Answer

Chhath Attham Tap is a Jain tapasya in which a person observes fasting in a disciplined way, usually connected with Chhath and Attham types of upvas.

The exact procedure can vary slightly by Jain tradition, family practice, and guidance of one’s Guru or Upashray. So it should ideally be done after taking guidance from a knowledgeable sadhu, sadhvi, or local Jain scholar.

General Procedure

A commonly followed way is:

• Take Pachchakkhan: Before beginning, take proper vow of the tap according to your capacity.
• Observe Upvas: Fast as per the Chhath-Attham pattern advised to you.
• Follow Jain discipline: Maintain ahimsa, truthfulness, celibacy, simplicity, and control over speech and thoughts.
• Do Dharma Dhyan: Spend time in Samayik, Pratikraman, Navkar Mantra, Stavan, Swadhyay, and contemplation.
• Avoid worldly activities: Reduce entertainment, anger, gossip, unnecessary talking, and attachment to comforts.
• Do Parna properly: Break the fast only at the proper time, with proper bhaav, and according to the rules of your vow.

Important Points

• Do not begin this tap only by reading instructions online.
• Take guidance regarding:
  • number of fasting days,
  • whether boiled water is allowed,
  • timing of water,
  • parna method,
  • daily religious activities.
• If you are elderly, pregnant, ill, diabetic, or on medication, do not undertake this tapasya without medical and spiritual guidance.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, tap is not only about not eating. Its true purpose is:

• reducing attachment to the body,
• purifying karma,
• strengthening self-control,
• increasing devotion toward Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu, and Dharma.

Takeaway

Chhath Attham Tap should be performed with right faith, proper vow, inner purity, and guidance from Guru Bhagwant or a knowledgeable Jain authority. The bhaav behind the tap is more important than physical difficulty alone.