all the matters related to Sangha. He is also the final authority in interpreting the Jain Holy Scriptures.
Acharya observes and motivates monks and nuns to display five spiritual conducts, namely
- Vigor, enthusiasm and power to observe the other four conducts.
Acharya is symbolised by the colour yellow and has thirty-six attributes.
These attributes are divided into different groups.
The six external austerities consist of
- Not eating for a set period of time
- Eating less than needed
- Eating within predetermined restrictions of
- Material (Eat only a specified number of items),
- Area (Eat only in a certain area).
- Time (Eat only once at a specific time) and
- mode (Eat food obtained or made only by prescribed means)
- Eating non-tasty food
- Penance and tolerating physical pain voluntarily
- Staying in a deserted place and occupying minimum space.
The six internal austerities consist of
- Repentance or remorse
- Humility and respect for others
- Selfless service to monks, nuns and people in need
- Study of Holy Scriptures
- Giving up physical activities and staying absorbed in the soul
The ten religious virtues are
- Contentment and absence of greed
- Restraint of all senses
- Renouncing possessiveness
The five codes of conduct are
- Acquiring the right perception
- Acquiring right knowledge
- Acquiring right conduct
- Exercising Energy or Vigour
The six essential duties are
- Prayer to Tirthankars or Arihant
- Devotion and service to Gurus
- Studying of Scriptures
- Imparting Knowledge and Protection of Life
The three controls are
- Control over mind
- Control over speech
- Control over body
On this day followers eat boiled gram only, and pray, worship and meditate for Acharya all day.