Paryushan Parv-conclusion Day-Kshama Vaani or Forgiveness Day
Anupama Jain
A friend’s special forgiveness card is lying in front of me;
“I can’t change past misdeeds,But can learn from them,
Making amends and starting anew
For whatever mistakes I might have madeKnowingly or unknowingly with thoughts, words or deeds
That caused you hurt and pain,
Please forgive me and let us start on, afresh.”

She was a dear friend, due to some misunderstanding we parted ways but this little card brought tears in my eyes, all bitterness washed away with tears. Card was sent on the forgiveness day - The concluding day of Paryushan Parv or Das Lakshan Dharm Parv- Most auspicious jain festival , observed for ten days in Chaturmas. It celebrates human values - forgiveness, non violence, truthfulness etc that harbinger social harmony, amity and propagates the essence of Jainism - Live and let live!
According to jain scriptures forgiveness or kshama is termed as “ veerasya abhushanm”- a strength, not weakness. We just cannot reverse the past, and if we have to march ahead in life with positivity, why not practice forgiveness? Practicing forgiveness is greatest boon to mankind from god - said seers.

Paryushan Parv- Day Ten- Uttam Brahmcharya or Supreme Celibacy
Anupama Jain
‘The ills of life are cured, if you root out lust from your heart.’
Brahma means soul , which is chaste, enlightened, eternal and blissful andCharya means conduct. To become fully engrossed in soul is Brahmacharya-celibacy.In other words The code of conduct that leads to self-realization of Soul (orAtma) would, therefore, be the general meaning of Brahma-charya or celibacy.
On Chaturdashi devotees generally dont take cereals, instead they take only sweet water mix with crushed black pepper and soaked raisins and almond only once a day that too in evening before sunset.

Paryushan parv-Day Nine-Uttam Akinchanya or Supreme Non Attachment
Anupama Jain
"He, who abandons the evil thought of attachment to worldly objects, can alone give up possessions"
To give up the belief that this thing belongs to me is virtue of non-attachment so non attachment means to put a limit to ambitions, to put a check on desires
1Internal Attachment-The feeling of love, hatred, affection deciet,laughter,lamenation, fear, disgust and ill-will for living beings; and wrong belief are internal attachments.
. External Attachment-The greed for wealth and property is external attachment. Greed for worldly possession consists in desiring more than what is needed by an individual.Historically, ten possessions are listed in scriptures: land, house, silver, gold, wealth, grain, female servants, maleservants, garments and utensils
Remaining unattached from these helps control ourdesires and leads to an influx of punya Karma so‘Assuredly, the non-appearance of attachment and other passions is Ahinsa(non-voilence), and their appearance is Hinsa (voilence),’
Tamarind Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups basmathi rice1/2 cup tamarind juice,salt to taste,1/2 tsp turmeric powder1/2 tsp jaggerytsp mustard1 tsp channa dal6 red chilly 11/2 tblsp pure ghee,1 tsp peanuts,8-10 cashews
Method:
Pressure Cook the rice and spread on a plate. keep aside.
To the tamarind juice add salt, turmeric powder, jaggery, Fry mustard, red chillies, channa dal, peanuts,cashews in pure ghee. Add tamarind juice,salt,turmeric powder,jaggery.
Boil tamarind juice till it reaches thick gravy form and until ghee comes out with good flavour.
Add cooked tamarind gravy to the rice.
Mix well and serve.

Paryushan parv-Day Eight-Uttam Tyaag or Supreme Renunciation
Anupama Jain
'Renunciation of all possessions is Ahinsa; and appropriationOf all possessions is Hinsa
The word renunciation means to cast aside, to give up, to get rid of, to abandon and to depart.
A number of wise men have said: 'In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up, that makes us rich. Truly has it been said; "A munificent mind never enjoys its possessions so much as when others are made partakers of them. Renunciation provides greatness to a man. Lord Bahubali followed the path of renunciation and accomplished his cherished objective. He triumphs over the kingdom of the sovereign king Bharat and returned it to him subsequently without a snag . Even Lord Ram also won over Lanka after defeating Ravan, and then he renounced it by crowning Vibhishan the ruler of Lanka.
LordJinendra has stated, "A living being. who discarding attachment to things, non-self maintains an indifferent outlook for physical body and worldly pleasures, is endowed with the virtue of renunciationvery living creature is aspirant for happiness. This happiness is an outcome of renunciation.

Paryushan parv- Day seven-Uttam Tap or Supreme Penance
AnupamaJain
Tapa - Penance or Austerities (To practice austerities putting a check on all worldly allurements The purpose of penance is to keep longings and fervors in control. Over-indulgence inevitably leads to unhappiness. Penance leads to an incursion of positive Karmas .Penance are austerity. This is self control by way of fasting, meditation, study, etc. The control is aimed to elevate the soul above the pleasures and aches of our life. Penance or Austerities have a special place in the Jain code of conduct. There are twelve types of austerities or penance. The first six are considered exterior penances because they are mainly corporeal austerities. The remaining six are inner as the majority of them are connected with the intellect and our feelings towards others.
The twelve austerities are as follows-
The first six are termed as external types and the remaining six are internal types.
1) Fasting - carried out according to the firm regulations laid down by Jain religious teachers.
2) Eating in restraint- this is for good health too.
3) discarding feelings of voracity. (having limitation in the number of items one consumes)
4) Eating without feelings of affection to food.
5) Self-imposed hardships to train one's mind.
6) Control of the body and senses.
The six internal types of austerities are-
1) The repentance of transgressions.
2) Showing modesty and reverence for spiritual leaders.
3) Serving sacred leaders
4) Studying good books.
5) contemplation
6) Observing cerebral kausagga ( i.e. feeling the separation of the body and soul through Jain-yoga practices

Wednesday ,September 10, 2008
Paryushan parv- Day Six- Uttam Sanyam or Supreme Self-restraint
Anupama Jain

“There are limits to self-indulgence, none to restraint” Mahatma Gandhi.
When we defend all living beings with highest power in a cosmopolitan fortitude refraining from all the pleasures provided by the five senses - touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing; and the sixth – mind it is called Sanyam or self restrain. Our soul in a condition of mithya gyaan or false belief presume that it consists of the body, the Karmas and the sentiments, likes, dislikes, fury, conceit, etc. As a result of this wrong conviction, it imposes pain upon itself and is this the reason of its own desolation These need to be eradicated by contemplating on the true nature of the soul.

Paryushan parv- Day Five- Uttam Shauch or Contentment and purity of mind
Anupama Jain
-Jahan hai sabhi ko bhar pet bhojan , Man hai paak saaf, Aur azad hai parinda bhee jahan - He mere prabhu bana mujhe us lok ka wasee This is a simple prayer of a human being but in these challenging times it looks like we are asking for heaven. Today- on the fifth day of paryushan parva, today we will discuss evil of greed or contentment and virtue of purity of mind. Even Chanakya the master of worldly affairs or gyata of neetee shashtra has advocated for purity of mind He said
‘Purity of speech, of the minds, of the senses and of compassionate heart is needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform. But in the heart he knew it very well that purity is not needed only for getting oneself on divine platform bit it is the essence of human mind and basic of human civilization. As we grow ,we always long for purity of a child when our mind was not polluted with worldly practicalities, greed and desires and such is the force of purity that it attracts good person as well as bad person. Good person makes purity and contentment his companion whereas bad person tries to run away from its charm.
Be it Macbeth, shylock or Hindu demon god Ravana, all were victims of trap of uncontrolled desires and greed and got corrupted and were doomed. Actually greed is the selfish desire for more than one need or desires it can turn honest man dishonest and countries and nations as expansionists. Some times people defend greed but it can never be justified. The utopian society proves that greed is a bi product of the society you live in. Everybody has the same style house .food, clothes and work required of them. it is true that in society, every citizen should help each other but it is also true that most evils are developed by the bad habits among human.
Generally we do actions because we like, which means based on greed. In this trap, main greed is our guide, desire is our guide, we like this, that and the other all the time, all the time wanting, wishing; and why? Because of ignorance we fall in this trap- not understanding the result of greed, without knowing the influence or destructive power of greed.
According to jain scriptures (aagams) :-Shauch: Contentment or Purity (To keep the body, mind and speech pure by discarding greed and abstaining from possessive longing is called Shaucha or purity of soul. The longings that should be get rid off are of- 1.Jivana Lobha – longing to sustain one’s living. 2. Aroygaya Lobha – longing to sustain one’s health. 3.Upabhoga Lobha - longing to enjoy things, which will be useful to contribute to general happiness.Each object will be of two kinds; one pertaining to the self and the one pertains to others. Getting rid of these types of longing is called Shauch or purity.
Today’s Recipes
Dal Makhani in pure ghee

¾ cup- whole urad dal(kali dal) ,2 tbsp- rajma chitra,1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera), Pinch of cinnamonpowder ,2 - cloves(crushed) ,3 - green cardamoms (deseeded),1 chilli powder¼ tsp turmeric powder¼ tsp (dry ginger powder)¾ cup (150 grams) fresh malaee3 tbsp Hung curdsSalt to taste2tblsp pure ghee Method
1. Clean, wash and soak the whole urad and rajmafor 4-5 hours. Drain and keep aside. 2. Mix the dals and salt with 2 cups of water and pressure cook till the dals are overcooked. Beat well till the dal is almost mashed. 3.Heat the ghee in a pan and add the cumin seeds. 4.When the cumin seeds crackle, add the, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and sauté well. 5.Add the hung curd , chili powder, turmeric powder, dry ginger powder and cook over a medium flame till the oil separates from gravy. 6.Add the dal mixture, ¾ cup of water and salt if required and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. 7. Beat malaee and mix well in dal. 8. Serve hot with lachha paratha

Lachha Paratha

1 cup: Atta (wheat flour)
2tsp beanSalt to tastePure Ghee
Pinch of saunf powder
Pinch of ajwainWater for kneadingMethod1. Take atta and besan in a vessle. Add ghee,saunf powder,ajwain and salt to taste. Add water gradually and knead to a smooth dough.2. Distribute the dough into 3 equal portions. Shape each part a cord of 12" in length. Place the cord-shaped dough on a flat surface or chakla . coat the inner side of the cord with ghee spiral into a jalebi shape so that the oil-spreaded surface forms the inside of every loop3. Flatten the jalebi-shaped loop and roll out the parathas into a round,5" diameter. place it on a non stick tava4. Cook for a few seconds till a little roasted. Then turn it over and let it roast.5. Now, coat the top surface with ghee as well as the sides.6. Allow to cook for a few seconds before turning it over again.7. Repeat process of coating ghee until the paratha is golden brown on both sides. Serve hot.

Paryushan parv- Day Four- Uttam Satya or NobleTruth Anupama Jain
There is no god higher than truth. ~Mahatma Gandhi.
On the fourth day of paryushan parva – Uttam Satya Day or the day of truthfulness we dedicate this day to the invincible force of truth .Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of satyagrah has once said’ I have nothing new to teach the world .Truth and Non -Violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast scale as I could’. And truly With the power of satyagrah, not only he overthrew the almighty British empire but he described his entire life as experiments with truth . Mahatma installed power of non violence and truthfulness i.e. the basic principles of Jain doctrine and this force made a frail, half clad man Father of our nation. The philosophy of Jainism specially, doctrine of non violence- Ahimsa and satyagrah - truthfullness had a significant influence on mahatma, as we all know that mahatma put these principles in practice in his fight for India’s freedom.
Satya literally means Sat, which means existence. Existence is a quality of the soul. Recognizing the soul's true nature as it really exists and taking shelter in the soul is practicing Nischay Satya Dharma .As elderly has said- absence of truth or Lying leads to an influx of paap karma. If talking is not required, then one must not talk but If it is really required then only use the minimum of words, and all must be absolutely true. One should always observe restrained in speech or vaanee and always follow the path of truth, so said the learned persons.
In the Indian philosophy truth also means the concept of ever pure and ever free soul it flows naturally into the practice of non hurting any one’s sentiments Practice of truthfulness means truthfulness not only in words but also in thoughts and deeds and it purifies us. Truthfulness of heart begets of course, a state of the sensibility which we call the love of truth. It is a feeling of spontaneity, arises in the sensibilities of one whose heart is truthful in contemplating truth this feeling is not virtue. It is rather a part of the reward of truthfulness of heart. And practice of truthfulness in daily life definitely makes our life simple, tension free and contended.
And now after sharing some deep thoughts on truthfulness let us prepare some satveek health food recipes. Ready, Go-
CHHUHARA CHUTNEY (dry dates )
Ingredients :
50 gms. dried mango pieces (amchoor) 100 gms chhuhara or. dried dates 50 gms. raisins 150 gms. jaggery 1 tsp. cumin seeds 1 tsp. red chilli powder 1 tsp. coriander seed powder 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder 1tsp dry ginger powder Salt to taste 1tbsp pure ghee 1 cup water
Method:
1. Wash amchoor thoroughly.
2. Pressure cook amchoor and chhuhara separately. allow to cool.
3. Deseed chhuhara. Drain in strainer, mash roughly by hand.
4. Boil raisins in a little water till fleshy.
5. Drain, keep aside..
6. Boil jaggery and water in a vessel till syrup a little thick.
7. Add raisins, dry masalas except, salt, to amchoor.
8. Add slightly cooled syrup to amchoor, mix very well..
9 Heat in a small saucepan,put cumin seeds to sputter and pour over amchoor.
10. Stir with spatula and blend well.
11. Serve the chutney with chappatis or paratha.
SHAHI MOONG
1 cup Yellow moong dal
1tsp cumin seeds
8-10 crushed cloves
½ tsp turmeric powder
1tsp crushed whole black pepper
50 Gms cashews
Sail to taste
1Tblsp pure ghee
2Tblsp water
Method
Soak moong dal for 2-3 hours.
In a pan heat ghee, put cumin seeds, cloves and black pepper
Simmer the gas and put cashews till light brown
Put turmeric powder, dal with water and salt, cover with lid
Cook for 15 minutes on low flame. Serve hot
We will be back tomorrow with some more thoughts and recipes on paryushan,till then Jaijinendra.

Paryushan parv- Day Three- Uttam Aarjav or Honesty
Anupama Jain
The trouble with the world," said the Master with a sigh "is that human beings refuse to grow up."
"When can a person be said to have grown up?" asked a disciple.
"On the day he does not need to be lied to about anything and he is upright and honest.
Today on the day of Supreme Arjava or uprightness , let us ponder over this virtue.
“Wealth makes something easy -- honesty most of all " and remember to be honest, to own self and towards task always earns trust respect”- so said a sage. All of us have grown with this preaching that Honesty is best policy and it should apply in daily life but what is honesty? In a plain meaning, honesty is to admit, to say or to give inference according to the fact and the truth. In honesty there are no contradictions or discrepancies in thoughts words and deeds Honesty and uprightness are virtues that should be celebrated and practiced at all levels.
In these challenging times when ethics are more important than ever before, we should set a good example for everyone, we work and live with.
Aarjava: Aarjava means uprightness, straight-forwardness, unfussiness, frank-speaking, candor, sincerity, large-heartedness and liberty from treachery.means straightforwardness or Honesty (To practice a deceit-free conduct in life by vanquishing the passion of deception.) in conduct. One’s own conduct may be crooked. His bodily action, speech and mind may be lacking in straightforwardness. Avoiding this crookedness in thought, word and deed, is called Aarjav or uprightness in
And after food for thought and soul, Are we ready for the food for the body? Come let us go straight to the kitchen.
Green Gram Thick Soup
Ingredients :
1/2 cup green gram whole½ tsp amchoor
1/4 tsp. turmeric powderSalt to taste1 tsp. ghee1/4 tsp. cumin seeds3 cups water
METHOD :
1. Soak dal for one hour
2. Wash, pressure cook gram till very soft and mushy in 1 cup water.
3. Remove and crush finely with back of spoon.
4. Heat ghee in a pan, add seeds to splutter.
5. Add cooked moong and all other ingredients.
6. Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 mins.
7. Serve hot.
Ker Sangri ki Sabzi
2tbsp. ker 2 tbsp. sangri 1 pieces amchoor 2 dry red chillies 2 tbsp. fresh curds 1 tsp. red chilli powder 1 tsp. dhania powder 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder 1/2 tsp. amchoor powder salt to taste 1/2 tsp. each cumin and mustard seeds, crushed together 1/2 tsp. each cumin and mustard seeds, whole 1-1/2 tbsp. pure ghee
Method:
1. Clean and remove any spoilt dehydrated vegetables.
2. Put all (ker,sangri, chilli,amchoor) in one container.
3. Wash with plenty of water 2-3 times.
4. Add enough water, two pinches turmeric, pressure cook till soft.
5. Cool, drain, wash with running water, and drain well by pressing out excess water.
6. Take in a large plate, sprinkle all dry masalas, salt, crushed seeds, add curds.
7. Mix well with hands.
8. Heat Ghee in a heavy pan.
9. Add whole seeds, allow to splutter.
10. Stir gently with spatula, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes, till ghee separates.
11. Stir in between.
12. Remove from fire, pour into serving dish.
13. Serve hot with chapatti, paratha.
. Gond Laddus
100 gms edible gum (crystals, broken into small pieces)
100 gms jaggery
100 gms pure ghee
50 gms almonds (coarsely grounded)
50 gms dried dates or chhuhara (coarsely grounded)
Pinch of nutmeg powder
2 tblsp grated coconut (dry)
1 tbsp poppy seeds (khus khus)
Fry the gum pieces in very hot ghee till they fluff up like pop corn.cool.
Dry roast coconut, khus khus,almonds and dried dates. Mix all together.Add nutmeg and melted jaggery and make laddus.
And last but not the least Granny’s time tested digestive
After the meals take One Tsp of Ajwain(oregano or bishop seeds) with a pinch of salt and you will definitely feel lighter
Note- Friends, I will appreciate your comments on this series so till tomorrow Jaijinenendra.

Paryushan parv- Day Two-Uttam Mardav or Humility Day
Anupama Jain
HUMILITY IS SIGN OF STRENGTH, CONFIDENCE AND COURAGE
“IT IS NOT ME BUT GOD ,JUST SAY THANK YOU TO GOD”- although these words on telephone were uttered three years ago, but an expression filled with utmost humility ,still echoes in my mind. Theses words came from a person who was quite high on social ladder , I requested him to help a friend for a genuine task, that seemed quite impossible at that time but that gentleman’s words did the wonder and made that task possible. When I thanked that gentleman he absolutely ,was not willing to take the credit himself but owed it to God . The way he disowned the credit, it forced me to think about real hunmility. On the second day of Paryushan Parv i.e. Mardav divas or humility day that gentleman became synonymous for humility for me . When a humble person does something that is good or praiseworthy he does not want to take credit for goodness but owes it to god, he very truthfully acknowledge the fact that what he did came from god and that was possible only because god wanted it to be and the humble person that he is, he is willing to admit it or we can put in this way- Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying and as they say very truly God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble
“Arrogance diminishes wisdom- Today we are celebrating Uttam Mardav divas. Mardav-means Tenderness or Humility (To observe the virtue of humility subduing vanity and passions.) It refers to the complete absence of self-conceit. Such self-conceit or pride may be due to one’s own superior caste, one’s family prestige, one’s own bodily beauty, learning, wealth, courage and bodily strength. Due to these various reasons, a person may entertain the feeling of self-importance and arrogance whenever a man with such arrogance is insulted by other persons, he may lose his temper and start abusing with disrespectful words or conduct. Even an ascetic may get offended and lose his control of mind in such circumstances. But he will become a victim of pride and self-conceit. Total avoidance of this feeling of pride is called Mardav or humility.
Today’s Recipes
Grandma’s Nutritious Halwa
Ingredients :
4 tsp. wheat flour125 gms. Jaggery grated1 tbsp. ginger powder (sonth)1 tbsp. large crystals of gond (edible resin gum)1 tbsp. grated dried coconut1 tbsp. almonds pounded coarsely1/2 tsp. cardamom powder4 tbsp. ghee
METHOD :
1. Heat half ghee in pan, add flour, and gum crystals.
2. Allow crystals to pop well, stirring continuously.
3. Empty, keep aside
4. In same pan, add remaining ghee, add jaggery, mix.
5. Do not overcook or sonth will become hard.
6. Remove from fire; add all ingredients, including popped gum.
7. Mix very well. Cool to room temperature
Moong ChanaCheele Ki Sabzi
200 gm moong daal
4-5 tbsp chick pea flour
½ tsp red chilli powder
ghee to shallow fry
Method for Cheela
Sift gram flour to aerate and to remove lumps. Take in a big vessel. First add cumin, ajwan, and salt. Mix to combine.. By gradually adding water, about 1 to 2 cups, mix and prepare besan –moong dal batter to a medium-thick pouring consistency, like idli batter.
Heat a non-stick pan, when the pan is hot, pour scoopful of batter and spread into thin round. Sprinkle half teaspoon of oil or ghee on the top. Wait for bubbles to appear. When the underside starts to brown, gently lift and turn to other side. Cook the cheela until the second side is lightly browned. Remove from fire .keep aside.Make small square pieces from it.
For gravy:1 cup fresh curds,1 tbsp. ghee 1 tsp. red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp. dhania powder11/2 tsps gram flour1/2 tsp. turmeric powder 1/2 tsp bishop seeds or ajwain, salt to taste,1/2tsp cumin seeds1 cup water
. Method
Heat 2tsp of ghee add ajwain and cumin Roast gram flour in ghee on low flame till it turns light brown, add curd and all masalas,stir for 3-4 minutes ,add water and bring back to boil,add cheela pieces and salt.serve with hot rice or chapatti.

Paryushan Parv and Divine Fasting Recipes

Paryushan parv- Day One - Uttam Kshama or Forgivness Day
Anupama Jain
It was a humid September afternoon. September is the month of various religious festivals like Ramadan, Ganesh Chaturthy and Jain Paryushan parva etc. but in spite of this, an uneasy calm prevailed in the atmosphere. My car was passing through the busy street and my hands carefully moving on the wheels ,I was also listening to the radio news ,a news reader with concerned voice was giving a sad account of a hostage drama where terrorists took hostage of a mother and her three kids My heart went for poor mother and her innocent kids. . It saddened me more. Nowadays everybody talks about earth being a global village but are we getting devoid of sentiments of non-violence, compassion and peaceful co -existence?.They are totally forgotten in this global village. Where are we heading for?. Suddenly I heard the sound of temple bells and devotional songs .Amidst that sound and chanting of Namo kar mantra, I saw images of some serene looking jain monks slowly descending from temple steps followed by the stream of devotees. I got down from the car ,bowed before revered monks and whispered Namostu! I was told that Muni maharaj jee were going for pravachans( Sermons) Yes, this is the period of auspicious paryushan parv - A jain festival of self upliftment ,self purification and forgiveness I prayed to god- give those terrorists "sadbudhee" and free those poor souls from their clutches . And gradually pious aura of monks overshadowed those thoughts of sadness and despair ,with a ray of hope positive thinking took the front seat as if a message has been delivered from the protector almighty- Don’t worry- Be good and do good karmas and everything will be ofine Like all other religions of the world, Jainism very strongly propagates principles of non-violence, peace, love, compassion and peaceful coexistence it would be more appropriate to say that these tenets are the basis or the mool mantra of Jainism. It preaches that we should not harm not only humans but any living being by our thoughts and words let alone by our deeds.( Man - Wachan - Kaya )
Fasting is the important part of this process of self upliftment .According to jain scriptures, it is necessary for spiritual growth as well as it purifies the body and mind and bring freshness and agility but before we share some wonderful pious or satvik recipes for this special period of enlightenment, let us first concentrate on A B C of Paryushan Parva for a while
The Jain community ,whether they are in living in downtown of Delhi- Chandni Chowk or Manhattan -New York , Australia or Dubai, they celebrate this religious function with same fervor everywhere annually. This festival popularly known as ‘Paryushan Parva’ celebrated every year in the auspicious month of ‘Bhadrapad’ of the calendar extends from the fifth day to fourteenth day (Panchmi to Chaturdashi) of the bright fortnight. The festival ordains the Jains to observe the ten universal supreme virtues in daily practical life. Besides assuring a blissful existence in this world and the other world for every living being, it aims at the ultimate that is- attainment of salvation - the supreme ideal for mundane soul. The non-Jains also express high respect for this Jain festival. All members of Jain community- high and small, young and old, and males and females, participate with full enthusiasm in the various religious rituas and cultural programs. In these days Temples are filled with devotees, even small kids are encouraged to visit the temples daily. In the early hours devotees perform poojas and Abhishekam and in the evenings listen the holy sermons of the saints and learned Jain scholars during the ten-day festival. During this festival all activities, that pollutes the world with social discord or bitterness are specially declared taboo. It will be more appropriate to describe this festival Celebration of Human values -brotherhood ,compassion and peace. These celebrations harbinger social harmony and amity and propagate the essence of Jainism that is Live and let Live and Ahimsa.
The word Paryushan is derived from par-means- all kinds, and ushan-means-,to burn – hence to burn or shed all types of karmas, Jains celebrate these holy days by practicing renunciation, austerities, donation, meditation and scripture reading. In nutshell it is a holy festival of self introspection self enlightenment with a ultimate desire for salvation or moksha.
Function is celebrated in Chaturmas or the four months of rainy season it is the only period for jain monks to settle in one place for a longer duration who otherwise are always on move, it is time for the householders- sharavak to have an annual renewal of the faith by listening to the sermons of the Dharma and by meditation and vratas (self-control).
The real purpose of the Paryushan is to purify our soul by staying closer to our own soul from all ten directions and to stay absorbed in our own-self (soul), to look at our own faults, to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we have committed, and take vows to minimize our faults. At least for these ten days We try to minimize our worldly comforts,needs of our body (like food) and our business so that we can concentrate on our-self and try to move toward self upliftment
These ten days– one by one is dedicated to ten best characteristics of the soul called Ten universal virtues ( 10 components of the dharma): Uttam Kshamä (noble forgiveness), Uttam Märdav (Humility or gentleness), Uttam Ärjav (straightforwardness or uprightness), Uttam Shauch (content - absence of greed or purity), Uttam Satya (truth), Uttam Sanyam (restraint of all senses), Uttam Tapa (austerities), Uttam Tyäga (renunciation,charity), Uttam Äkinchan (non-possessiveness or lack of possession ) and Uttam Brahmachärya (celibacy or chastity) .From these ten virtues first three i.e uttam kshama ,uttam mardav and uttam arjav are called emotions and sentiments. Next five i.e uttam satya,uttam shauch, uttam sanyam, uttam tap and uttam tyaag are called solutions and remedies for these emotions and last two virtues i.e uttam aakinchan and uttam brahmacharya are called essence of ten supreme virtues

The ten day celebration starts from uttam Kshamä (noble forgiveness),by asking forgiveness from all living begins including human beings.animals,birds,insects even from plants for any mistake committed by own self , knowingly or unknowingly, with the unity of the mind, speech body (man, vachan ,kaya) It also include bestowing forgiveness to all living beings for their deeds.
And finally, let us talk about the simple satvik food which we are supposed to take in this holy period Satvik food is prepared with ingredients which cause least amount of violence. This type of food is said to have the qualities of filling the body and soul with the feelings of compassion, bliss spirituality and morality. This is a pure vegetarian food and it includes grains, lentils, fruits some vegetables and dry fruits.Most of jains doesn’t take onion, garlic and root vegetables . So specially these days one should take pious food which nourishes the body so that we can remain healthy and communicate more effectively with god and dedicate our self to the almighty as they say jaisa khaye anna ,waisa hoi man so, specially in these day jains are very particular about the food that they eat it should be simple satvik or pious food It should not contain even fresh vegetables and fruits. only dried pulses, lentils, dried spices ,dry fruits ,milk ,curd and pure desi ghee can be eaten. any chewable eatable after sun set is absolutely no-no. According to Jain scriptures, fasting is necessary for spiritual growth. It purifies the body and the mind and brings freshness and agility. Fasting does not mean – skipping the food .It is done with a clear goal – that of practicing an austerity to purify the body, to lessen karmic bondage, to attain spiritual growth - while skipping a meal, happens because one is having hectic day or has overeaten at the earlier meal. The feeling on days of upavas is one of power, resolve and spiritual growth, while the feeling on days when a meal is skipped is of deep hunger, exhaustion and so on. Though the acts are the same, different objectives produce profoundly different physical, psychological and spiritual outcomes. Hence the sages have ver clearly defined the types of fasting and the need to take on them in a pre-meditated approach.
Happy paryushan parva & may god be with you always
Mix Grain Khichdi with chutney
Ingredients for khichdi
200 Gm Basmati Rice , 75 Gm Masoor Dal
75Gm Moong Dal, 75 grams chhilka moong
75grams wheat porridge, 1 Tsp sesame seeds
2 Dried Red Chilly , 2 Bay Leaves
½ Tsp Cumin Seeds, ½ tsp bishop seeds or ajwain1
8 Tsp Ghee, Salt to Taste
For chutney
2 Cardamoms, 1tbsp sesame seeds
1tsp Cumin Seeds 1 Tsp Coriander Seed ,
1 Tsp amchoor powder,salt to taste
Khichdi method:
• Roast the dals and wheat dalia saparately in low flame till it becomes golden brown .
• Wash dal and porridge a long with basmati rice
• Fry cumin seeds, coriander seeds, sesame seeds, bishop seeds turmeric powder, cardamoms, cloves, , and well and grind these together in a mixer.
• In a pressure-cooker, heat ghee and add masala .
• Saute for 2 minutes on low flame.
• Put the rice, porridge and the dals also into the pressure cooker.
• Add water and salt and cook by closing the lid of the cooker
For chutney, dry roast all masala and grind it into fine powder,mix salt(it can be eaten in dry form or mix with water)
Methi Daana Sabzi Ingredients: 1 tbsp yellow fenugreek seeds, washed1 tsp. red chilli powder1/2 tsp. dhania (coriander seed) powder1/4 tsp. turmeric powder3-4 pinches garam masala powdersalt to taste1/2 tsp. amchoor 5-6 dry red chillies 1/2 tsp. each cumin & mustard seeds1tsp whole coriander seeds 2 tbsp.pure ghee
Method:
1. Wash, drain and soak fenugreek seeds for 2hours.
2. Boil fenugreek seeds in water, till soft but should not burst.
3. Drain, wash a couple of times, drain, keep aside.
4. Mix chilli, turmeric, dhania powders in ½ cup water and keep aside.
5. Heat ghee in a heavy pan.
6. Add mustard and cumin seeds, res chillies, whole coriander seeds, allow to splutter.
7. Add masala water, stir till gheel floats.
8. Add methi seeds, amchoor, garam masala, mix well.
9. Simmer further 2-3 minutes, take off fire.
10. The gravy should be a not too thick masala.
11. Cover and allow flavours to blend for at least 15 minutes before serving.
12. Serve hot with chapatis or hot steamed rice.
Moong ke Ghatte ki Sabzi
INGREDIENTS :
For ghatta:1 cup green gram flour (dhuli moong atta)1 tsp. red chilli powder2 tsp. pure gheesalt to tastesome warm water2 cups water
For gravy:1 cup fresh curds,1 tbsp. ghee 1 tsp. red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp. dhania powder1/2 tsp. turmeric powder 1/2 tsp bishop seeds or ajwain, salt to taste, 1tsp of sesame seeds1/2 tsp. each cumin & mustard seeds1 cup water
METHOD :
For gatte:
1. Dry roast masala,cool and grind coarsely Take flour in a plate. Sprinkle masala over it.
2. Add ghee and mix well.
3. Mix a tsp. of water .
4. Keep moderately stiff and knead till soft
5. Break off a small chunk, press in a cylindrical shape.
6. Roll on a plate or flat outside to make a thin long cylinder.
7. Repeat the procedure for all dough.
8. Place water to boil. When bubbling, smoothly dip the ghattas, and allow to boil.
9. Cover with a lid, pour some water on the lid.
10. Allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice in between.
11. Add more water if required.
12. Remove from heat, with a prick out the ghattas.
13. Keep aside the water, slice cooled ghattas into 1/4” pieces.
For gravy:
1. Make a paste of masalas in 1/2 cup water.
2. Hea tghee, add seeds. Allow to splutter.
3. Add masala paste and stir for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add curds and stir continuously for 8-10 minutes.
5. Add remaining water, water drained from boiled ghattas and bring back to boil.
6. When boiling, add ghattas and simmer on low for 5-7 minutes or till gravy is a little thick.
7. Transfer to serving bowl.
8. Serve hot with roti or parantha
Atte K a Seera
INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 tbsp – ghee1 1 tbsp - wheat flour
1tsp chaar magaz
8-10 pounded almonds
6-7 pepper corns(roasted)1 cup - water1 1/2 cup - milkSugar to taste
Method:
Dry roast chaar magaz
Heat ghee in a pan.
Add flour; roast flour stirring continuously, over low fire.
When flour is a light golden brown, and exudes strong aroma, add water.
Stir continuously to avoid lumps and bring to a boil
Add milk and sugar.
Bring to boil and allow to boil for 2 minutes Add chaar magaz,pepper corn& pounded almonds. Serve piping hot.
And after the nutritious satvik meal instead of desert have this tasty Digestive and feel the difference.
Ingredients:1/2 liter waer
1tsp dry ginger powder
1/2tsp ajwain
1/2tsp cumin seeds
30 grams jaggery
Salt to taste
½ tsp pure ghee
Method:
Dry raoast ginger powder,ajwain and cumin seeds .grind into a fine powder,Heat ghee in a pan,sputter a pinch of whole cumin seeds, add water.jaggery masala powder . and salt .simmer for 8 minutes .Serve 200ml.