JCSF Education Blog
Information on various Jainism topicsVarshiTap Parana (Akshay Tritiya)
VarshiTap Parana (Akshay Tritiya)
marks the Parana (completion) of the 13‑month Varshi Tapa—a rigorous alternating‑day fasting practice performed in remembrance of Lord Rishabhdev’s 13‑month fast.
What is it?
Akshay Tritiya is a day of eternal merit and Spiritual Renewal. It is one of the most sacred and celebrated days in Jain tradition for its deep spiritual significance and its connection to the life of Lord Rishabhdev (Ādināth Bhagwan), the first Tirthankar.
In Jainism it is revered as a symbol of renunciation, compassion, and the beginning of true spiritual discipline.
The Day Lord Rishabhdev Broke His 13‑Month Fast
After renouncing his kingdom and beginning his path as a shraman (monk), Lord Rishabhdev observed a year‑long fast. And because people had forgotten the tradition of offering gochari (alms), he wandered without food or water for thirteen months.
On Akshay Tritiya, King Shreyans of Hastinapur—through memories of his past life—understood the proper way to offer gochari. He respectfully offered sugarcane juice, and Bhagwan Rishabhdev accepted it, ending his long fast. Thus making King Shreyans the first donor (daan‑giver) in current Avasarpiṇī of cosmic time cycle.
This moment is celebrated as:
-
- The first ahār‑daan (food offering) in Jain history
- The revival of the daan tradition
- A symbol of pure devotion and right knowledge
- Because this act of charity was performed with absolute purity, it is believed to generate akshay punya—merit that never diminishes.
A Celebration of Daan, Tapasya, and Tyāg
Akshay Tritiya in Jainism is not about wealth or gold—it is about inner richness. The day highlights three pillars of Jain spirituality:
- Daan (charity): Giving with humility and without expectation
- Tapasya (austerity): Fasting, meditation, and self‑discipline
- Tyaa (renunciation): Letting go of attachment and ego
The Meaning of “Akshay”
The word Akshay represents what never diminishes. In Jain philosophy, this refers not to material prosperity but to:
-
Endless merit earned through pure actions
-
Timeless spiritual progress
-
Unbroken continuity of compassion and right conduct
When acts of charity or devotion are performed with the purity of King Shreyans, the resulting punya is believed to be eternal.
How to Celebrate
Many Jains celebrate it by observing:
-
- Ayambil
- Upvaas (fasting)
- Ekāsan / Biyāsan
- Puja and Abhishek of Rishabhdev
- Daan activities such as donating food, water, or essentials
These practices honor the spirit of the day and deepen one’s connection to the Tirthankar’s teachings.
Varsitap Parna invites every Jain to pause and reflect:
-
- Am I living with compassion and non‑violence
- Am I practicing self‑discipline in thoughts, words, and actions
- Am I giving without attachment
- Am I walking closer to the path shown by the Tirthankars
It is a day to reset, recommit, and renew one’s spiritual journey.
Closing Remarks & Modern Relevance
In today’s fast‑paced world, Varsitap Parna (Akshay Tritiya) offers a powerful reminder:
-
- True wealth is inner peace, not possessions
- True success is self‑mastery, not achievements
- True celebration is service, not consumption
By embracing the values of this day, families and communities cultivate a culture of ahimsa, generosity, and mindful living. It is not just a date on the calendar—it is a timeless invitation to live with purity, purpose, and compassion. As we honor the legacy of Lord Rishabhdev and King Shreyans, we are reminded that even a single act of pure intention can create eternal merit and uplift countless lives.
May this Varsitap Parna (Akshay Tritiya) inspire inner awakening, spiritual strength, and boundless compassion in all.
Das Lakshan
Das Lakshan
is an annual holy event for Digamber Jains and is usually celebrated in August or September during Bhadrapad Month's Shukla Paksha.
What is Das Lakshan festival?
Digambers celebrate Das Lakshan maha parva for ten days. In this festival, people try to make their life meaningful by doing various sadhnas like asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, meditation and samadhi yoga along with penance and chanting. The main purpose of Das Lakshan maha parva is to purify the soul and focus on essential activities. During this time, many people also observe fast. This festival is celebrated to awaken the sleeping inner consciousness of humans, to propagate spiritual knowledge, to strengthen social harmony and the statement of equality of all religions. Also, this festival teaches that in the attainment of Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha etc., it is essential to have goodwill along with knowledge and devotion.
Importance and observance of Das Lakshan festival
In Jainism, non-violence and purification of the soul are given the most important place. During this festival, the soul is purified through various religious activities and efforts are made to pave the way for salvation, so that one can be freed from the cycle of birth and death. Until the bondage of inauspicious deeds is not freed, we cannot attain the true golden form of the soul. Every time, the good or bad deeds done by us create karma, the consequences of which we have to suffer. Auspicious deeds take life and soul to a higher place, while inauspicious deeds make our soul impure. During this festival, ten principles – Uttam Kshama, Uttam Mardav, Uttam Aarjav, Uttam Shaucha, Uttam Satya, Uttaram Sanyam, Uttam Tapa, Uttam Tyaga, Uttam Akinchhan and Uttam Brahmacharya are adopted. All the men, women and children of the society celebrate Das Lakshan festival with full devotion. Everyone tries to follow the non-violent religion completely through their mind, words and actions and refrains from doing any kind of unnecessary work. Away from worldly attachments, maximum time is spent in worshipping God in temples, Abhishek, Aarti, Jaap and meeting Gurus and try to achieve victory by controlling their senses. The scriptures are discussed and efforts are made to cut off the karmas through Jaap. By observing fasts and vrat, one remains self-centered and away from worldly desires. By apologizing to all the creatures of the world for the mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly, well-being is wished for everyone and an attempt is made to bring oneself closer to nature. Das Lakshan festival is a festival of self-introspection, in which a pledge is taken that, directly or indirectly, we will never cause any kind of pain to any living being and will not bear any animosity towards anyone.
Ten days of Das Lakshan festival
1. Kshamaa (forgiveness)
2. Mardav (Humility),
3. Arjav (straightforwardness),
4. Shauch (content – absence of greed),
5. Satya (truth),
6. Samyam (restraint of all senses),
7. Tapa (austerities),
8. Tyaga (charity),
9. Akinchan (non-possessiveness) and
10. Brahmacharya (celibacy)