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Sharad Purnima 2026: What is Sharad Purnima in the Jain calendar — the closing day of Ayambil Oli and the Siddhachakra puja — and how is it observed?
Quick Answer
Sharad Purnima in the Jain calendar is Asho Sud Purnima, the closing day of the Ayambil Oli fast and the Siddhachakra puja, observed on 26 October 2026. It marks the culmination of the four-month Chaumasa period with special rituals, fasting, and devotional worship.
Detailed Answer
Sharad Purnima, known as Asho Sud Purnima in the Jain lunar calendar, falls on 26 October 2026 and is significant as the closing day of the Ayambil Oli, a strict nine-day fasting period observed during the Chaumasa (four-month monsoon retreat). This day also features the Siddhachakra puja, a sacred ritual venerating the Siddhachakra yantra, symbolizing the Tirthankaras and the path to liberation. The observance of Sharad Purnima concludes the intensified austerities and spiritual practices undertaken during Ayambil Oli, which include fasting, pratikraman (repentance), swadhyaya (scriptural study), and increased daan (charity) and jiv-daya (compassion for all beings). Sharad Purnima is part of the broader Chaumasa period that begins on Ashadh Sud Chaudas (28 July 2026) and ends on Kartik Purnima (24 November 2026). During this time, pilgrimage activities pause, and the focus is on internal spiritual discipline. The day is marked by special pujas, recitations, and community gatherings to honor the Siddhachakra and reflect on the vows and teachings of Jainism. Local sanghas may observe the date with slight variations depending on their panchang. Thus, Sharad Purnima serves as a spiritually potent day that encapsulates the essence of Chaumasa and the culmination of Ayambil Oli fasting and worship.
Source References
This answer is generated by JainGPT and grounded in primary Jain scriptures, commentaries and scholarly texts from our digitised library. See the cited references below and our editorial standards.
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