Answer

In Jain Dharma, Chath Attham generally means doing tapas where one observes:

• Chath – fasting for two consecutive days
• Attham – fasting for three consecutive days

So, Chath-Attham usually refers to a pattern of fasting involving two-day and three-day fasts, often done with proper religious discipline, samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, and bhaav of purification.

How to Do It

• Take the vow of fasting with proper intention, ideally in the presence or guidance of a Guru, sadhu-sadhvi, or knowledgeable Jain elder.
• During the fast, avoid food completely according to the type of tapas you have taken.
• Follow the rules of upvas, such as spiritual focus, non-violence, restraint, and purity of mind, speech, and body.
• Do samayik, pratikraman, navkar mantra jaap, swadhyay, and reflection on the soul.
• Avoid anger, gossip, entertainment, unnecessary talking, and worldly distractions.
• Complete the tapas with proper parna at the appropriate time, following Jain practice.

Important Guidance

Please do Chath Attham only if your health allows. Jain tapas should be done with right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct — not with ego, pressure, or harm to the body.

If you are new to fasting, start with smaller tapas such as:

• Ekasan
• Beasan
• Ayambil
• Upvas

Then gradually proceed under guidance.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of Chath Attham is not merely staying hungry. Its true purpose is:

• Reducing attachment to the body
• Controlling desires
• Purifying karma
• Increasing awareness of the soul
• Practicing discipline, forgiveness, and equanimity

Takeaway

Do Chath Attham with humility, proper guidance, spiritual focus, and care for health. The inner bhaav is more important than the outer austerity.