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What is the significance of ashtmi
In Jainism, “Ashtami” (often spoken as “Aatham”) simply means the 8th tithi (lunar day) of each fortnight (both Shukla and Krishna paksha).
Its main significance for Jains is:
- Day of special tapa (austerity)
- Many Jains keep upvas (fast), ekasana or aayambil specifically on: - Aatham (8th) - Chaudas (14th) - This is called pakkhi upvas – regular, planned fasting days every fortnight to reduce karma.
- Favorable for pratikraman and samayik
- Because of the strong tradition of tapa on Aatham, people also do: - more samayik (meditation), - sutra‑paath, swadhyay (study), - pratikraman with more focus. - The idea is: on such days the mind is a little more detached, so spiritual practice gives deeper benefit.
- Karmic and spiritual view
- Fasting and restraint on fixed tithis like Ashtami: - helps control raga‑dvesha (attachment & aversion), - supports ahimsa (less eating → less himsa in preparation of food), - becomes a regular ladder for progress even for grihasth (householders).
- Digambar / Shvetambar
- Both traditions respect Ashtami as a good day for upvas and tapa. - Specific local customs (which tithi is stressed more, exact rules of food/water, etc.) may differ by sangh and guru, but the basic idea is the same: Ashtami = special day for self‑control, fasting, and bhakti.
You can read more about common Jain fasting days (including Aatham/Chaudas) here
