Answer

In Jain Dharma, after doing Upvas, doing Pratikraman is considered very important and spiritually appropriate.

Whether it is “compulsory” can depend on one’s tradition, capacity, and the specific vow taken, but generally:

• If you are observing Upvas as a religious tapasya, you should do Pratikraman if possible.
• Pratikraman helps purify any mistakes committed by mind, speech, or body during the day.
• If you cannot do full Pratikraman due to health, time, or lack of knowledge, you should at least do sincere repentance, forgiveness, and recite basic prayers according to your capacity.

Explanation

Upvas means not only fasting from food, but also trying to stay closer to the soul by reducing attachment, anger, ego, greed, and worldly activities.

Pratikraman means looking back at one’s faults, asking forgiveness, and resolving not to repeat them.

So, Upvas without inner purification is incomplete in spirit. Pratikraman supports the true purpose of Upvas.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, tapasya is not only physical fasting. Its real aim is:

• self-control,
• purification of karma,
• forgiveness,
• awareness of the soul,
• and reduction of passions.

Pratikraman makes the Upvas more meaningful because it brings humility and repentance.

Takeaway

If you do Upvas, try your best to do Pratikraman also. If full Pratikraman is not possible, do it according to your strength with sincere bhav, repentance, and forgiveness. In Jain Dharma, sincere intention and purity of conduct are very important.