Ritual Time, Celebration and Jain Pilgrimage

Lynna R. Dhanani discusses Jain pilgrimage traditions, highlighting how major festivals like Paryushan (for Shvetāmbaras) and Daslakshan (for Digambaras) often involve pilgrimages to sacred sites such as Shatrunjaya. These occasions bring increased religious activity, with monks visiting towns and devotees participating in communal worship. In addition to festival pilgrimages, Jains may undertake yatras—organized pilgrimages—at any time of year, often coordinated by families or community groups. Large scrolls and choḍ paṭas sometimes depict these festive and devotional journeys.

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  • Lynna Dhanani wearing a brown turtleneck, smiling, with a bookshelf behind her

    Lynna

    Dhanani

    Assistant Professor

    Religious Studies, University of California, Davis