Udaipur, Samvatsari Mahaparva and Kshamaparva were observed with devotion and spiritual fervour at Mahavir Samavsharan, Devendra Dham, under the aegis of Shri Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh.

Addressing the religious gathering, Jain monks urged devotees to incorporate the principle of forgiveness into their daily lives and seek forgiveness wholeheartedly while maintaining purity of mind, speech and body. A large number of devotees participated in the programme and sought forgiveness from one another for mistakes committed during the year by saying Michhami Dukkadam.

Dr Surendra Muni said Samvatsari is a sacred occasion for self-purification and overcoming negative tendencies in life. Lord Mahavira regarded forgiveness as an essential virtue of human life, he said, adding that forgiveness should not remain limited to a single day but should become part of one’s daily conduct.

He said it was essential to overcome resentment and hostility that may arise due to negligence and sincerely seek forgiveness for mistakes committed throughout the year. By embracing the “nectar of forgiveness”, a person can protect himself from the “poison of wrongdoing” and follow Lord Mahavira’s principle of “Live and Let Live”, he said.

Samvatsari is a festival of the pure soul

Pravartak Dr Rajendra Muni highlighted the spiritual significance of Paryushan and Samvatsari. He said people spend their lives making efforts to keep the body healthy and attractive, but the physical body is ultimately perishable.

Therefore, he said, the true purpose of life lies in pursuing self-purification, forgiveness and spiritual well-being. Describing Samvatsari as a “festival of the pure soul”, he urged devotees to engage in introspection and work towards overcoming inner passions and weaknesses.

Gulab Chand Kataria calls for self-introspection

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria described Samvatsari as a festival of forgiveness and self-introspection. He said that just as a businessman reviews the accounts of an entire year, every individual should examine the shortcomings and negative tendencies in their own life and resolve to overcome them.

He said the festival provides an annual opportunity to leave behind personal shortcomings and move forward on the path of righteousness. Values instilled during childhood continue to shape a person throughout life, he said, emphasising the importance of sincerely fulfilling one’s duties in every sphere, including religious, political and social life. He also recalled the blessings of Guru Pushkar.

Former mayor Rajni Dangi, Dinesh Choradia, Pushpa Khokhawat, Santosh Mehta and Sanjay Bhandari, among other dignitaries, expressed their views and extended greetings on Samvatsari Mahaparva.

Members of the Shravika Sangh and Yuva Sangh also participated in the programme. Sangh president Roshanlal Mehta, secretary Himmat Badala and treasurer Dinesh Hingad thanked the donors who participated in the bidding for the Navkar Kalash, garlands and other religious offerings.

The Munot Gopal Ji and Anil Ji Punamia families extended a special welcome and felicitated all devotees who had undertaken long periods of religious austerities.