Jain Customs form an integral part of Jainism. These customs range from different rituals that take place before the birth of the child till the death of the person. These customs help in inculcating vales in the individual. The customs that take place among the Jains are as follows:
Jain Fasting
Fasting is a regular ritual among the Jains which is observed at special times, during festivals, and also on holy days. A Jain may perform fasting any time if he or she feels that some mistakes have been committed. According to Jains, fasting helps in maintain self-discipline. There are different forms of fastings in Jainism. These are as follows:
Santhara
Partial fasting
Vruti Sankshep
Rasa Parityag
Great fasts
Varsitap
Chauvihar Upvas
Upvas
Digambar Upvas
Swetambara Upvas
Tivihar Upvas
Ekasanu
Beasanu
Ayambil
Bela
Tela
Aththai
Masaksaman
Navkarsi
Porsi
Sadh-porsi
Purimuddh
Avadhdh
Tivihar
Birth Ceremony in Jainism
Birth ceremony is associated with the rituals, actions or deeds performed after the birth of the child. These rituals are performed to inculcate cultural values in the new born child. Some rituals are also performed when the child is in the womb of the mother. After the birth of the child many other rituals are performed.
Jain Wedding
Marriage Ceremony holds a special place among the Jains and is governed by various traditional customs. Jain marriages are mainly conducted by the Jain pundits only. Before the actual wedding ceremony, pujas are conducted in the houses of the bride and the groom. On the day of the marriage, the groom arrives at the house of the bride and is welcomed by the bride"s brother. The bride arrives in the Mandapa and the Pandit initiates the puja. Different types of ceremonies are conducted during the marriage.
Death Rites in Jainism
Jains cremate the dead. Certain important rituals are performed before the cremation of the dead. The corpse is cleaned, placed in a bier and covered with a kafan. It is taken to the cremation ground. The final rites are performed by the elder son who walks round the pyre and sprinkles water all over the dead body. Finally he lights up the pyre and chants the Namokar Mantra. After these rituals the remains are put inside a hole.