Lay Followers
Navpad Oli
नवपद ओली · નવપદ ઓળી
Nine days, nine holy names, and one simple meal each day
- 4 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
- Shvetambar telling
Twice a year, Jain families keep nine days of Ayambil in honour of the nine holy states of the Siddhachakra. This is the story of what the Oli means and why it is remembered with Shripal and Mayanasundari.
What it teaches Penance Devotion Self-control
The opening of the children's telling
Two times every year, Jain families have a special nine days. It is called the Navpad Oli.
In these nine days, many grown ups eat just one simple meal each day. No sweets, no butter, no spices. Just plain, boiled food. This meal is called Ayambil. It helps us practise saying no to the tongue, so the heart can grow strong.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
Each time we say no to the tongue, we say yes to the soul.
To talk about together
Which of the nine padas would you like to think about first, and why?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.