Sexual relation after pratikaman
Pratikraman is a period of repentance and self-purification. It does not create a new rule that bans sexual relations for householders; it is a time to reflect on past acts and seek forgiveness, including for any violations related to vows and self-control. For lay Jain householders, sexual relation remains a matter within the frame of a lawful marriage. The practice of pratikraman helps one refrain from harming living beings and strengthens self-control, which in turn supports faithful living in daily life. If a person is a monk or nun, sexual activity is not allowed at all.
Different Jain traditions agree on the core point:
- For householders (Shravaks/Shravikas): sex is permissible only within marriage.
- For monks/nuns (sadhus/sadhvis): celibacy is required.
- The emphasis of pratikraman is to curb passions (including sexual impulses) and to seek forgiveness for past transgressions, so that one can live more slowly toward non-violence and self-control.
If you are asking about a specific Digambar or Shwetambar nuance, both traditions uphold the general rule above; the main difference is often in monastic conduct, not in the householder's marital context.