Answer

Yes, in general, dairy milk may be consumed during Paryushan, as long as it is:

• Fresh
• Boiled properly
• Consumed within the appropriate time limit followed in your tradition
• Not taken after sunset, if your Paryushan discipline includes avoiding food/drink at night

However, if you have taken a specific vow such as upvas, ekasana, beasana, ayambil, or giving up dairy, then you should follow that vow.

Explanation

During Paryushan, Jains practice greater self-discipline, non-violence, simplicity, and control over taste. Many people reduce or avoid rich foods, sweets, fried items, and indulgent foods.

Milk itself is not automatically prohibited for everyone during Paryushan, but practices differ by family, sect, and personal vows.

For example:

• During ayambil, milk is generally not taken because ayambil avoids milk, curd, ghee, oil, sweets, spices, and tasty foods.
• During upvas, one does not eat food; some may take only boiled water depending on their vow.
• Some people voluntarily give up dairy during Paryushan as a form of tapasya and compassion.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of Paryushan is not only about what we eat, but about reducing attachment, practicing ahimsa, controlling desires, doing pratikraman, asking forgiveness, and purifying the soul.

So if milk increases attachment to taste, one may choose to avoid it. If it is needed for health and no vow forbids it, it may be taken with awareness and restraint.

Takeaway

You can generally drink dairy milk during Paryushan unless your specific vow, family tradition, guru’s guidance, or sect practice restricts it. When in doubt, follow your local Jain sadhu-sadhvi, guru, or family tradition.