What is Paryushan and Why It Matters
- Jainism in India: A Brief Overview
- Anekantavada: The Jain Philosophy of Many-Sidedness
- Justice Katju on Tolerance in Today’s India
- Emperor Akbar’s Engagement with Jainism
Jain Values in Modern India: A Path to Unity
Paryushan 2025 is being observed from August 20–25. Justice Markandey Katju reflects on Jainism, the philosophy of Anekantavada, and the importance of tolerance in India’s diverse society. He also recalls Emperor Akbar’s respect for Jain saints and extends greetings to the Jain community.
Paryushan 2025
By Justice Markandey Katju
Jainism is a religion in India with about 4.5 million followers, mostly in Western India e.g. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Western Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, etc ( though there are some Jains even in south India ).
The most important Jain festival is called Paryushan, which is going on this year from August 20 to 25
As a student of philosophy in Allahabad University, I was deeply impressed by the Jain philosophy of Anekantavad, about which I have written the article below :
In my opinion, Indians need to follow this philosophy of tolerance, as we are a country of great diversity, and so to remain united and to progress, we must be tolerant of all religions, and not bigoted. This is all the more important today as nowadays there is so much religious polarisation and hatred against minorities being propagated by certain vested interests in India.
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar ( 1542-1605 ), whom I regard as the real Father of the Indian Nation, had great respect for Jainism and Jain saints, as mentioned in my article below :
( See also from para 51 onwards of my judgment in the Supreme Court given below :
I have always supported the small Jain community, as I did in this article
On this occasion of Paryushan, I extend my warm greetings to the Jains in India and elsewhere.
Long live the Jains !
(Justice Katju is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. These are his personal views.)
