Jains to mark Samvatsari on September 19

It’s a day for seeking forgiveness, and Shwetambar Jains will seek forgiveness from every creature, big and small, on the occasion of Samvatsari today.

Thousands of Shwetambar Jains will flock derasars to mark the last day of paryushan, and spend the entire day observing rituals, attending religious discourses and seeking forgiveness from relatives and friends.

“This is a day when devotees seek and grant forgiveness. It is important to seek forgiveness as well as to forgive, which needs a great heart,” said Muni Vinaydharma Vijayji Maharaj of Huthising no Dera, adding forgiveness will be sought not just from people, but even from the smallest insect.

One of the important rituals on this day is the discourse on Baarsa sutra by the acharya maharajs. Muni Kundukunda Surishwarji Maharaj said the book from which the discourse is read has around 1,200 shlokas, which gives it the name. According to him, the shlokas have the power to eliminate negativity and anger from a person’s mind.

Jains will also visit their neighbours to seek pardon for any bad deeds. Explaining the practice, Paldi resident Amar Shah said, “After asking forgiveness at the upashrays, my wife and I will be visiting our society too. During the entire year, knowingly or unknowingly we may have hurt somebody for which we ask forgiveness and say ‘Michhami Dukkadam’ to each other.”