Celebrating Paryushan
The annual Paryushan Jain festival has come around again and was celebrated with pride in late August. About 350 Jain families reside in West Kochi and the settlement dates back to 1875.
The Paryushan sacred period of eight days took place where hundreds of Jain’s in the area took part in an act of self purification known as Paryushan Parv.
During Paryushan Parv, Jains generally abstain from foods that have roots and try to eat before sunset. Some Jains also fast for the eight day period to cleanse their body and mind. The temple that Jains visit is the Sri Cochin Jain temple which is managed by Sri Cochin Swetamber Jain Sangh, and it is made up of two complexes: the Sri Dharamnath Jinalaya which is 107 years old and the 72 year old Sri Chandraprabhu Jinalaya temple.
All participating Jains, at this time reignite with their values to reiterate their adherence to the religion and its core principles.
The ten Jain principles are revisited and propagated in the Jain temple, and the rituals at Sri Cochin Jain temple will be led by Nikhilbhai Hariya as well as Amitbhai Gala and Palakbhai Chedda who are attending from Mumbai.
The occasion overall is marked by the sharing of knowledge and universal learning of common principles that Jains strive to live by. Overall, it is a time for both youth and elders of the Jain community to learn from and with each other to rekindle spirituality and adherence to the religion.
Leave a Reply