Answer

In Jain Dharma, men do not usually do physical vandan to a sadhvi in the same way they may do to a sadhu, mainly to preserve maryada and brahmacharya.

However, this does not mean a male Jain should not show respect to a sadhvi. Respect is always proper. The form of respect is usually kept non-contact and according to the tradition of the sangh.

Explanation

The main reasons are:

• Brahmacharya and purity of conduct

Jain ascetics follow very strict vows. Avoiding physical contact helps maintain complete restraint.

• Maryada of the sangh

Jain tradition gives importance to proper limits between monks, nuns, and laypeople.

• Avoiding attachment and worldly भावना

Jain practice emphasizes detachment. Even respectful physical contact is often avoided if it can create any worldly भावना.

• Sect and tradition differences

In some Jain traditions, the rules of vandan for sadhvi are more formal and restrained than for sadhus.

So, a male devotee may still:

• bow respectfully,
• join hands,
• do namaskar from a proper distance,
• listen with reverence,
• seek blessings without physical contact.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jainism, respect is not only in the gesture, but in the inner भाव. True vandan means:

• humility,
• reverence,
• obedience to dharma,
• and absence of ego.

So even if physical touching is avoided, the respect remains full and sincere.

Takeaway

Men do not avoid respecting sadhvi; they usually avoid physical vandan to maintain Jain discipline, brahmacharya, and maryada. In Jain Dharma, the purity of भावना is more important than the form of the gesture.