What drinks and eats a kevali
Answer
A
kevali is an omniscient being in Jainism, but whether a kevali eats or drinks is a
sect-wise difference. In Digambara tradition, a kevali does not eat or drink; in Śvetāmbara tradition, a kevalin may continue taking food and drink until final nirvāṇa, without attachment or karmic bondage. (
jainpedia.org)
Explanation
A kevali is one who has attained
kevala-jñāna, or omniscience, and is still in the body. Jain texts and later tradition describe this state differently across sects, especially on the question of bodily needs like hunger and thirst. (
jainpedia.org)
Spiritual Understanding
The deeper Jain point is that a kevali has completely conquered inner passions. So even where food and drink are accepted in Śvetāmbara understanding, it is not out of desire or attachment. In Digambara understanding, the kevali has transcended eating and drinking altogether. (
jainpedia.org)
Takeaway
So the simple answer is:
there is no single answer for all Jain traditions. Digambara says
no; Śvetāmbara says
yes, until nirvāṇa. (
dokumen.pub)