By A STAFF REPORTER
BUENA PARK, CA - Paryushan Maha Parv is the grand Jain festival of introspection, self-enlightenment and self realization which ultimately leads to the one final goal - liberation. The Jain Center of Southern California celebrated Paryushan this year from Sept. 10 through 17. In this time, the congregation participated...
BUENA PARK, CA - Paryushan Maha Parv is the grand Jain festival of introspection, self-enlightenment and self realization which ultimately leads to the one final goal - liberation. The Jain Center of Southern California celebrated Paryushan this year from Sept. 10 through 17. In this time, the congregation participated...
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in the morning pakshal (bathing) of idols, ashta prakari puja and snatra puja. This year’s dignitary Shrenikbhai Shah came from Mumbai and led the festival with his vast knowledge of Jain scriptures and rituals. He led the swadhyay on Kalpsura depicting the life of Lord Mahavir. Each evening also featured discourses on Jain principles.
On Sept.17, everyone performed samvatsari pratikaman, which is done once a year, and asked for forgiveness from each other and all living beings. This is done to offset, knowingly or unknowingly hurt anybody by thought, word or action.
A central aspect of the festival is the practice of fasting. During Paryushan over 40 devotees ranging from 16 to 70 plus years conducted penance, imbibing only boiled water. While some observed this for eight days, others did it for 17 days. All of them broke their broke their fast on Sept.18 at the Jain Center with moong bean water, sugar water, and light food. On the next day, Sept.19 witnessed a joyful cultural program where tiny tots and seniors participated with equal enthusiasm. The Jain Center on the occasion also held a general body meeting and presented its financial report.
Over 2,000 people came together on Sept. 20 to celebrate Mahavir Panch Kalyank puja in the morning and swapa ceremony - the14 dreams of Mata Trishla, mother of Lord Mahavir - and the birth of Lord Mahavir. Festivities at the Jain center will continue with Daslakshana till Sept.27 with visiting dignitary Dr. Kusumben Jain from Jaipur who will conduct discourses in the evenings.
On Sept.17, everyone performed samvatsari pratikaman, which is done once a year, and asked for forgiveness from each other and all living beings. This is done to offset, knowingly or unknowingly hurt anybody by thought, word or action.
A central aspect of the festival is the practice of fasting. During Paryushan over 40 devotees ranging from 16 to 70 plus years conducted penance, imbibing only boiled water. While some observed this for eight days, others did it for 17 days. All of them broke their broke their fast on Sept.18 at the Jain Center with moong bean water, sugar water, and light food. On the next day, Sept.19 witnessed a joyful cultural program where tiny tots and seniors participated with equal enthusiasm. The Jain Center on the occasion also held a general body meeting and presented its financial report.
Over 2,000 people came together on Sept. 20 to celebrate Mahavir Panch Kalyank puja in the morning and swapa ceremony - the14 dreams of Mata Trishla, mother of Lord Mahavir - and the birth of Lord Mahavir. Festivities at the Jain center will continue with Daslakshana till Sept.27 with visiting dignitary Dr. Kusumben Jain from Jaipur who will conduct discourses in the evenings.
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