Jainism is a religion which works on one's action to bring out the hidden divinity present in him. It believes that every individual has the ability to become God. Customs in Jainism are designed in such a way that an individual is made to answer for his self. He/She is asked to evaluate his/her action and introduce any timely correction if required.

"Paryushan" is the time to think about our self. Here a Jain Shravak/Shravika will do an annual review of his/her way of living. It is auspicious occasion for Jains in both Digambar and Swethambar sect. In this article, I bring you the exclusive information about this festival.

Paryushan:

The word "Paryushan" has several different meanings:

1. 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.

2. 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 Svadhyaya (self-study), meditation, austerities, etc.,

3. Pari + upshamana = upshamana means to suppress, to suppress our passions (kashayas - 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 faults. We try to forget about the needs of our body (like food) and our business so that we can concentrate on our-self.

To ask for forgiveness is the toughest thing to do. Therefore, our great acharyas have said: "Kshama Viram Bhushanam, Kshamavani Michchha Mi 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.

Akbar the great was the son of Nasiruddin Humayun whom he succeeded as ruler of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1605.

Akbar was greatly influenced by the teachings of Jain Acharya Hir Vijay Suri and Jin Chandra Suri. Akbar gave up non-vegetarian food by their influence. Akbar declared "Amari" or non-killing of animals in the holy days of Jains like Paryushan and Mahavir Jayanti. He rolled back Zazia Tax from Jain Pilgrim places like Palitana.

Thus all members of Islam community under the King Akbar were not allowed to kill animal during the Paryushana parva.