Diwali and Jainism (The Festival of Light followed by Jain followers too)

Jain Jinendra,

Diwali, The festival of light, has really deep impact on India and Indians. This is the festival of joy, this is the festival of light, this is the festival of forget and forgive. Not only Hindus but even Jains, Bhuddhist and Shikhs are also enjoying this festival with joy and happiness.

The main reason Jains are following this festival is, 24^th Tirthankara Lord Mahavir Swami got Nirvana (Moksha) on this auspicious and sacred day at Pavapuri on Oct. 15, 527 BCE, on Chaturdashi of Kartika. Principal follower of Lord Mahavira, Guru Gautam Swami also got Keval Gyan (Absolute Wisdom) on this day too.

Jains and Hindus both used to enjoy the festival Diwali but with different method. Hindus used to have fire crackers, sweets, new clothes and lots of fun and parties whereas Jains are enjoying these days with fasting, plainness, donation, go to Jain Monks and listen Vyakhyan (monks used to present the message of Lord Mahavira). By this way Jains are trying to liberate from the bondage of Karmas.

Wish all of you a very happy Diwali and New Year too.

Reference: Jain Sadhu Maharaj
Prepared By: Ritesh Shah
http://www.sqlhub.com
Note:  All articles and material gathered from different Jain books, web sites and taken helps from honorable Jain saints

Readmore »»

Updhan Tap in Jainism

Updhan Tap is one of the most wonderful and holy Tap in Jainism. In this Tap, Jain follower needs to live with Jain Sadhu/Sadhvi (Jain Monk) as one of the Monk. This Tap runs for 45 days, if you are doing this first time, second time 35 days and third time 18 days. You can’t do this Tap more than thrice.

During this Tap, you need to have Two Fast (Chhath), Fast (Upvas), Half Fast (Ekasanu), Biyasanu or Aayambil. You may or may not know but Jain Fast is one of the difficult task to do as you are not allowed to have any single grain of food for at  least 32 hours. You can only drink boiled water from sun rise to sun set.

Along with Fast and other things, they have to do some more Kriyas of Jainism like two times Pratikaman, vandana and more. They need to wake up by 3:30AM in the morning and can sleep by 10:00PM.

I am really very proud to say that my mom (Mrs. Divya Ashwinkumar Shah) is doing Updhan Tap second time for 35 days at Palitana, one of the very holy place of Jainism. It has just started on 1^st Oct 09.

Hope she will do well there and finish this Tapashcharya.

Reference: Jain Sadhu Maharaj
Prepared By: Ritesh Shah
http://www.sqlhub.com
Note:  All articles and material gathered from different Jain books, web sites and taken helps from honorable Jain saints

Readmore »»