Pakkhi what is it?
In Jain Dharma, “Pakkhi” (also written Pakshi / Pakshik) usually means:
Fortnightly (every 15 days) religious observance.
Most commonly it is used in two ways:
- Pakkhi Pratikraman
- A special Pratikraman done once every fortnight (on the 14th tithi – Chaturdashi – of each lunar paksh). - It is a longer, more detailed repentance and reflection compared to daily Pratikraman.
- Pakkhi Upvas / Niyam
- A regular vow to do special sādhanā every fortnight, e.g.: - Upvas (full fast) - Ekasanu / Ayambil - Extra Pratikraman or Paushadh on that day.
So, in Jain usage, “Pakkhi” means a fixed, repeated practice done every paksh (fortnight), especially Pratikraman or Upvas.