What is Ashtahnika in Jainism: What is Ashadh Ashtahnika Vidhan: Ashtahnika festival is one of the most important and ancient festivals of Jainism. The word ‘Ashtahika’ means ‘eight days’. This festival is celebrated thrice a year- Kartik, Falgun and Shukla Paksha of the month starts from Ashtami Tithi and lasts till the full moon. During this period, special religious rituals, worship, meditation and penance are performed for eight days.Also Read: What is Phalgun Ashtanhika Vidhan in Jainism?
In 2025, Ashadh Ashtahnika Vidhan will start on 3 July, Thursday and conclude on 10 July, Thursday i.e. this festival will continue from Ashtami to Purnima.
The main center of this festival is Nandishwar Island. According to Jain beliefs, during this time, the deity from heaven comes and performs religious works like worship, consecration, praise in 52 Jinmandirs located in Nandishwar Island. Devotees who cannot reach the island of Nandishwar, they offer prayers and rituals in the same sense of Jain temples near them.
Why this festival is celebrated in Jainism: There are many important reasons and beliefs behind celebrating Ashadh Ashtahnika Vidhan:
1. Receipt of self-purification and salvation: This festival is mainly celebrated for the purpose of purification of the soul and attainment of salvation. In these eight days, Jains try to purify their mind, word and deeds, try to get rid of bad habits and thoughts.
2. Worship of Tirthankaras and Siddhas: During this festival, special worship of all Tirthankaras and infinite Siddha Parmeshthi is done during this festival. Rituals like Siddhachakra Mandal Vidhan and Nandishwar Vidhan are organized, in which infinite arghs are offered.
3. Bhakti of Nandeshwar Island: Nandishwar Island is an eternal pilgrimage place mentioned in Jain universe, where no human can go. During the Ashtahnika festival, it is believed that the gods worship religion there and Jain devotees stay in their temples and try to achieve the same devotion.
4. Decation of deeds: It is believed that the fruits of worship, devotion and penance performed in these eight days are more than the six months of worship done on normal days. These hard tenacity and fasting are helpful in relaxing and decaying the bond of deeds.
5. Freedom from diseases (Story of Maina Sundari): According to a popular story, Maina Sundari had practiced Siddhachakra Legislature for eight days to prevent her husband Shripal’s leprosy. Due to the effect of this practice, 700 leprosy patients including Shripal were also relieved of disease. In Padmapurana also, following this festival, there is a description of liberation from leprosy, which increases faith in its medical and spiritual power.
6. Following non -violence and compassion: This festival inspires the basic principles of Jainism such as non -violence, truth, not to steal, celibacy and aparigraha i.e. not to follow more than necessary. During this time, special emphasis is laid on having a sense of compassion and love towards all living beings.
During these eight days, Jains keep fast, meditate, recite religious texts and also do charity work. This festival strengthens spiritual uplift and community spirit in Jain society.
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