“Vikathā” (विकथा) in Jain Dharma means useless / worldly talk that pulls the mind away from dharma.

Jain scriptures describe 4 types of vikathā:

1. Strī‑kathā (स्त्रीकथा)

- Talk about women / opposite gender, beauty, attraction, romance, etc. - In general: lustful or sensual talk.

1. Bhakta‑kathā (भक्तकथा)

- Talk about food, taste, dishes, enjoyment of eating, etc. - Constant discussion of “what to eat, where to eat” for pleasure.

1. Deśa‑kathā (देशकथा)

- Talk about places, countries, villages, travel, local news, gossip about regions, etc. - Aim is only time‑pass and excitement, not dharma.

1. Rāja‑kathā (राजकथा)

- Talk about kings, rulers, politics, power, wars, who is winning/losing, etc. - Today it includes endless political talk, party debates, etc.

All four are considered vikathā because:

• They create āsrava (inflow of karma).
• They disturb samyak darshan–gyān–chāritra (right faith, knowledge, conduct).
• They waste the precious human life in idle talk instead of samyak katha (dharmakathā).

So, 4 types of vikathā are:

1. Strī‑kathā
2. Bhakta‑kathā
3. Deśa‑kathā
4. Rāja‑kathā