Navkarsi tap is a Jain austerity in which a person does not eat or drink anything until after reciting the Navkar Mantra and waiting for 48 minutes after sunrise.

Simple meaning:

• “Navkarsi” = taking food only after doing Navkar mantra at the proper time
• “Tap” = a form of austerity / restraint

Main point:

1. Gets up before or at sunrise,
2. Recites the Navkar Mantra,
3. Waits for the prescribed time after sunrise,
4. Then takes the first meal or water.

Spiritual purpose:

• To begin the day with smaran of Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus
• To develop discipline, self-control, and reverence
• To reduce laziness and strengthen dharma-bhavana

In many Jain traditions, this is considered a daily spiritual practice and also a mild form of tap.