Parv Mahima

This Jain text, "Parv Mahima" (The Glory of Festivals) by Santbal, published by Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad, is a comprehensive exploration of the significance of various festivals and the underlying philosophical and ethical principles they represent. The book, compiled and edited by Manubhai J. Pandit, serves as a guide to understanding and celebrating these occasions with deeper meaning and spiritual growth.

Key Themes and Content:

• Enhancing the Importance of Festivals: The introductory section emphasizes that festivals serve as reminders of communal duties and inspire individual and collective spiritual practice. The author notes a decline in the importance of festivals due to weakened morale, physical health, and self-effort, coupled with increased logic but diminished fundamental principles. The text advocates for reviving the prestige of sacrifice and penance to amplify the significance of festivals.

• Interfaith Harmony and Universal Love: A significant portion of the book highlights Santbal's inclusive approach to spirituality. He doesn't limit his reverence to Jain Tirthankaras like Mahavir but also honors figures like Lord Krishna, Prophet Muhammad, Jesus Christ, and Mahatma Gandhi. He explains this by stating that Jainism is built upon Vedic Dharma, which in turn is based on humanity. Buddhism acts as a bridge between Vedic and Jain traditions. Similarly, figures like Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and Zoroaster are essential for humanity's progress. He sees these great souls as part of a cosmic council, emphasizing the contemplation of their virtues rather than just individuals. This universalist perspective underscores his belief in the confluence of all religions for the betterment of humanity.

• Festivals as a Reflection of Values and Social Commentary:

  • Kartik Month: Celebrations like New Year, Bhai Bij, Dev Diwali, Shrimad Rajchandra Jayanti, and Jnaneshwara Jayanti are discussed. The New Year section emphasizes wishes for auspiciousness, victory of Ahimsa, global peace, universal love, and progress towards higher principles. Bhai Bij is celebrated for its depiction of selfless sibling love. Dev Diwali symbolizes overcoming inner vices through spiritual effort. The Jayantis of Shrimad Rajchandra and Jnaneshwara highlight their profound spiritual insights and lives dedicated to selfless service and knowledge. Shrimad Rajchandra's emphasis on inner consciousness and detachment amidst worldly affairs is particularly noted, drawing parallels with Mahatma Gandhi's life.
  • Magshar Month: The birth, initiation, and ascension of Acharya Hirvijaysuri are marked, noting his influence on Emperor Akbar's policies of compassion and religious tolerance. The Bhagavad Gita Jayanti is presented as a spiritual mother, offering divine milk to worthy seekers who embody virtue and devotion. The lives of Lord Krishna and Arjuna are discussed in relation to the Gita's teachings on duty, detachment, and the importance of spiritual guidance. Acharya Hemchandracharya's role in bridging religious divides and influencing political decisions is also highlighted. The lives of Bhakta Shiromani Narsinh Mehta, Sharadamani Devi, and Achheru Datta are presented as examples of devotion, spiritual strength, and dedication.
  • Maha Month: Vasant Panchami is associated with the beauty of spring and the importance of controlling desire, emphasizing restraint over unbridled passion. Bhishmashtami commemorates the unwavering resolve and devotion of Bhishma Pitamah, highlighting the power of commitment. Mahashivratri is linked to simplicity, purity, and self-control, symbolized by the Lingam, representing the vital energy of celibacy. Kasturba's death anniversary is a reminder of her unwavering support for Mahatma Gandhi's mission and her own strength as a woman.
  • Phagun Month: Holi is analyzed through the lens of good versus evil, represented by Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu, and the interplay of desire, ignorance, and knowledge. The author suggests focusing on the constructive aspects of the festival, like celebrating victory of truth and devotion. Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated as a tribute to a leader who exemplified Dharma-based governance and societal upliftment, emphasizing the need for spiritual guidance in political leadership.
  • Chaitra Month: Ram Navami celebrates Lord Rama's life as an ideal son, king, and husband, emphasizing his adherence to righteousness and monogamy. Hanuman Jayanti highlights unwavering devotion, courage, and self-sacrifice. The significance of Ayambil Ni Oli is explained as a practice of controlling taste for spiritual advancement.
  • Vaishakh Month: Akshaya Tritiya is noted as the day of the first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva's penance and breaking of fast, emphasizing the importance of severe austerities. Buddha Purnima celebrates the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, focusing on his compassionate path of overcoming suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
  • Jeth Month: Vat Savitri Vrat celebrates the devotion and strength of Savitri, who brought back her husband from the clutches of Yama. The story highlights virtues like devotion, perseverance, and the importance of parental blessings.
  • Ashadh Month: Halaru Year marks the beginning of the agricultural year, emphasizing the farmer's life and dependence on nature. Jagannath's Rath Yatra is discussed in terms of its social significance and the need for reforms to foster self-reliance and education over mere charity. Guru Purnima is presented as a day to honor spiritual teachers and the profound Guru-Shishya relationship. Gauri Vrat is observed by young girls praying for virtuous husbands, with a call to purify the ritual from negative elements. Chaturmas is the period of spiritual retreat for ascetics, and Divasa celebrates familial bonds.
  • Shravan Month: Dhara Ashtami honors medicinal plants and their importance. Shravani Purnima (Balev) is a day of renewing sacred threads, symbolizing spiritual initiation and commitment, and celebrating the strength and expanding roles of women. Krishna Janmashtami delves into the life of Lord Krishna as a yogi, leader, and spiritual guide, emphasizing his detachment and ability to inspire through love and service.
  • Bhadrapada Month: Rishi Panchami honors the wisdom of sages and promotes the idea of simple living. It also touches upon the physiological aspects of menstruation and the need for hygienic practices. Paryushan Parva is the supreme festival for Jain ascetics, focusing on self-reflection, spiritual introspection, and community welfare. Ratiyabarash (Gandhi Jayanti) emphasizes the dignity of labor through the spinning wheel and Mahatma Gandhi's constructive programs. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as a day to reflect on his core principles of loyalty, self-correction, social justice, and non-violence.
  • Ashvin Month: Navaratri signifies the preparation for victory and the invocation of divine energy, encouraging the channeling of this power towards righteous causes. Dhanteras is celebrated as Dhanya Teras, emphasizing the pursuit of moral wealth and righteous conduct. Kali Chaudas encourages overcoming internal vices and negative influences. Deepavali is hailed as a festival of light, purity, and universal brotherhood, marking the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir and the Vikram Samvat.
  • Mahavir Nirvana Din: The book concludes by reflecting on Lord Mahavir's life, his principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), compassion, and his message of universal equality, highlighting his role as a universal benefactor.

• Emphasis on Inner Transformation: The book consistently emphasizes that true celebration of festivals lies in internalizing their spiritual essence and translating those values into daily life. It encourages self-reflection, ethical conduct, and a deeper connection with the divine.

In essence, "Parv Mahima" is not just a calendar of festivals but a spiritual discourse that seeks to imbue the celebration of these occasions with profound meaning, promoting interfaith understanding, ethical living, and ultimately, spiritual liberation.