Answer

The difference between Chauvihar Upvas and Tivihar Upvas is mainly about whether water is taken after sunset.

• Chauvihar Upvas: No food and no water are taken after sunset, and during the upvas period.
• Tivihar Upvas: No food is taken, but boiled water may be taken during the allowed time, usually before sunset.

Explanation

Upvas means fasting with spiritual awareness, not just avoiding food. In Jain Dharma, fasting is done to reduce attachment to the body and senses, and to increase self-control.

• Chauvihar means giving up all four types of intake:
  • Food
  • Water
  • Mukhvas or mouth-fresheners
  • Any other edible or drinkable intake
• Tivihar means giving up three types of intake, but water is allowed within the proper Jain rule, generally boiled water and only during the permitted time.

So, in simple words:

• Chauvihar Upvas = complete fast without food and water.
• Tivihar Upvas = fast without food, but boiled water may be taken during the allowed period.

Spiritual Understanding

Chauvihar is considered stricter because it involves complete control over both hunger and thirst. Tivihar is also spiritually valuable and is practiced with discipline, especially when a person cannot safely or comfortably do Chauvihar.

The main purpose of both is:

• Self-control
• Reduction of attachment
• Purification of thoughts
• Greater focus on prayer, samayik, pratikraman, and spiritual reflection

Takeaway

Chauvihar Upvas is fasting without food and water, while Tivihar Upvas allows boiled water during the proper time. Both are respected Jain tapas when done with right intention, discipline, and spiritual awareness.