Answer

During Paryushan, it is best to avoid eating at night if you are trying to follow Jain discipline.

In Jain Dharma, night eating is generally discouraged because it may involve harm to tiny living beings and can reduce spiritual awareness. During Paryushan, many Jains become especially careful about food, restraint, and non-violence.

What You Can Do

• If you are able to control the hunger, peacefully avoid eating and drink boiled/cooled water only if it is within your family’s practice and time rules.
• Remind yourself that Paryushan is a time for sanyam — self-restraint.
• You can do a small prayer, Navkar Mantra, or quiet reflection to calm the mind.
• If there is a health issue, weakness, medication need, or medical reason, do not harm your health. Jain Dharma does not ask one to act carelessly with the body.

Spiritual Understanding

The main purpose of Paryushan is inner purification through ahimsa, forgiveness, self-control, and awareness. Resisting a craving with peaceful intention becomes a form of tapasya.

Takeaway

If it is only a craving, try to let it pass with awareness. If it is a genuine health need, act responsibly and keep a humble feeling of restraint.