Answer

Yes, you can bathe at night during Paryushan, but in Jain practice it is generally considered better to bathe during the day, with awareness and care for ahimsa.

Explanation

During Paryushan, the focus is on:

• Reducing harm to living beings
• Increasing self-discipline
• Doing pratikraman, samayik, swadhyay, and tapasya
• Living with more simplicity and awareness

Bathing at night is often avoided by many Jains because:

• In darkness, there may be greater chance of harming small living beings unknowingly.
• Paryushan encourages extra carefulness in daily activities.
• Traditional households may prefer completing bathing and other bodily activities before sunset.

However, if there is a practical need—such as hygiene, health, work schedule, or discomfort—you may bathe at night with care.

Spiritual Understanding

The main Jain principle is not merely “day or night,” but carefulness, restraint, and non-violence. If bathing at night, do it mindfully:

• Use clean, filtered water if possible.
• Use minimum water.
• Avoid unnecessary luxury or long bathing.
• Be careful while walking, turning on lights, and using water.

Takeaway

Bathing at night during Paryushan is not absolutely forbidden for laypeople, but it is better to avoid it if possible. If necessary, do it simply, carefully, and with the feeling of ahimsa and restraint.