There are around 35 organisations across the UK, and all of them have, in their own way, engaged in religious activities such as fasting, chanting, meditation and self-study for eight days, striving to purify their body, mind, and soul, which is commendable.
At the Navnat Centre in Hayes, London, the Paryushan festival was observed with great devotion from 31 August to 7 September. Scholar Saman Shrutpragyaji (founder of Peace of Mind in Rajkot and Peace Mind Yogic Centre in the USA) explained the importance of Paryushan on the first day, stating that "The religious scripture, Kalpasutra, written by Bhadrabahu Swami, reveals new secrets each time it is heard. It never goes out of date!”
He further elaborated that 2600 years ago, on this very auspicious day in the BharatKshetra of Jambudweep, Lord Mahavir's Samvasarana was established in the city of Rajgruhi in the Magadh region. Lord Mahavir began delivering his teachings, and during that time, Emperor Shrenik was present. A dialogue took place between the Lord and the Emperor, the essence of which is as follows:
"In this world, attaining human birth is extremely rare. After passing through 8.4 million life forms, one attains human birth due to the influence of one's virtuous deeds. The only way to make it meaningful is by not wasting a single moment in carelessness. One must practice self-discipline and strive to know oneself. Each breath we take should be filled with righteousness."
Jainism is scientific, practical, and logical. Over these eight days, one recharges their spiritual battery, which sustains them throughout the year. Jainism is a religion of non-violence, friendship, and brotherhood. It promotes love for one another and has no place for aggression. During Paryushan, five duties are to be followed:
- Amari Pravartan: We must develop the ability to present Lord Mahavir’s principle of non-violence on the world stage.
- Sadharmik Vatsalya: This refers to compassion and kindness towards those in need.
- Religion must be practiced with discernment (vivek); it is not achieved through austerity alone but by conquering inner enemies. Until ego is eradicated, true religion cannot be realised.
- Kshamapana: One must abandon feelings of enemity and cultivate friendship.
- Chaitya Paripati: This involves visiting temples and pilgrimage sites.
Second day of Paryushan
On the second day of Paryushan, which fell on a Sunday, the birth celebration of Lord Mahavir was observed.
From Navnat, online Pratikraman (a ritual of repentance) and discourses were made available so that those unable to leave their homes could still participate and benefit from the observances.
At Mahavir Foundation, under the leadership of young president Neeraj Sutaria and with the support of committee members, the Paryushan festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Well-known musicians and scholars from India, Harshil and Mokshit Beladi, immersed everyone in the spirit of devotion and faith. Many participants from all three generations took part, highlighting the significance of penance. In this organisation, 82 penances of varying intensity were performed, including 58 "Atthai" (eight-day fasts). Even young children practiced penance, gaining control over hunger.
During the Samvatsari Pratikraman (annual ritual of repentance), more than 1,000 participants of all ages joined with devotion, confessing the sins and mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly throughout the year. This act truly embodied the essence of poet Kalapi's lines: “Yes, repentance is a vast spring flowing from heaven; by taking a dip in it, the sinner becomes virtuous.”
The Visha Oshwal Samaj UK is the largest congregation, with various branches, including the Potters Bar Centre, participated in the Paryushan festival. The spiritual observances were enhanced by insightful lectures from the religious chairman, Shri Jayeshbhai Shah, along with online Pratikraman sessions. Additionally, the community’s website featured well-curated presentations on the significance of Paryushan in English, covering various topics aimed at educating the younger generation.
At the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission's Bushey Centre in London, many devotees benefited from the discourses of Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai during the Paryushan festival. Regular activities such as yoga and meditation were also conducted at the centre. With a focus on the youth, talks were presented in English as well. On Saturday, 14 September, from 8:00 to 10:00 PM, a program of satsang, devotion, and meditation will be held at SRMS London Spiritual Centre, Falcon Road, Bushey, WD23 3AD. Prior to this, dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Those interested are requested to register in advance at london.Somdev.org/register.
Under the leadership of the Jain Network, the Paryushan festival was celebrated for the first time at the newly established Jainalay and centre in Colindale with great devotion, led by Dr Natubhai Shah’s daughter, Linaben, and son-in-law, Dr Ajaybhai Shah. Spiritual influencers Shri Sameerbhai Sheth and Shaileshi Didi Ajmera ignited the flame of knowledge, while musician Shri Vijaybhai Doshi, with his melodious voice and music, immersed everyone in devotion. On the day of Samvatsari, the Sheth family was blessed to witness the Barasa Sutra’s pictorial collection. Throughout the eight-day festival, the religious scripture Kalpasutra was recited, presenting the life summaries of Lord Mahavir's 27 incarnations, along with other Tirthankaras. The essence of Lord Mahavir’s teachings is encapsulated in the Barasa Sutra, and its viewing is considered highly auspicious. The services of Jain Network's religious committee members, including Shri Vijaybhai Sheth, Beenaben Holden, Jayashreeben Modi, and Kusumben Punatar, were commendable.
Fifth day of Paryushan
On the fifth day of Paryushan, the birth of Lord Mahavir is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The atmosphere is filled with bliss and excitement. On the last day of Samvatsari, everyone seeks and offers forgiveness, experiencing a profound sense of purity and reconciliation. This is the essence of this grand festival.
Leicester Jain Samaj Europe, under the guidance of its leader, Shri Hiteshbhai Shah conducted the Paryushan festival with great devotion. Following the Paryushan festival for Deravasi and Sthanakvasi communities, the celebration of the Dash Lakshani Maha Festival continues until September 17. For more details, please contact President Ushaben Mehta at 07440 056 701.
This year, the Dubai Jain Sangh also had the opportunity to attend a series of discourses under the guidance of Acharya Lokeshji, with a large number of attendees. During the Paryushan festival, there was a notable increase in participation in practices such as penance, darshan, worship, devotion, meditation, yoga and study. This sacred festival, which focuses on the ten qualities of the soul, is also known as the Dash Lakshani festival. This year, the number of Atthai performances exceeded 125, setting a new record. Acharya Lokeshji stated that "the essence of the entire Paryushan practice is the development of equanimity and meditative insight in life."
