Paryūsana

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Paryūsana. Jain festival of repentance, fasting, self-discipline, and universal goodwill, held over an eight (Śvetāmbara) or ten (Digambara) day period in the months of Shrāvana/Bhādrapada (Aug./Sept.) when Jain monks and nuns are in retreat for the monsoon season. It is the most distinctive and important of Jain festivals, when the laity seek forgiveness for any misdeeds of the previous year and spend time with their ascetic leaders performing sāmāyikas, listening to regular sermons and attending rituals in the temple.