Why don’t Jains eat Green Veggies during Paryushan?

During the Jain festival of Paryushan Mahaparva, it is the duty of a shravak to abstain from eating green vegetables. Bhagwan Mahavir said that we generally relish green vegetables more than pulses. Because of this intense likeability, we have too much attachment towards these kinds of foods as compared to beans, pulses, dals (lentils) etc. Along with that, the level of violence involved while eating green vegetables is also more.

That is the reason we should eat pulses and grains during Paryushan instead, which involves lesser attachment and lesser violence. We must also refrain from using coriander for garnishing and green chili to enhance the flavour. Paryushan Parva is the most auspicious time to observe fasts. It is good to fast completely during Paryushan Mahaparva. If not, we must try to practice fasts like ekasana, ayambil, etc. But if one is not capable of performing any such kind of tapasya (fasting), then he must surely avoid eating vegetables, and eat food with a detached state of mind.

Paryushan Parv – the 8-day Jain Festival of Forgiveness is an occasion to eliminate the impurities that pollute the soul – such as anger, ego, greed, jealousy, deceit, attachment, hatred and much more. It is a period of emotional cleansing and becoming light and relaxed from within.

From a karmic perspective, it is said that during these 8 days, the magnetic frequencies in the entire universe are the highest. As a result, the soul vibrates the most and may even bind the karmas that determine his next birth. And therefore, Jains observe maximum sadhanas, spiritual practices, penance and fasting during these days to make the most of this auspicious period.

Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb profoundly enlists a detailed list of Do’s and Don’ts of what should be done and what we should refrain from doing during these divine days of Paryushan. During these Paryushan days, Jains make an effort to realize, repent and seek forgiveness for mistakes made during the entire year by performing Pratikraman, Alochana fasting, taking small Pachkhan vows, etc. The last day of Paryushan, known as Samvatsari, is the day when everyone performs the annual practice of Samvatsari Pratikraman and says sorry or ‘Michhami Dukadam’ to every living of the universe for having hurt them knowingly or unknowingly through their mind, body and speech.