16.9.13

Jain sects unite for Paryushan

For the first time in 2,500 years, the two sects of Jainism — Shvetambar and Digambar — have come together for the pious festival of Paryushan. They are jointly observing an 18-day Paryushan in Jaipur.
A combination of ‘par’ (all kinds) and ‘ushan’ (to burn), Paryushan means incinerating all karma. This is the time of the year when Jains ask for forgiveness for their sins, forgive those who have wronged them and resolve to forget it all.
Close to 2 lakh Jains across Jaipur district of Rajasthan, have moved away from the idea that the two sects are divided by certain subtleties of the religion and are attending sermons, undergoing penance, observing renunciation, donating, meditating and reading scriptures together.

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