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श्री मल्लिकार्जुन ज्योतिर्लिंग, आन्ध्र प्रदेश में कृष्णा नदी के तट पर श्रीशैल पर्वत पर स्थित है।

इस ज्योतिर्लिंग को दक्षिण का कैलाश कहते हैं। 

आन्ध्र प्रदेश के कृष्णा ज़िले में कृष्णा नदी के तट पर श्रीशैल पर्वत पर श्रीमल्लिकार्जुन विराजमान हैं। इसे दक्षिण का कैलाश कहते हैं। अनेक धर्मग्रन्थों में इस स्थान की महिमा बतायी गई है। महाभारत के अनुसार श्रीशैल पर्वत पर भगवान शिव का पूजन करने से अश्वमेध यज्ञ करने का फल प्राप्त होता है। कुछ ग्रन्थों में तो यहाँ तक लिखा है कि श्रीशैल के शिखर के दर्शन मात्र करने से दर्शको के सभी प्रकार के कष्ट दूर भाग जाते हैं, उसे अनन्त सुखों की प्राप्ति होती है और आवागमन के चक्कर से मुक्त हो जाता है। शिव पार्वती के पुत्र स्वामी कार्तिकेय और गणेश दोनों भाई विवाह के लिए आपस में कलह करने लगे। कार्तिकेय का कहना था कि वे बड़े हैं, इसलिए उनका विवाह पहले होना चाहिए, किन्तु श्री गणेश अपना विवाह पहले करना चाहते थे। इस झगड़े पर फैसला देने के लिए दोनों अपने माता-पिता भवानी और शंकर के पास पहुँचे। उनके माता-पिता ने कहा कि तुम दोनों में जो कोई इस पृथ्वी की परिक्रमा करके पहले यहाँ आ जाएगा, उसी का विवाह पहले होगा। शर्त सुनते ही कार्तिकेय जी पृथ्वी की परिक्रमा करने के लिए दौड़ पड़े। इधर स्थूलकाय श्री गणेश जी और उनका वाहन भी चूहा, भला इतनी शीघ्रता से वे परिक्रमा कैसे कर सकते थे। गणेश जी के सामने भारी समस्या उपस्थित थी। श्रीगणेश जी शरीर से ज़रूर स्थूल हैं, किन्तु वे बुद्धि के सागर हैं। उन्होंने कुछ सोच-विचार किया और अपनी माता पार्वती तथा पिता देवाधिदेव महेश्वर से एक आसन पर बैठने का आग्रह किया।

उन दोनों के आसन पर बैठ जाने के बाद श्रीगणेश ने उनकी सात परिक्रमा की, फिर विधिवत् पूजन किया। इस प्रकार श्रीगणेश माता-पिता की परिक्रमा करके पृथ्वी की परिक्रमा से प्राप्त होने वाले फल की प्राप्ति के अधिकारी बन गये। उनकी चतुर बुद्धि को देख कर शिव और पार्वती दोनों बहुत प्रसन्न हुए और उन्होंने श्रीगणेश का विवाह भी करा दिया। जिस समय स्वामी कार्तिकेय सम्पूर्ण पृथ्वी की परिक्रमा करके वापस आये, उस समय श्रीगणेश जी का विवाह विश्वरूप प्रजापति की पुत्रियों सिद्धि और बुद्धि के साथ हो चुका था। इतना ही नहीं श्री गणेशजी को उनकी ‘सिद्धि’ नामक पत्नी से ‘क्षेम’ तथा बुद्धि नामक पत्नी से ‘लाभ’, ये दो पुत्ररत्न भी मिल गये थे। भ्रमणशील और जगत् का कल्याण करने वाले देवर्षि नारद ने स्वामी कार्तिकेय से यह सारा वृत्तांत कहा सुनाया। श्रीगणेश का विवाह और उन्हें पुत्र लाभ का समाचार सुनकर स्वामी कार्तिकेय जल उठे। इस प्रकरण से नाराज़ कार्तिक ने शिष्टाचार का पालन करते हुए अपने माता-पिता के चरण छुए और वहाँ से चल दिये। माता-पिता से अलग होकर कार्तिक स्वामी क्रौंच पर्वत पर रहने लगे। शिव और पार्वती ने अपने पुत्र कार्तिकेय को समझा-बुझाकर बुलाने हेतु देवर्षि नारद को क्रौंचपर्वत पर भेजा। देवर्षि नारद ने बहुत प्रकार से स्वामी को मनाने का प्रयास किया, किन्तु वे वापस नहीं आये। उसके बाद कोमल हृदय माता पार्वती पुत्र स्नेह में व्याकुल हो उठीं। वे भगवान शिव जी को लेकर क्रौंच पर्वत पर पहुँच गईं।

इधर स्वामी कार्तिकेय को क्रौंच पर्वत अपने माता-पिता के आगमन की सूचना मिल गई और वे वहाँ से तीन योजन अर्थात् छत्तीस किलोमीटर दूर चले गये। कार्तिकेय के चले जाने पर भगवान शिव उस क्रौंच पर्वत पर ज्योतिर्लिंग के रूप में प्रकट हो गये तभी से वे ‘मल्लिकार्जुन’ ज्योतिर्लिंग के नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुए। ‘मल्लिका’ माता पार्वती का नाम है, जबकि ‘अर्जुन’ भगवान शंकर को कहा जाता है। इस प्रकार सम्मिलित रूप से ‘मल्लिकार्जुन’ नाम उक्त ज्योतिर्लिंग का जगत् में प्रसिद्ध हुआ। एक अन्य कथानक के अनुसार कौंच पर्वत के समीप में ही चन्द्रगुप्त नामक किसी राजा की राजधानी थी। उनकी राजकन्या किसी संकट में उलझ गई थी। उस विपत्ति से बचने के लिए वह अपने पिता के राजमहल से भागकर पर्वतराज की शरण में पहुँच गई। वह कन्या ग्वालों के साथ कन्दमूल खाती और दूध पीती थी। इस प्रकार उसका जीवन-निर्वाह उस पर्वत पर होने लगा। उस कन्या के पास एक श्यामा (काली) गौ थी, जिसकी सेवा वह स्वयं करती थी। उस गौ के साथ विचित्र घटना घटित होने लगी। कोई व्यक्ति छिपकर प्रतिदिन उस श्यामा का दूध निकाल लेता था। एक दिन उस कन्या ने किसी चोर को श्यामा का दूध दुहते हुए देख लिया, तब वह क्रोध में आगबबूला हो उसको मारने के लिए दौड़ पड़ी। जब वह गौ के समीप पहुँची, तो उसके आश्चर्य का ठिकाना न रहा, क्योंकि वहाँ उसे एक शिवलिंग के अतिरिक्त कुछ भी दिखाई नहीं दिया। आगे चलकर उस राजकुमारी ने उस शिवलिंग के ऊपर एक सुन्दर सा मन्दिर बनवा दिया।

वही प्राचीन शिवलिंग आज ‘मल्लिकार्जुन’ ज्योतिर्लिंग के नाम से प्रसिद्ध है। इस मन्दिर का भलीभाँति सर्वेक्षण करने के बाद पुरातत्त्ववेत्ताओं ने ऐसा अनुमान किया है कि इसका निर्माणकार्य लगभग दो हज़ार वर्ष प्राचीन है। इस ऐतिहासिक मन्दिर के दर्शनार्थ बड़े-बड़े राजा-महाराजा समय-समय पर आते रहे हैं। मुख्य मंदिर के बाहर पीपल पाकर का सम्मिलित वृक्ष है। उसके आस-पास चबूतरा है। दक्षिण भारत के दूसरे मंदिरों के समान यहाँ भी मूर्ति तक जाने का टिकट कार्यालय से लेना पड़ता है। पूजा का शुल्क टिकट भी पृथक् होता है। यहाँ लिंग मूर्ति का स्पर्श प्राप्त होता है। मल्लिकार्जुन मंदिर के पीछे पार्वती मंदिर है। इन्हें मल्लिका देवी कहते हैं। सभा मंडप में नन्दी की विशाल मूर्ति है। पातालगंगा- मंदिर के पूर्वद्वार से लगभग दो मील पर पातालगंगा है। इसका मार्ग कठिन है। एक मील उतार और फिर 852 सीढ़ियाँ हैं। पर्वत के नीचे कृष्णा नदी है। यात्री स्नान करके वहाँ से चढ़ाने के लिए जल लाते हैं। वहाँ कृष्णा नदी में दो नाले मिलते हैं। वह स्थान त्रिवेणी कहा जाता है। उसके समीप पूर्व की ओर एक गुफा में भैरवादि मूर्तियाँ हैं। यह गुफा कई मील गहरी कही जाती है। अब यात्री मोटर बस से 4 मील आकर कृष्णा में स्नान करते हैं। भ्रमराम्बादेवी- मल्लिकार्जुन मंदिर से पश्चिम में दो मील पर यह मंदिर है। यह 51 शक्तिपीठों में है। यहाँ सती की ग्रीवा गिरी थी। शिखरेश्वर- मल्लिकार्जुन से 6 मील पर शिखरेश्वर तथा हाटकेश्वर मंदिर है। यह मार्ग कठिन है। विल्वन- शिखरेश्वर से 6 मील पर एकम्मा देवी का मंदिर घोर वन में है। यहाँ मार्ग दर्शक एवं सुरक्षा के बिना यात्रा संभव नहीं। हिंसक पशु इधर बन में बहुत हैं।

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Description: Curious about Paryushan and Forgiveness Day? Here's a respectful, honest guide to understanding this profound Jain festival — what it means and why it matters.

Let me start with a question.

When was the last time you genuinely, completely, from-the-bottom-of-your-heart forgave someone who hurt you?

Not just said "it's fine" to keep the peace. Not just moved on because holding the grudge was too exhausting. But actually, truly let go of the resentment, the hurt, the desire for them to suffer even a little bit for what they did?

For most people, genuine forgiveness is one of the hardest things they'll ever do. We carry grudges for years. We rehearse old arguments in our heads. We hold onto hurt like it's protecting us from something.

And then there's Paryushan — the most important festival in the Jain calendar — which culminates in Samvatsari (also called Forgiveness Day), when millions of Jains engage in one of the most profound spiritual practices imaginable: asking forgiveness from every person they've ever harmed, knowingly or unknowingly, and offering forgiveness to everyone who has harmed them.

Not just to close family. Not just to friends. Everyone. Colleagues. Neighbors. Strangers. People they haven't spoken to in years. Even people who might not deserve it by conventional standards.

This isn't a casual "sorry for that thing I did." This is deep, systematic, comprehensive acknowledgment of harm, accompanied by genuine repentance and the commitment to do better.

If that sounds intense, that's because it is. Paryushan is intense. It's meant to be. It's eight or ten days (depending on the Jain sect) of fasting, introspection, prayer, meditation, and ultimately — the hardest part — radical forgiveness.

So let's talk about it. Respectfully. Honestly. Let's explore what Paryushan actually is, why forgiveness is central to it, what happens during these days, and what this ancient practice can teach anyone — Jain or not — about letting go, healing, and living with less burden.

What Is Paryushan? The Festival of Self-Reflection

Paryushan (also called Paryushana Parva) is the most important annual observance in Jainism. It's an eight or ten-day period of intensive spiritual practice focused on self-examination, purification, and renewal.

The name "Paryushan" comes from Sanskrit roots meaning:

  • "Parya" — all around, completely
  • "Ushan" — to burn away, to destroy

So Paryushan means "burning away completely" — specifically, burning away karma (the subtle material substance that binds the soul according to Jain philosophy).

When it happens:

Paryushan falls during the monsoon season (roughly August-September), during the Chaturmas period when Jain monks and nuns remain stationary in one place rather than wandering.

Two traditions:

  • Shvetambara Jains observe it for 8 days, ending on Samvatsari (the day of forgiveness)
  • Digambara Jains observe it for 10 days, called Dashalakshana Parva (the ten virtues), ending on Kshamavani (forgiveness day)

What makes Paryushan different from other festivals:

Most festivals are celebrations — joyous, festive, outward-focused. Paryushan is inward-focused. It's serious. Contemplative. Challenging.

It's not about having fun. It's about doing the deep, uncomfortable work of looking honestly at yourself, acknowledging your failings, making amends, and committing to genuine change.

The Core Practices of Paryushan

Paryushan involves several interconnected practices, all designed to purify the soul and shed karma.

1. Fasting (Upvas/Tap)

Fasting is central to Paryushan observance and varies widely in intensity:

Types of fasts observed:

Ekasana — Eating only once during the day Biyasana — Eating only twice (no snacks between meals) Ayambil — Eating once, only plain boiled food without oil, spices, salt, milk, or sugar Upvas — Complete fast (no food, water allowed) Atthai — Complete fast for three consecutive days Navkarshi — Breaking fast 48 minutes after sunrise (no food or water before)

Why fasting?

In Jain philosophy, eating necessarily involves harming one-sensed beings (plants, microorganisms). By reducing or eliminating eating, you minimize harm and therefore minimize new karma accumulation.

Fasting is also a practice of self-discipline, reducing attachment to sensory pleasures, and creating mental clarity for spiritual practice.

Important: The fasts are voluntary and adapted to individual capacity. Children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with health conditions observe lighter fasts or none at all. The principle is practicing self-discipline within your capacity, not harming yourself.

2. Pratikraman (Ritualized Repentance)

Pratikraman means "turning back" — specifically, turning back from harmful actions through confession and repentance.

What happens in Pratikraman:

Jains gather (often in temples) to recite ancient prayers and confessions in Sanskrit and Prakrit. The ritual lasts 2-3 hours and includes:

Confession of sins — Acknowledging 18 types of sins (violence, lying, stealing, possessiveness, etc.) committed through body, speech, and mind

Seeking forgiveness — From the Tirthankaras (enlightened teachers), from monks and nuns, from all living beings

Repentance — Genuine remorse for harm caused

Resolution — Commitment to avoid these actions in the future

Why this matters:

Pratikraman is not just about saying sorry. It's a comprehensive self-examination. You're forced to confront the ways you've caused harm — often in ways you weren't even conscious of.

It's uncomfortable. That's the point. Growth requires acknowledging where you've fallen short.

3. Study of Sacred Texts

Paryushan is a time for intensive spiritual study. Jains attend pravachans (religious discourses) daily, often led by monks, nuns, or learned scholars.

Common texts studied:

Kalpa Sutra — Ancient text containing biographies of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira's life. Reading this during Paryushan is traditional.

Tattvartha Sutra — Foundational Jain philosophical text explaining the nature of reality, karma, and the path to liberation

Stories and parables — Teaching moral lessons about Ahimsa, truth, non-attachment, forgiveness

Why study during Paryushan?

This is when people have the most focused attention on spiritual matters. The daily pravachans inspire, educate, and remind people of Jain principles they may have let slip during the busy rest of the year.

4. Meditation and Self-Reflection

Paryushan emphasizes dhyana (meditation) and swadhyaya (self-study).

Practices include:

Sitting meditation — Focusing on breath, mantras, or contemplating the nature of the soul

Reflective journaling — Writing about your actions over the past year, identifying where you've caused harm

Contemplation of the ten virtues (in Digambara tradition): forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, celibacy

The goal is honest self-assessment. Not self-flagellation, but clear-eyed recognition of where you are on the spiritual path and where you need to grow.

5. Acts of Charity and Service

Paryushan is also a time for dana (charity) and service.

Common practices:

Donating to the poor — Food, clothing, money to those in need

Supporting monks and nuns — Providing food (properly prepared according to Jain dietary guidelines)

Animal welfare — Freeing caged birds, feeding animals, supporting gaushalas (cow shelters)

Blood donation and medical camps — Many Jain communities organize these during Paryushan

Why charity during Paryushan?

Reducing possessiveness and attachment to material wealth. Recognizing the interconnection of all beings. Practicing compassion in action, not just in meditation.

Samvatsari / Kshamavani: The Day of Universal Forgiveness

And then comes the culmination: Samvatsari (Shvetambara) or Kshamavani (Digambara) — Forgiveness Day.

This is the most important day of Paryushan. Everything builds toward this moment.

What happens on Forgiveness Day:

The Practice of Asking Forgiveness

Jains reach out to everyone they know — family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, even people they've lost touch with — and say (in Gujarati or Hindi):

"Micchami Dukkadam" (Prakrit) "Uttam Kshama" (Sanskrit)

Translation: "May all the evil that has been done be fruitless / forgiven." Or more directly: "I seek forgiveness for any harm I've caused you."

This happens:

  • Face to face (touching feet of elders as a sign of respect and humility)
  • Phone calls to distant family and friends
  • Text messages, WhatsApp messages, emails
  • Social media posts asking forgiveness from all followers and friends
  • Letters to people they can't reach otherwise

The scope is comprehensive: You're not just asking forgiveness for specific remembered wrongs. You're asking forgiveness for all harm you've caused — knowingly or unknowingly — through thought, word, or deed — over the entire past year.

 

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Lifestyle
The "weird" methods used by fitness professionals to manage hunger (and why they actually work)

We’ve all been there: you sit down for a meal, and before you know it, the plate is empty, the snack drawer is open, and you’re wondering how you ended up three helpings deep. Overeating isn’t just about lack of willpower; it’s often a result of mindless habits, distraction and subtle signals that make us eat more than our body needs. That’s exactly what popular online fitness coach Zaccheus Payne revealed in an Instagram post, when he shared five unconventional habits he uses to keep his appetite in check. The best part? They’re easy to adopt.

10 Feb 2026
Sikh
The Life and Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji A Light on the Way

Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder, is worshipped as a spiritual luminary whose life and teachings continue to guide millions of followers all over the world. In this detailed study, we discuss at length the profound knowledge and timeless heritage of Guru Nanak Dev Ji as we examine his transformative journey, philosophical insights, and lasting contributions to Sikhism. We thus want to delve into what Guru Nanak Dev Ji essentially said about equality, compassion, and spirituality to understand its place within the Sikh faith.

The Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi which is presently called Nankana Sahib located in Pakistan. Since childhood, he was god oriented with a sympathetic mind often ruminating about the wonders of life and penetrating divine nature. At 30 years old while bathing at River Bein, Guru Nanak Dev Ji had an epiphany during which he was given a divine mission to go out there and speak about truthfulness, egalitarianism, and love for everyone without any discrimination.

For the next 23 years, Guru Nanak Dev Ji went on extensive travels, known as Udasis, and traveled extensively to spread his message of love, peace, and awakening from spiritual slumber. Guru Nanak Dev Ji talked to people from different areas such as towns and cities among other places that he visited during his spiritual journeys thus breaking the barriers of caste system, creed, and religion.

04 Apr 2025