Answer

During Chaturmas, Jains commonly observe these fasting and dietary disciplines:

• Upvas — complete fast, usually no food for the day
• Ekasana — eating only once in a day
• Biyasana — eating only twice in a day
• Ayambil — one bland meal without spices, oil, milk, fruits, or sweets
• Chauvihar — not eating after sunset
• Atthai — fast for 8 consecutive days
• Masakshaman — fast for about one month
• Varshitap — a year-long vow of alternate fasting and limited eating

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, Chaturmas is a sacred time for restraint, tapasya, and self-purification. The exact practice may vary by sect, family tradition, and personal ability.

Some people do:

• full fasts,
• partial fasts,
• simple meals,
• or daily restraint like avoiding food after sunset.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of fasting in Chaturmas is not only to reduce food, but to reduce attachment, discipline the senses, and strengthen inner purity. It helps a seeker turn inward with humility and devotion.

Takeaway

The main fasting names during Chaturmas are Upvas, Ekasana, Biyasana, Ayambil, Chauvihar, Atthai, Masakshaman, and Varshitap. The best vow is the one taken with sincerity and proper self-discipline.