Navkarsi is a traditional Jain time for taking the first food or water of the day.
In simple words:
What is Navkarsi?
The first meal (or first drinking of water) taken after sunrise,
only after about 48 minutes have passed.
How is the time decided?
- Find today’s sunrise time in your city.
- Add about 48 minutes.
- That moment is called Navkarsi.
Example:
- Sunrise at 6:00 am → Navkarsi around 6:48 am.
Rule:
From previous day’s sunset till Navkarsi time next morning –
no food and no water (if you are keeping proper chauvihar + navkarsi).
Why is it done?
- To start the day with discipline and saiyam.
- Time before Navkarsi is used for snan, pooja, samayik, pratikraman, Navkar mantra, etc.
- Eating a little later, in proper daylight, helps reduce himsā of tiny living beings and supports health and mindfulness.
Digambar / Shwetambar:
Both traditions follow the same basic idea: Navkarsi ≈ 48 minutes after sunrise. Small differences may be there by local sangh or panchang.
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