaaan) (right kn
nowledge), Darshan
D
(rigght faith), Chaaritra
C
(right coonduct), andd Tapa (pennance/austerrity), which are collectiively knownn as Navapa
ad. The
importaance of Navaapad is preacched by the sermons giv
ven during thhese days.
What doo you worshhip?
We worrship the Sidddhachakra (the wheel of perfection)
n)with pure devotion
d
by doing Aayaambil

Types of
o Aayambil
There are
a 3 types: 1) Best orr Uttama where
w
only one
o type off grain and nno salt are eaten 2)
Medium
m or Madhyaama where one
o type of grain with salt
s is eaten and 3) Ordinary or Saa
amaanya
where different
d
graains with sallt are eaten. There are variations
v
w
where
one caan do what is called
Vardham
maan Tapa which takess 15 years too complete one graduaally increasees Aayambills from 1
to 100 and
a thus doees 5,050 Aayyambils in tootal.

What haappens to onne who does Aayambil?

Nirjaraa (shhedding of karmas) occurs becau
use one conntrols the ssense of taste with
willpower.
Harmonisinng the 9 poinnts of energies
In the laast stanza off the Samaroo Mantra Bhhalo Navakaaar poem we say: Navva Pada Ena
aa, Nava
Nidhi Aape
A
Bhava Bhava Naaa Duhkh Kaaape the nava padass of the Navvakaar Man
ntra (and
Siddhacchakra) havee the power to
t bestow thhe 9 nidhis (ttype of wealth/knowleddge) and desttroys the
cycle off life and deaath (removes problems/obstacles).

What do we read?
During Aayambila we read the story of Raja Shreepal and Mainasundari who were ardent
devotees of the navapad to remind us how faithful and effective their tapa (penance) was in
honour of the nine pads.
The story of Raja Shreepal and Mainasundari which happened during the time of the 20th
Tirthankar Munisuvrat Swami goes as follows.
King Prajaapal of Ujjaini decided to test his two daughters Sursundari and Mainasundari. He
asked both the question: Who sustains us in this world? Sursandari said that the King sustains
us and Mainasundari replied that it is Karma (actions). The king was not pleased with
Mainasundaris response. He got Sursundari married off to a handsome prince and ordered his
men to look for a diseased man for Mainasundari. At this time, a group of people suffering from
skin disease came to Ujjaini. The groups leader was called Umbar Raano and his group was
searching for a wife for him. On knowing this, King Prajaapal decided to marry Mainasundari to
the diseased Umbar Raano. Mainasundari had faith in the philosophy of Karma and she accepted
to marry him and left her fate in the hands of Karma.
Mainasundari once asked her husband who he really was and Umbar Raano told her that in
reality, he was a prince Shreepal, the son of King Simharath of Champanagari, and that his
mother Kamalprabha had hidden him in the colony of diseased people so as to save him from his
uncle Ajitsen who had usurped the kingdom. Mainasundari was very happy on knowing this
truth. Because of her situation, the townspeople used to make fun of her also not respect dharma.
To overcome this she held steadfast in her belief in the karma philosophy and she started
worshipping the devagurus and doing dharma aaradhanaa. To also overcome the problems for
which she believed she was responsible, she and her husband followed the path shown to them by
Muni Shree Chandrasuriji Mahaaraj worshipping the powerful Siddhachakra yantra wheel of
perfection. This resulted in the whole group being cured of the disease which afflicted them.
Eventually, when Shreepals uncle Ajitsen became a monk, Shreepal became king of
Champanagari. Mainasundaris father and sister also eventually realized the power of karma and
improved their lives.
The Ritual of the Navpad Oli Aayambil is done as follows:
NAME OF
No.
THE PAD
1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

Aum Hrim
Namo
ArihantaaNam
Aum Hrim
Namo
SiddhaaNam

KAYOTSARGA
IN
KHAMASANAS SWASTIKS NAVKARVALIS
LOGASSA
12

12

12

20

08

08

08

20

36

36

20

25

25

20

27

27

20

Aum Hrim
Namo
36
AayariyaaNam
Aum Hrim
Namo
25
UvajjhaayaaNa
m
Aum Hrim
27

6.

7.

8.
9.

Namo Loe
Savva
SaahuNam
Aum Hrim
Namo
DansaNassa
Aum Hrim
Namo
NaaNassa
Aum Hrim
Namo
Charittassa
Aum Hrim
Namo Tavvasa

67

67

67

20

51

51

51

20

70

70

70

20

50

50

50

20

Mahaaveer Janma Kalyaanak (Mahaveera Jayanti)

This is the birth anniversary of Bhagvaan Mahaaveera, the 24th Tirthankar. We celebrate this day
in various ways. At present the birth event is celebrated by expressing Bhagvaan Mahaaveeras
message through cultural activities like play, songs, and dances. The Shwetaambar sect of Jains
celebrate and re-enact this day during the Paryushan festival. This day reminds us of the supreme
compassion of Bhagvaan Mahaaveera and the path to liberation he has preached. There is no
universally acceptable consensus on the exact date of Bhagvaan Mahaaveera. According to the
Shwetaambar tradition and most scholars, Lord Mahaaveera was born in the year 599 B.C, in the
city of Kshatriya Kunda in Lachhavad disctrict. On this day we get together to hear Mahaaveeras
message expounded, so that we can follow his teachings and example. According to the Indian
calendar, it was the thirteenth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra (chaitra sud teras).
He was the son of Siddhaartha and Trishalaa. The expectant mother had fourteen auspicious
dreams before the child was born. Astrologers interpreting these dreams stated that the child
would be either a supreme king or a Tirthankar.
What are the rituals?
People make offering to the Tirthankars of :-Rice, Fruits, Sweets
During the 8 days of Paryushana the shwetaambaras recite the Kalpa sutra.
On the 5th day of Paryushana bids for the 14 dreams of Mahaviras mother, Trishla devi
are offered.
The image of Mahavira is ceremoniously bathed and rocked in a cradle.
Coconut is broken and small pieces distributed to people.
Akshaya Trutiyaa (Akhaatrij)
Those noble people who perform the austerity of Varshi tapa complete the austerity on this day
by taking sugar-cane juice in the cool shadow of Shatrunjay.
First Jain Tirthankara Rushabhadev performed the PaaraNa (completion of an austerity) on this
day after fasting for 13 months and 13 days continuously. This day is considered to be very

auspicious for making a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay, Paalitaanaa. The day falls on the 3rd day of the
bright fortnight of Vaishakh month of Hindu calendar.(May-June).
This year-long austerity (Tapa) consists of fasting every other day followed by only one or two
meals on the next day. This year-long austerity signifies the event in the life of our first
Tirthankar who did not get Gochari (alms) for one year after his initiation (Dikshaa). This
festival is celebrated on Vaishakh Sud trij. (The third day of the month of Vaishakh) The first
Rushabhadev got Charitra i.e. left the worldly pleasures after 83 Laakha Purva years of home-life.
It is said that Karma has no effect of any brave people or even of Indra, Narendra, Munindra or
Jitendra. Rushabhadev Parmaatmaa went to many houses to get the proper food (Gochari) for
himself, but no one could understand his desire of food. The people were ready to give elephants,
horses, jewellery or even brides to him. But they could not offer any food.
In the previous birth, Rushabhadev had tied a net on the face of a cow and he did the sin of
starving the cow, so the previous Karma was the cause of this incident.
At the end, Shreyans Kumar had got a special knowledge of knowing previous births. He knew
that Rushabhadev wanted food to eat so he gave him the juice of Sugarcane and Rushabhadev
broke his fasts. This day is known as Akshaya Trutiya from that time.
This is such an auspicious day that there is no need to check muhurats or choghadias to
commence any activity. All muhurats/choghadias are auspicious.
Paryushan Parva
Paryushan Parva is a festival of eight days. It starts on twelfth or thirteenth day of the dark half
of the month Shravan. The month of Shravan is in the monsoon season. Jain monks and nuns do
not stay at one place more than a few days during non-rainy season. Monsoon showers and
torrential rains, however make it impossible for the monks to travel across the country. This
coupled with the principle of Ahins or non-violence, make it difficult for them not to trample on
and squash insects and other forms of life that emerge in the monsoon. According to our
scriptures, the last day of Paryushan Parva known as Samvatsari day is celebrated on 50th day of
the monsoon season. Monks and nuns must settled during this time period and remain at that
place for the remaining Monsoon season of next 70 days.
Paryushan Parva is a time to reflect and repent for the undesirable activities we did over the year.
It is a period to observe austerities to shed accumulated karma. Observing austerities helps
control our desires for material pleasures, which makes it an important element of spiritual
training.
Meaning of Paryushan
The word Paryushan has several different meanings:
Pari + Ushan = all kinds + to burn = to burn (shed) our all types of Karmas. To shed our
Karmas, we do twelve different types of austerities including fasting.
Another meaning of Ushan is to stay closer. To stay closer to our own soul from all
directions and to stay absorbed in our own-self (soul), we do Swdhyy (self-study),
meditation, austerities, etc.
Pari + Upashaman = Upashaman means to suppress, to suppress our passions
(Kashyas - anger, ego, deceit and greed) from all directions.

Therefore, the real purpose of the Paryushan is to purify our soul by staying closer to our own
soul, to look at our own faults, to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we have committed, and
take vows to minimize our sins. We should try to forget about the needs of our body (like food)
and our business so that we can concentrate on our soul during Paryushan.
Recitation of Kalpa Sutra
Per Shvetmbar tradition, there are regular ceremonies in the temple and discourses of Kalpa
Sutra (one of the sacred books) during this time. Kalpa Sutra contains a detailed account of
Mahaaveeras life in addition to the lives of other Tirthankars. It is read to the Jain congregation
by Guru maharaj. On the third day of the Paryushan Parva, the Kalpa Sutra receives a very
special reverence and may be carried in the procession. On the fifth day at a special ceremony,
the replicas of auspicious dreams of Mahaaveeras mother, queen Trishalaa, are exhibited to the
people, which are then honoured by them. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, among others are the
most important activities that should be performed by Jains during Paryushan. Scriptures define
that Shraavaks (laymen) and Shraavikaas (laywomen) should perform the following five essential
activities during Paryushan.
Amaari Pravartan

Spread the message of non-violence

Attham Tap

Fast for three consecutive days

Chaitya Paripaati

Go for a visit and prayers to different Derasars in town in

group

Swami Vaatsalya

Honour and respect fellow Jains

Kshamaapanaa

Extend and ask for forgiveness from every one by

performing Pratikraman

Samvatsari or Day of Forgiveness

The final day of Paryushan, called Samvatsari, is the most important of all. This is the day when
Jains perform Samvatsari Pratikraman and ask for forgiveness to family, friends and foes alike
for any wrongful acts they might have committed towards them during the year. Therefore this
annual opportunity of repentance and forgiveness is very important. Many perform different
penances and austerities during the days of Paryushan - these individuals are specially honoured.
To ask for forgiveness is probably the most difficult thing to do. Therefore, our great Aachaaryas
have said: Kshamaa Virasya BhooshaNam, KshamaavaaNee Michchhaami Dukkadam To ask
for forgiveness is a great quality of the brave ones and if I have committed any mistake,
knowingly or unknowingly, I ask for your forgiveness.
There are several great aphorisms (Sutras) to ask for forgiveness with the unity of the body,
speech and mind, and one of them is as follows:
Khaamemi Savva Jiva, Savve Jivaa Khamantu Me
Mitti Me Savva Bhuesu, Veram Majjham na Kenai.
I forgive all the living beings of the universe,
May all the living-beings forgive me for my faults
I do not have any animosity towards anybody, and
I have friendship for all living beings.

The process of shedding our Karmas really begins by asking for forgiveness with true feelings,
and by taking vows not to repeat mistakes. The request for forgiveness requires humility (Vinay absence of ego) and elimination of hatred.
Shortly after Paryushan it is the custom to organize a Swami Vastyalaya-dinner when all the Jains
get together and renew their friendship with each other regardless of their socio-economical
status.
Dasa Lakshana Parva
Digambars (a sect of Jains) celebrate the festival known as DASH LAKSHANA PARVA
(Festival of Ten cardinal virtues) for ten days starting a day after the last day of Shvetaambar
Paryushan.
What are these cardinal virtues, which Digambars Jains celebrate during this festival?
Kshamaa
Forgiveness
Maardava

Humility

Aarjava

Straightforwardness

Shaucha

Contentment - absence of greed

Satya

Truth

Sanyam

Restraint of all senses

Tapa

Austerities

Tyaag

Charity

Aakinchan

Non-possessiveness

Brahmacharya

Celibacy

These cardinal virtues are the inherent qualities of a soul. They are various forms of right
conduct. The practice of observing these virtues is not limited to one particular religion or sect
only. They belong to the universal faith. The results of observance of these virtues are equally
beneficial to all mankind and not only to a follower of the Jain faith only.
01. Forgiveness (Kshamaa):
Kshamaa means forgiveness - forbearance. This means not to allow anger to rise and in case it
does, then to render it ineffective through internal power. For cultivating forbearance, five ways
have been suggested:
by way of considering whether or not the cause of anger lies in oneself
by way of considering the harm that follow from an angry mood
by way of considering the childish nature of the offender concerned
by way of considering the whole affair to be a consequence of ones own past karma
by way of considering the merits of forbearance
Total lack of anger with a state of equanimity is defined as the supreme forgiveness. Forgiveness
is the virtue of the brave and not a coward
KSHAMAA VIRASYA BHOOSHANAM
Forgiveness is the virtue of the brave

Anger is the greatest enemy of the soul and it is the root of all evils. Real forgiveness comes
from within, without any feelings of reward. To forgive because of respect for elders and
upbringing is not the highest kind of forgiveness, it is merely good behavior.
02. Humility (Maardava):
Lack of pride, selfishness or ego is humility. Pride is the attitude of a superiority complex.
Flattery is the main cause of pride. To show humbleness because of poverty or weakness is
meekness, lowliness and not a true humility. To accept what one is, is humility. A person should
understand the difference between self-respect and pride and not confuse them.
03. Straightforwardness (Aarjava):
Lack of cunningness or a fraudulent attitude is defined as simplicity or straightforwardness. Only
a weak person will resort to deceit, because he is afraid of being caught. To hide his deceit, he
will resort to further deception. There is no synchrony between the thoughts, speech and actions
of a cunning person. He thinks one thing, says something else, and acts absolutely in a different
fashion.
04. Contentment (Shaucha):
Lack of greed is contentment. Greed is a desire to possess. Greed is the one of the root causes of
all sins. Greed is as dangerous as anger for the spiritual welfare of a person. It is the strongest
vice and the last one to conquer, persisting almost to the end of the spiritual path of purification.
With eradication of greed, the soul is practically passionless. Contentment is the highest and
purest of all the virtues.
05. Truthfulness (Satya):
Lack of falsehood is truthfulness. Truthfulness for most people means not to lie. Absolute truth
is in knowing the thing as it is, and not just to differentiate bad from good.
06. Self-Control (Sanyam):
Control over violence caused by thoughts speech or physical means against all living beings and
control over worldly pleasures is the true definition of self-control. Self-control can lead to
liberation.
07. Austerity (Tapa):
Austerity or penance is the repentance of ones sins. It is the fire, which burns and reduces the
forces of karmic dust to ashes. Austerities are of two kinds: a) the external types, which consist
of physical restraints and, b) the internal types, which deal with mental purification.
08. Renunciation (Tyaag):
Renunciation is defined as giving up possessions, both internal and external. Charity should not
be mistaken for renunciation. Charity means giving up things, which belong to you. It is done for
the benefit of the recipient. Renunciation, on the other hand, does not need a donor. It is
primarily done for the benefit of self. There is no need for a second or third party as in charity.
09. Detachment (Aparigraha, Aakinchanya):
A lack of possessions is detachment. External possessions are wealth, house, etc. Internal
possessions are attachment, aversion and desire. To lack in internal possessions is the ultimate
virtue.
10. Celibacy (Brahmacharya):
Absolute restraint from all sensual pleasures by mind, speech, and body is the ultimate celibacy.
One must always remember that the powers of the sense organs are limited to recognizing the
outer world and mundane knowledge, not the real inner self. Self-realization is the mother of all
the supreme virtues. Without it, virtues are not supreme but mere acts of good behavior and still
the cause of bondage.

10

Diwali
Diwali is the most important festival in India. For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the
attainment of Moksha by Mahaaveera-swami in 527 BC. The festival falls on the last day of the
month of Ashvin, the end of the year in the Indian calendar. But the celebration starts in the early
morning of the previous day as Lord Mahaaveera commenced his last sermon (final discourse
known as Uttaraadhyaayan), which lasted until the night of Diwali. At midnight, his soul left his
body and attained liberation, Moksha. Eighteen kings of northern India were present in his
audience at the time of His final sermon. They decided that the light of their masters knowledge
should be kept alive symbolically by lighting of lamps. Hence it is called Deepvali or Diwali,
(Deep means a lamp and avali means series or multiple). But the light of Lord Mahaaveeras
knowledge cannot be kept alive by just lighting the lamps. That is an external approach.
Realistically, we should light up our internal lamps - awaken our inner vision by practicing the
path preached by Lord Mahaaveera.
As a traditional Diwali lamp needs a clay bowl, oil, and cotton wick. The inner lamp needs the
right faith, right knowledge, right conduct and right Tapa (austerity). External lamps need
oxygen while internal lamp needs self-effort. The resolution to adopt the practice of good
conduct is the way to celebrate the Diwali. Some fast for two days as Lord Mahaaveera did.
Some people recite Shri Mahaaveera Swaami Sarvajnaaya Namah on every bead of the rosary
(108 beads in one rosary) first followed by 19 rosaries of reciting Shri Mahaaveera Swaami
Paarangataaya Namah on each bead. In brief, Diwali is for enhancing the spiritual wealth.
From a social aspect it is celebrated in traditional Indian fashion by greeting and offering sweets
to family, friends and neighbors. Jain businessmen would close their accounts for the year and
perform a simple Poojaa for the new account books.
New Year (Bestu varas)
Lord Mahaaveeras chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautam, had not been able to overcome his
attachment to his master and that prevented him from achieving Kevaljnaan. The barrier was
only broken after a period of grief over his masters Nirvaan (liberation). He at last managed to
achieve the highest degree of non-attachment, which enabled him to attain the stage of
omniscience, the full enlightenment, in the early morning of the first day of the New Year. On
the early morning of the New Year Day (Kartik Sud-1), the Jap of 20 Navakarvalis (string with
beads) is done. The Pad is 'Shri Gautam Swaami Sarvjnaaya Namah'.
The Jains begin the New Year with a prayer of Guru Gautam Swaami; and listen with devotion to
the nine Stotras (Nav-smaran) and the auspicious Raas (epochal poem) of Gautam Swami. Some
people fast for three days including New Years Day. The real wish should be may the whole
year be filled with realistic Dharma, intellectual serenity and equanimity.
Bhai Beej
King Nandivardhan, the brother of Bhagawn Mahaaveer was in great sorrow due to the Nirvaan
of Mahaaveera. His sister Sudarshanaa took him to her house and comforted him. This happened
on the day after New Years day. This day is observed as Bhai Beej. This festival is like Raksha
Bandhan. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, the sister goes to the brother and ties the Raksha; but
on Bhai Beej, the sister invites her brother to her house to show her respect and love for him.

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Faagan Sud Teras

This is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the month of Phaalguna. On this day Shaamb and
Pradyumna (sons of Krishna) had got the Moksha Pad with 8.5 crores monks. So the
circumambulation of 6 Gaus (1 Gau means 3.2 Kms.) on Shantrujaya parvat, Paalitaanaa is done
on this day.
Chaitra Sud Punam
This is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the month of Chaitra. On this day Pundarik swami got
Moksha Pad together with 5 crores munis on Shatrunjaya Parvat, Paalitaanaa. Shantrunjaya is
therefore also known as Pundarikgiri.
Posh Dashami
This day is famous as the birthday of 23rd Jain Tirthankar Lord Parshvanath. Hundreds and
thousands of Jain men and women perform the tapasya of 3 Upavas - attham (continuous fasting
for 3 days) and by means of recitation and meditation they try to attain spiritual welfare. A grand
fair takes place in Sankheshwar which is a sacred place for Jains. Thousands of people gather
here and perform the austerity of 'Attham'. The festival is known as Posh Dashami based on the
Marwardi calendar in many areas it is in the month of Margashar and is celebrated over 3 days
Vad 9/10/11 of Margashar.
Mahaa Mastak Abhishek
Perhaps the most famous example of Puj performed on a grand scale in Jainism is the Mastaka
Abhisheka (head anointing) ceremony held every twelfth year in Shravanbelgola, Karnataka
(South India). This honours the spiritual hero Baahubali, son of Rushabhdev), who is represented
by a colossal fifty seven-foot image carved from rock nearly a thousand years ago. Thousands of
Jains of both traditions come to pay homage during the several weeks during which the
celebration goes on; Baahubali thus receives the kind of adoration otherwise reserved exclusively
for Tirthankars. The image depicts Baahubali as standing erect, free of clothing and immersed in
deepest meditation. For the period of the Mastaka Abhisheka, temporary scaffolding is built
behind the huge statue, terminating in a platform just atop the head; thus the faithful can anoint
Baahubali in the proper manner, by pouring various sacred substances (such as purified water and
sandalwood paste) over the statue from above. The festivities associated with this ceremony
continue for several weeks; participation in them is said to bring great merit and perhaps to make
possible the experience of Samyak Darshan (Right perception) itself.
Calendar of important days
Indian
Month

West Month

Day

Festival

Kartik

Nov/Dec

Sud 1

New Year

Sud 5

Gnan Pancham (Swetamber)

Sud 8 - Punam

Kartiki Atthai

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Margasar

Dec/Jan

Sud 15

Kartiki Punam Monsoon end

Vad 10

Mahavir Diksha Kalyanak

Sud 11

Maunagyaras day of silence

Vad 9

Vad 10/11

Tapa known as Posh Dashami (posh =

based on Marwardi Jain calendar)
Attham tap starts
Parsvanath Jayanti & D Kalyanak

Pausa

Jan/Feb

Vad 13

Rishabhdev Moksha Kalyanak

Magha

Feb/Mar

15 days

19 Kalnayaks of Tirthankaras

Phalgun

Mar/Apr

Sud 8 - Punam

Phalguni Atthai

Vad 8

Beginning of Varshitap, Rishab J & D

Sud 7 to Punam

Ayambil Oli

Sud 13

Mahavir Actual Birthday

Sud 15

Chaitri Punam

Sud 3 (Akhatrij)

Aksaya Truitiya, Varsitap Parana,

Sud 10

Mahavirs Kevalgnan

Vad 13

Shantinath Birth & Moksha

Vad 14

Shantinath Diksha

Sud 5

Sruta Panchami (Digambar)

Chaitra

Vaisakh

Jyaistha

Apr/May

May/Jun

Jun/Jul

7 events Relating to 6 Tirthankars

Asadha

Jul/Aug

Sud 6

Mahavirs Conception

Sud 8 - Punam

Asadhi Aatthai

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Sud 15

Guru Purnima

Shravan

Aug/Sep

Vad 12/13

Svetamber/Sthankvasi Paryushan

Bhadarva

Sep/Oct

Sud 4

Last day Paryushan - Samvatsari

Sud 5

Das Lakshana (Digamber), Parna (swe)

Sud 1

Kshamavani Day
forgiveness (Digambar)

Sud 7 - Punam

Ayambil Oli

Vad 13

Dhanteras, Mahavir arrives at Pavapuri

Asvina/aaso

Oct/Nov

Vad 14
chaudas)

(Kali

Vad 15

universal

Roopa Chuturdasi, Choti Diwali, Ms

last darsan
Diwali, Ms Nirvana

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