Answer

During Paryushan, Jains eat food that is simple, non-violent, and supportive of spiritual discipline.

Commonly allowed foods include:

• Simple vegetarian food
• Grains like wheat, rice, and lentils, depending on family tradition
• Milk, curd, ghee, and other dairy items, where traditionally accepted
• Dry fruits and nuts
• Fruits, if allowed by one’s tradition or vow
• Boiled water, usually consumed only during permitted hours

Commonly avoided foods include:

• Root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radish, beetroot, etc.
• Green leafy vegetables, in many traditions
• Fermented foods
• Food prepared after sunset or eaten at night
• Stale or leftover food
• Foods involving higher violence or carelessness

Explanation

Paryushan is a time for self-control, repentance, forgiveness, and purification of the soul. Food is kept simple so that the mind becomes calm and focused on dharma.

Many Jains observe additional vows such as:

• Upvas – complete fasting
• Ekasan – eating once in one sitting
• Beasan – eating twice in two sittings
• Ayambil – eating very plain food without taste-enhancing items
• Chauvihar – no food or water after sunset
• Tivihar – no food after sunset, but water may be allowed within rules

Food rules may differ slightly between Shvetambar, Digambar, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, and family traditions, so one should follow the guidance of their guru, elders, or sangh.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose is not just “what to eat,” but to reduce attachment to taste and comfort. Eating with awareness helps develop:

• Ahimsa – non-violence
• Sanyam – self-restraint
• Tap – austerity
• Samta – inner balance

Takeaway

In Paryushan, eat simple Jain food, avoid root vegetables and careless eating, and follow the level of discipline suitable to your vow and tradition. The main goal is purity of conduct, control of desires, and progress toward the soul’s spiritual upliftment.