Answer

Yes. If you are not able to do Chauvihar, you can still do Pratikraman.

Chauvihar is a very good and spiritually beneficial practice, but it is not a requirement for doing Pratikraman.

Explanation

Pratikraman means looking back at one’s mistakes, asking forgiveness, and resolving to be more careful in thoughts, words, and actions.

Chauvihar means giving up all food and water after sunset until the next morning. It is a form of self-discipline and restraint.

If you cannot do Chauvihar due to health, age, travel, work, medicine, or other genuine reasons, you should still do Pratikraman with sincerity.

You may do:

• Chauvihar if possible
• Tivihar if you can give up food but need water
• Simple Pratikraman with devotion and repentance, even if Chauvihar is not possible

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, intention, awareness, and repentance are very important. Not doing Chauvihar should not stop you from doing Pratikraman.

It is better to do Pratikraman sincerely than to skip it because you could not observe Chauvihar.

Takeaway

Do Pratikraman with a pure heart. If Chauvihar is not possible, do as much restraint as you genuinely can, and continue your spiritual practice with devotion.