Samvatsari (Jainism)

Facts In News

Syllabus: GS1/Art and Culture

Context:

• The Prime Minister of India has greeted the people on the occasion of Samvatsari.

About the Samvatsari

• Samvatsari is observed with prayers, rituals, and fasting, and it is a time for Jains to reaffirm their commitment to living a life of non-violence, truth, and righteousness.
  • It is a day of reflection, atonement, and reconciliation within the Jain community
• It marks the conclusion of the Paryushan festival, one of the most important annual events in Jainism, which lasts for eight days among the Shwetambars and ten days among the Digambars.
  • Shwetambar Jains seek forgiveness for their past wrongdoings, bad karma, and any mistakes made during rituals or interactions with others, which is believed to lead to personal growth, making individuals more humble and compassionate in their interactions with others.
• Jains commonly say ‘Michami Dukkadam’ to all their loved ones and genuinely seek forgiveness from them during Samvatsari.

Here’s how it is celebrated:

• Jains begin the day with prayers and meditation, and visiting the temples to seek the blessings of their revered Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers).
  • Temples often display the image of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, as the focal point of veneration.
• Jains engage in a practice known as ‘Pratikramana’ or ‘Pratikraman’ which is a detailed confession of sins committed during the past year.

Source: PIB