Paryushana, which literally means 'monks at rest’, is the time when ordinary Jains commemorate the traditional two-month period of rest for their wandering teacher-monks. It is an eight-day event for the
shwetambara sect of Jains whereas for
Digambaras it is a ten day festival. In the Indian calendar the auspicious day falls in August-September, amidst the thick of the monsoon season. It is observed every Chaturmas (4 months of monsoon) commencing on the twelfth day of the shukla phase of Bhadrapad month and ending on the fourth day of Krishna phase of Bhadrapad. It is believed to have been initiated on this day by Lord Mahavir. There are no legends associated with this festival.
