Vardhaman Tap is done mainly for spiritual purification, not for show or only for health.
Very simple explanation:
-
Vardhaman = gradually increasing
-
Tap = austerity / penance
So, it is a
tap that increases step‑by‑step (for example: 1 fast, then 2, then 3… or lighter to heavier rules, and then usually comes back down). (
jainknowledge.com)
- Why do we do Vardhaman Tap?
1.
To stop new karmas (saṁvar) – when we control food, tongue, comfort and routine, we reduce passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed), so fewer new karmas bind to the soul. (
jainknowledge.com)
2.
To shed old karmas (nirjarā) – disciplined fasting, ekāsan, ayambil etc. are forms of
tapasya taught in Jain Dharma to burn existing karmas.
3.
To practice self‑control (saṁyam) – we learn to say “no” to taste, laziness and comfort; this is basic training for walking on the path to moksha.
4.
To reduce attachment (aparigraha, vairāgya) – by living simply for many days, the mind slowly loosens its grip on food, body and routine.
5.
To strengthen inner sādhanā – along with fasting, one is expected to do
sāmāyik, svādhyāy, pratikraman, kāyotsarg etc. The
real tap is inside, not only on the plate. (
jainknowledge.com)
- Decide a
clear pachchakkhān (vow) in front of Dev-Guru-Dharma.
- Follow an
increasing pattern: for example only ayambil, or mix of ayambil / ekāsan / upvās / attham, etc., step by step increasing and then decreasing – exact pattern depends on local
maryādā and guidance of Guru.
- Keep strict rules of
daylight eating, boiled water timings, simple food, no taste‑seeking, and parallel
inner tap (prayers, forgiveness, humility).
- Both traditions respect
graded taps like Vardhaman Tap as a strong
bahya tap (external austerity) done for
samvar–nirjarā.
- Names, number of days, and exact sequence can differ by
maryādā, but
purpose is the same: control of passions and purification of the soul, never body‑torture or ego.
- Important Jain points to remember
- Do it only with
right faith, right knowledge and right conduct – not for fame, “title”, or competition.
-
Health comes second, soul comes first – but still, if body is very weak, ill, pregnant, small child, or very old, then such hard tap is
not advisable without Guru and doctor’s permission. (
jainknowledge.com)
- After completion, saying
“Vardhaman Tap pāyo” should be with
humility, gratitude and
kṛtajñatā (thankfulness), not pride. (
jainknowledge.com)
In essence:
We do Vardhaman Tap to slowly train ourselves in strong self‑control, stop and burn karmas, soften our kashāyas, and move a little closer toward the ideal life shown by the Tirthankars.
You can read a simple explanation here and health‑angle points here .
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