Dashlakshan 2026: A Journey into the Ten Supreme Virtues for attainment of Salvation or Moksha.

Dashlakshan or Das Lakshan Parva or दशलक्षण पर्व is one of the most respected and honoured observances in the Jain religion. Dashlakshan 2026 is not a time for physical and loud celebrations for the Jain followers, but it is in reality a time for introspection, self -discipline, indulging in spirituality and moral cleansing.

For Jain devotees Dashlakshan 2026, this auspicious observance happens many a times in one year with dates spread through January, March and September of the Gregorian calendar, the calendar used in most parts of the world and this also shows in the Jain religion calendar. In this fast moving, noisy world which is full of anxiety, noise, jealousy and every kind of attraction, Dashlakshan 2026 is here to tell one and all to pause and take a break and introspect.

Dash Lakshan Parv is about taking a break and introspecting and indulging into self-transformation. Spread over a period of ten spiritual days, during these days the Jains introspect and meditate over ten supreme virtues which are stones of foundation of Jain dharm and take one towards salvation and liberation.

During these highly revered days of Dashlakshan silence does the real talking without use of actual words. During Dashlakshan 2026 silence prevails, modesty takes over pride and forgiveness takes the front foot. Everything is very soft and calm during those days, temples and bells in the background and humility is the driving factor. Purifying your past sins and observing restraint and truthful life is the real journey that leads to a conscious life showing everyone that change starts from within.

Dashlakshan 2026 : What is Dashlakshan?

The word “Dashlakshan” is in itself a very deep and profound setting where “Dash” means ten, and “Lakshan” means qualities or characteristics and in unison they join together to form the ten supreme virtues which are major for the spirituality in Jainism. These ten supreme virtues are not just on paper, they are meant to be understood and followed and to be a made a practice in your day-to-day life in order to achieve Moksha, the ultimate truth.

Dashlakshan 2026 in the Jain Calendar 2026

Daslakshan is not just once ina year observance, it occurs three times in a year in the months of Māgha, Chaitra and Bhādrapada as per Jaini Calendar. Dashlakshan begins from the Shukla Panchami which is the fifth day as per the lunar position and runs till the fourteenth day or the Chaturdashi. Dashlakshan 2026 observance is from :

• January 22–31, 2026 – Third Dashlakshan period begins 22nd Jan and ends on 31st Jan.
• March 22–31, 2026 – First Dashlakshan period of the lunar year as per the lunar calendar.
• September 15–25, 2026 – Second Dashlakshan period which is about deeper inner reflection.

The Spiritual Essence of Dashlakshan 2026

The real meaning of Dashlakshan lies in inner self introspection and transformation. There are no worldly loud celebrations flashy meals and rituals on the occasion of this observance but self-meditation and introspection. Dashlakshan 2026 is about asking everyone to get rid of their ego, of anxiety, lies, deceit, jealousy, anger, negativity and from the bindings of Karm.

As per Jainism, the two real reasons of human suffering are attachment and ignorance. Through disciplined ethical conduct and reflective practice, one can purify the soul and move closer to the highest aim which is kevala jnana or simple pure knowledge and wisdom which is the path to salvation and liberation or Moksha. Dashlakshan 2026 reminds you of this fact and also tells one how to achieve it.

The Ten Virtues or Das Lakshan Explained

The ten days of Dashlakshan 2026 teach you to believe in and follow the ten attributes (lakshanas) to attain spiritual ascent and self-discipline. The 10 virtues are explained here:

1. Uttam Kshama (Supreme Forgiveness) – Leaving behind resentment and forgiveness to all
2. Uttam Mardav (Supreme Humility) – Bringing in humbleness in thoughts and verbal and physical actions.
3. Uttam Arjav (Supreme Straightforwardness) – Practising honesty and sincerity.
4. Uttam Shauch (Supreme Purity) – Purification of soul, body and mind of physical bonds
5. Uttam Satya (Supreme Truthfulness) – Being truthful in all aspects of life.
6. Uttam Samyam (Supreme Self-control) – Practicing self-control of thoughts and actions
7. Uttam Tap (Supreme Austerity) – Introspection and discipline of mind and thoughts
8. Uttam Tyag (Supreme Renunciation) – Letting go of wordly things and bonds
9. Uttam Akincan (Supreme Non-possessiveness) –Letting go of possesiveness
10. Uttam Brahmacharya (Supreme Celibacy) – Cleansed body, mind and soul

These virtues represent both moral discipline and ethical behaviour of mind showing that true meaning of observing this day is in practicing these values and not just knowing about them.

Practices and Observances od Dashlakshan 2026

During Dashlakshan, Jains engage in a range of spiritual practices that include:

• Fasting or partial fasting to discipline the body and mind.
• Temple visits and scriptural study to deepen understanding of Dharma.
• Pratikramana (retrospection)—looking back on actions with humility and correcting ethical lapses.
• Forgiveness rituals, where individuals ask others for forgiveness with phrases like “Uttam Kshama”, signifying pure forgiveness and non-violence.

This focused period is more than ritual; it’s an invitation to re-evaluate life, recommit to moral excellence, and build harmony within the community and with all living beings.

Conclusion

Dashlakshan 2026 is more than a calendar ritual it is a change of lifestyle, of thoughts and of beliefs. Followed with any rituals such as fasting, meditation, self-discipline, introspection or forgiveness, Dashlakshan makes us realise that these are not just to prove anything to anyone else but to practice them and inculcate them.

Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Self-restraint are the major teaching of Jainism and Dashlakshan 2026 teaches you just that. These Lakshans and values are not just restricted to one particular religion but to mankind as a whole for the attainment of the final truth.