jainism

Diversity – The very pulse of India (Happy Festivals)

July 20, 2012 History post

Today is the beginning of my favorite month.
Just like in god’s we have lord vishnu, in month’s we have “Shravana” or “Saawan”…..
And what makes this most unique is:
1. It marks the beginning of festival season
2. It’s a month where people take “Baadha”, start reading religious texts and scriptures, worship and indulge in allied activities. It is considered as the most Holy / “Parvitra” month.
3. According to Hinduism, Jainism,  Muslims, Sikhism, Sindhis,  this is the most important and holy because of various festivals of like

Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Naag panchami,

Sitala satam / Thadri,

Paryushan / Atthai / Dashlakshana Parva, Chaturmaas period (although its for 4 months of monsoon, but still it is also in shravana month)

Ramzan month / Eid,  Shab-e-Barat (not really in shravana month, but near to it. It is night of forgiveness, just like in jainism we have michhami dukkadam)

Parsi New Year,

Avani Avittam/Upakarmam, Kajari Navami, Nariyal Purnima, Kajli Teej, and Pavitropana

Chaliho Sahib (forty days fast period in Sindhis)

Diggi Pad Yatra, Mango Festival, Van Mahotsav, Hariyali Amavasya, Onam

So many festivals to name in the month of july-august.

I still don’t know if there are any festivals in Bahaism, Judaism and Buddhism in these 2 months.. Would love to explore on the same.

I am so glad that I am born in a country like India, which is a true demonstration of “UNITY IN DIVERSITY”. Each religion in India, have its own legends, stories, texts and scriptures, heroes, gods, beliefs, pilgrimage sites and it is this diversity that is the very pulse of Indian culture, AND I AM SO FOND OF IT:)
Happy Festivals to all of you!

 

Mahavir Jayanti

April 4, 2012 post

Among all the Jain festivals Mahavir Jayanti is regarded as the most important festival of the Jains. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahavir. According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavira was born in the year 615 BC, but the Swetambaras believe that He was born in 599 BC. Both sects however agree that he was the son of Siddhartha and Trisala. Legend has it, that He was conceived by Devananda, wife of a Brahmin named Rishabhdeva. The gods, ingeniously, transferred the embryo to the womb of Trisala. It is said that the expectant mother had sixteen auspicious dreams before the child was born (only 14 according to the Swetambaras). Astrologers intepreting these dreams, stated that the child would be either an emperor or a Teerthankar. This religious event is largely observed by the Jains, by visiting sacred sites and worshipping the Teerthankars

Shrines and temples are decorated with flags for the occasion, and on the day of the festival, the idol of the tirthankar is given a ritual bath before being taken out, ensconced in a cradle, in a grand procession.

The custom of donating money, food and clothing to the poor is also an important aspect of celebrating Mahavir Jayanti. Jain organisations (in some cases, even individuals) arrange for free food and drink for all passersby. Important Jain shrines such as Sri Mahavirji in Rajasthan; Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat; Parasnath Temple (Kolkata) and Pawapuri in Bihar host major celebrations to mark Mahavir Jayanti.

Paryushan: One of the Unique festivals of India

August 27, 2011 post

Paryushan is the most important jain festival. What is so unique about this festival and what fascinates me to write this article?  Normally, all the festivals are for celebrating, some one’s birthday, there’s a mythological story attached to it (like diwali, return of rama & enlightenment of mahavira, independence day, children’s day, holi – the story of prahlad, etc and the list goes on).

This festival is all about self-discipline, sacrifice, self-control , austerities, purification of soul and most importantly – getting in touch with your inner-self and forgiveness. It is all about spiritual journey and finding a new self. Throughout the paryushan period people pray and fast. All the prayers are about detachments, discipline and forgiveness.

“FORGIVENESS”:  We use this word very often.  I, guess, this would be the only religion where prayers of forgiveness include earth, plants, animals, insects, seeds, trees, humans, god, dew, anthills, spider webs, water. All living beings or souls with one sense, two senses, three senses, four senses or five senses. It could be by walking, while sleeping, while breathing, while talking, while praying. Even giving a slightest pain to any of these is considered as a sin in Jainism. And during Paryushan, these seek forgiveness from each of the above, for if they have inflicted any pain, attacked them, bothered them or collided them knowingly or unknowingly. With the 8 or 10 days austerities (deravasi 8 days and sthanakwasi 10 days), people bring out the purity in themselves. Feeling light and connected to one self.

Last day of the festival (Samvatsari) is the day when they ask for forgiveness from each of the above and from their friends, family, acquaintances, everyone they know, for if they have hurted them knowingly or unknowingly.

This is asked by saying “Michhami Dukkadam”. These words are in Prakrit meaning “may all evil that has been done be forgiven” OR “My bad deeds be fruitless”.

This really extends the meaning of forgiveness.

And that’s what fascinates me about this festival.

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