Chaumasi Chaudas 2023 Date, Time, Celebrations, and Significance
Chaumasi Chaudas is a four-month-long festival during which the Jain community practices the knowledge and wisdom bestowed by Lord Mahavira. The Jain community adheres to nonviolent principles, and Chaumasi Chaudas propagates the same message. It is one of the most significant Jains festivals. The festival originates from the teachings and philosophy of Lord Mahavira and represents the principles of nonviolence and charity. Although many aspects of this festival have evolved over time, the primary objective is to take advantage of this auspicious time to worship Lord Mahavira, absorb his philosophy and teachings, and apply them for one’s own improvement.
Chaumasi Chaudas 2023 Date
02 Jul 2023 (Sunday)
Celebrations on Chaumasi Chaudas
The four months of Chaumasi Chaturmas have a profound effect on the devotees’ lives.
- During this time, they take divine baths in the sacred rivers and fast or consume only one meal per day.
- By remaining within their ashrams, Jain monks conduct spiritual practise and penance.
- Lord Mahavira’s philosophy and teachings are followed and practised with great devotion in Jainism.
- During the auspicious period of Chaturmas, Jain devotees worship the Lord and conduct a number of religious rites with fervour.
- To achieve positive energies and purity, they clean and embellish their residences.
- Donations, charities, and alms are also given to earn positive karma and purge all sins.
Significance of Chaumasi Chaudas
Chaturmas or Chaumas refers to a period of four months beginning on Ashadhi Purnima and ending on Kartik Purnima.
This four-month period is considered to be the monsoon season in India; therefore, Chaumasi Chaudas is also known as Varsha Vaas.
The environment is filled with an abundance of flora and fauna as a result of the monsoon season’s rainfall. In Jainism, it is believed that plants and animals feel emotions as well; they experience anguish and joy just like humans, so the concept of Ahimsa (nonviolence) is not limited to humans alone. They consider plants, animals, and all microorganisms to be living beings with a variety of senses and emotions.
Jainism places a heavy emphasis on Ahimsa (nonviolence). Jain sages refrain from travelling during these four months of Chaumas in order to safeguard the voiceless plants and animals from humans. For the benefit of all, Jain people, particularly monks, are advised to remain indoors and devote themselves to prayer and meditation.
