Answer

Jains follow many types of fasts, mainly for self-control, purification of karma, and spiritual discipline.

Common Jain fasts include:

• Chauvihar Upvas – fasting for the whole day and night without food and water after sunset.
• Tivihar Upvas – fasting without food, but boiled water may be taken during the permitted time.
• Ekasan – eating only once in a day, in one sitting.
• Beyasan – eating twice in a day, in two sittings.
• Ayambil – eating once a day, simple tasteless food without spices, oil, ghee, milk, curd, sweets, etc.
• Upvas – complete fasting for one day.
• Attham – fasting for three continuous days.
• Atthai – fasting for eight continuous days.
• Masakshaman – fasting for one month.
• Varsitap – alternate-day fasting for about one year, traditionally connected with Bhagwan Rishabhdev.
• Sallekhana / Santhara – a sacred vow of peaceful, detached fasting at the end of life, undertaken with spiritual awareness and proper guidance.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, fasting is not only about avoiding food. It is a form of tapasya, meaning spiritual austerity. The aim is to reduce attachment to the body, control desires, practice discipline, and focus more on the soul.

Some fasts are short and commonly practiced by householders, such as Ekasan, Beyasan, Ayambil, and Upvas. Others, such as Atthai, Masakshaman, and Varsitap, require greater strength, preparation, and devotion.

Spiritual Understanding

Fasting helps a Jain practice:

• Ahimsa – reducing harm caused through consumption
• Sanyam – control over senses and desires
• Tap – austerity for shedding karmas
• Samata – equanimity in comfort and discomfort

Takeaway

Jains follow many types of fasts, from simple one-sitting meals to long austerities. The true purpose is not physical hardship, but purification of the soul and reduction of attachment.