What is pacchakhan?

Pachchakhan (Pratyākhyāna / Pratyākhyan) in Jainism means taking a vow or formal renunciation.

It is the practice of giving up certain food, actions, or comforts for a fixed period or for life, with firm intention and awareness. It helps in:

• self-discipline
• reduction of attachment
• increase in tapas (austerity)
• protection of ahimsa

In daily Jain practice, pacchakhan is often taken for things like:

• not eating after a certain time
• fasting
• avoiding specific foods
• observing restraint for a particular period

In simple words: pacchakhan is a conscious vow of renunciation taken in Jain dharma.

If you want, I can also explain the types of pacchakhan or give a simple example of how it is taken.