KOCHI: The Jain fraternity is all set for the annual Jain festival of Paryushan Parv, a period of self-purification of both body and mind, from August 25.The Shri Cochin Jain Temple at Mattancherry is ready for the occasion here. The temple, which is being managed by Shri Cochin Swetamber Murtipujak Jain Sangh, comprises two complexes - the 107-year-old Sri Dharamnath Jinalaya temple and the 72-year-old Sri Chandraprabhu Jinalaya temple. The Dharamnath Jinalaya temple is known as Teerth. The Paryushan Parv is a significant occasion for the Jains in terms of total adherence to lofty principles and noble values. The Paryushan Parv will conclude on September 4 with processions. All Jains abstain from eating root food and they do not eat food after sunset. Several people observe fasting also.Guided by the ten universal virtues propagated by Jainism, the Jains spend most of their time in their respective temples during this period.The rituals at the Sri Cochin Jain temple will be led by Sri Nikhilbhai Hariya. He will be accompanied by Sri Amitbhai Gala and Sri Palakbhai Chedda from the Sri Aryarakshit Jain Tatvagyan Vidyapeet, Mumbai.There are different modes of fasting during the period. Among them are Upawas (full day fast), Ekasana (one meal a day) and Biasana (two meals a day). Many Jains observe an 8-day Upawas which is known as Atthai.For those who opt for Ekasana, Sri Mahavir Mitra Mandal is arranging the afternoon meal on the temple premises.During the course of the festivities, the birthday of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Teerthankar, will be celebrated on August 30.The Paryushan Parv will conclude with Samvatsari when each Jain gives and seeks forgiveness for his actions which have hurt others.The Kshamapana Day (universal forgiveness) will be celebrated on September 3 when all Jains will seek and give forgiveness for all undesirable actions and deeds committed by them knowingly or unknowingly, Shri Cochin Jain Temple managing trustee Kishor Shamji Kuruwa has said in a statement.
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