In Jain dharma, we usually do not classify eggs (fertilised or unfertilised) simply as ekendriya like a plant or water‑body, and then allow them. The question is looked at from ahimsā and potential life, not only from the standard jīva‑varganā classification.

Key points in simple terms:

1. Jain view on eggs in general

- Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions treat eggs (of birds, fish, etc.) as life or potential life. - Because of this, all eggs are avoided in Jain diet – whether someone calls them “fertilised” or “unfertilised”.

1. Why the “unfertilised” argument is not accepted in practice

- In real life it is very hard to be 100% sure about fertilisation, how the egg was obtained, stored, processed, etc. - Jain householders are guided to stay on the safe side of ahimsā, so they simply avoid all eggs, rather than entering into technical debates of “this one has jīva, that one doesn’t”.

1. About ekendriya classification

- Jain śāstra classifies jīvas by number of senses: - 1‑sensed (ekendriya) – earth, water, fire, air, plants, etc. - up to 5‑sensed (panchendriya) – animals, humans, devas, nāraki, etc. - Ordinary discussion like “Is this egg ekendriya?” is not the main basis used by Jains for food rules. - For food, the central question is: “Does this involve violence to actual or potential higher‑sensed beings?” - Eggs clearly relate to animal life (trasa jīvas, like birds/fish – ultimately 5‑sensed). - So they are treated as non‑veg and not permitted, not as a harmless ekendriya item.

1. Practical conclusion

- From Jain dharma perspective: - We do not say eggs are “okay” just by calling them ekendriya. - All eggs, fertilised or unfertilised, are to be avoided due to ahimsā and respect for potential life.

So, even if someone argues that an unfertilised egg has no developed jīva, Jain practice and guidance is clear: A Jain should not eat eggs at all.