Answer

In many Jain traditions, men remove the shirt during Pratikraman as a sign of humility, simplicity, purity, and respect while performing a sacred repentance ritual.

It is not done for show, but to reduce worldly attachment and approach the ritual with a modest, disciplined, and devotional attitude.

Explanation

Pratikraman is a practice of:

• repenting for mistakes,
• asking forgiveness,
• purifying thoughts, words, and actions,
• returning toward the soul’s pure nature.

Removing the shirt symbolizes:

• Simplicity: reducing external decoration and comfort.
• Humility: standing before Arihant, Siddha, Guru, and Dharma without pride.
• Discipline: following traditional ritual conduct respectfully.
• Non-attachment: remembering that the body and clothing are external, while the soul is the true self.

This practice is especially seen among many Shvetambar Jain men during Pratikraman, Samayik, and certain religious rituals. Customs may differ depending on sect, region, family tradition, and guidance of one’s Guru.

Spiritual Understanding

Pratikraman is not mainly about the body or clothing. Its real purpose is inner purification. The external discipline supports the inner feeling of:

• “I am here to repent sincerely.”
• “I want to reduce ego.”
• “I want to become closer to the pure soul.”

Takeaway

The shirt is removed during Pratikraman as a traditional expression of simplicity, humility, and spiritual seriousness. However, the most important part of Pratikraman is sincere repentance, forgiveness, and awareness of the soul.