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  • How to wear lower clothes in Shvetambar sadhus
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    Jain Follower

    How to wear lower clothes in Shvetambar sadhus

    5 months ago 103

    In Śvetāmbara saṅgh, the basic rule is:

    • Cloth must be white, simple, un-stitched (or minimally stitched), clean and plain
    • It is worn only as a means to cover the body with maximum simplicity and minimum possession, not for style

    For Śvetāmbara sādhu/sādhvī, the lower cloth is usually called “cholapaṭṭak” (or similar local term).

    1. Basic points about the lower cloth (cholapaṭṭak)

    • One rectangular white cloth
    • Length: enough to go once around the waist and reach till mid‑shin or ankles
    • Width: usually from waist to below knee / near ankle
    • No borders, no design, no color, no pockets etc.
    • It should not be transparent or very thin

    2. How it is worn (general method)

    1. Take the cloth lengthwise

    - Hold it behind the body, at waist level.

    1. Wrap around the waist once

    - Bring both ends forward so it covers the lower body like a plain wrap‑around.

    1. Overlap the two ends in the front or side

    - One end goes slightly inside / under the other, so that it holds by simple tucking.

    1. Tuck gently at the waist

    - Only a small tuck is done, just enough so it does not fall. - No tight knots, no elaborate folding.

    1. Check the length

    - It should not be too short (must properly cover legs) - Not so long that it drags on the ground while walking.

    1. No “kachchā” style

    - In Jain sādhu maryādā, generally the lower cloth is not taken between the legs and tucked like a dhoti’s “kachchā”. - It remains as a straight, loose, simple wrap.

    3. Important maryādā (discipline) about this cloth

    • Always shuddha (pure): washed, dried properly, not used for sleeping or worldly work.
    • Worn only for lajjā (modesty), not with any sense of decoration.
    • Number of clothes is kept minimum, according to each gaccha/saṅgh rules.
    • While walking, sitting, standing, the cloth should remain properly covering and modest.

    4. Small variations

    • Exact length, way of tucking, and overlap side can differ slightly from one gaccha (sect) or guru‑paramparā to another, but basic principles remain:
    - White, simple, un-stitched/minimally stitched - Loose wrap around waist - No fashion, no show, only modesty and simplicity.

    If you are asking for practical training (e.g., for sādhutā preparation), this is normally taught directly by Āchārya / guru or senior sādhu‑sādhvī in your own saṅgh, because each tradition has its own strict details which must be followed exactly.

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