The four-month period of Chaturmas, holy to Hindus and Jains, started this week.
The period began on July 6 with Ashadi Ekadashi, the 11th day in the Hindu month of Ashad. The day is also called Shayan Ekadashi because Lord Vishnu, the preserver according to Hindu belies, goes into yogic sleep. The period is therefore considered inauspicious for celebrations such as weddings. Hindus are encouraged to spend time in prayers, penance, and other observations. The chaturmas will end on November 2.
The period coincides with the monsoon season. Jains revere Chaturmas, also spelled as Caturmasa, as a spiritually significant time. The rains are a renewal period for nature. "Life bursts forth in all its splendour, from trees to flowers to grasses, to insects, birds, and tiny animals, resulting in an intense outpouring of life in its myriad forms. Venturing forth in this season would involve even more himsa, or violence, than usual; hence, Jain ascetics choose to stay in oneplace during the monsoon quadrimester, " said Manish Modi, publisher and Jain scholar.
To avoid crushing any little life forms under their feet, Jain saints stay in one place. This practice of staying in one place has led to a rich tradition of spiritual discourse and contemplation during the period which is now an integral part of Jain observance, Modi added. "Hence, a great deal of dharma sadhana takes place during the Chaturmasa."
The highlight of Chaturmas is the Paryuṣaṇa Parva, celebrated for 10 days by the Digambara Jain and for 8 days by the Shvetambar Jains. During the Paryuṣaṇa Parva, many Jains fast or eat only once a day.
Modi added, "During this period, Jain ascetics become accessible to their followers who are keen to learn
from them. Jain ascetics live by the Universal Law and, therefore, do not like to accept anything from others. They hold no possessions, accepting food from householders only if it meets the 42 criteria laid out by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of this era. In return, they share the divine teachings of the omniscient Tirthankar with householders, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the lay community."
