“Raatri bhojan tyag” (not eating after sunset) is followed in Jain Dharma mainly for 3 big reasons:

1. Ahimsa – to avoid killing tiny living beings

- After sunset, many small insects and micro‑organisms become active and come near food and water. - In old times there was no tube‑light, fridge, etc. So night‑time eating almost surely meant more himsa. - To reduce this invisible violence, Jains give up night eating.

1. Aahar sanyam – control over tongue and hunger

- Less number of meals = less attachment (raag) to taste. - Regular timing of food keeps mind lighter and more suitable for swadhyay, prarthana, samayik etc. - Our sadhus–sadhvijis don’t eat or drink after sunset at all; shravak–shravikas try to follow it as much as possible according to capacity.

1. Sharirik & manasik health (body and mind)

- At night, digestion is slower; heavy food then creates laziness, heaviness, and diseases. - If the stomach is light at night, sleep is better, mind is calmer, and one can wake up early for pratahkal pooja, jaap, dhyan. - Many Jain texts explain that regular ratri‑bhojan binds more paap karma and can become a cause for lower gatis (tiryancha / narak).

Digambar & Shwetambar

• Both traditions respect the principle of not eating after sunset.
• Exact practical rules (till what time, about water, medicines, etc.) can differ by sect and guru‑parampara, but mool bhav is same:

- Less himsa - More discipline - Better sadhana

In short: Raatri bhojan tyag = daily, easy, practical way to live ahimsa, aahar sanyam, and prepare the soul for spiritual progress.

You can read a simple explanation here