Answer

In Jain Dharma, Chhath Attham generally means doing upvas (fasting) connected with the 6th and 8th tithi as a form of tapasya. The exact practice may vary by Jain tradition, so it is best to do it with guidance from your Guru Maharaj, Sadhviji, or knowledgeable elder.

How to Do Chhath Attham

Commonly, the practice includes:

• Take Pachchakkhan: Before starting, take proper vow/pachchakkhan according to your capacity.
• Observe Upvas: Do fasting on the prescribed tithi, usually with only boiled water during allowed time if your tradition permits.
• Follow Jain food discipline: Avoid night eating, avoid prohibited items, and maintain purity in conduct.
• Do Samayik: Spend time in equanimity, self-reflection, and spiritual discipline.
• Do Pratikraman: Ask forgiveness for faults and purify thoughts, words, and actions.
• Chant Namokar Mantra: Recite Navkar/Namokar Mantra with devotion.
• Study or listen to Dharma: Read Jain scriptures, listen to pravachan, or reflect on Jain principles.
• Keep inner purity: Avoid anger, pride, deceit, greed, gossip, and harmful thoughts.
• Do Parna properly: Break the fast at the proper time, in the proper Jain way, according to your tradition.

Important

Do not perform difficult tapasya only out of pressure or ego. Jain tapasya should be done with:

• Right faith
• Humility
• Self-control
• Ahimsa
• Guidance from Guru

If you have health issues, are elderly, pregnant, diabetic, or on medicine, consult a doctor and take guidance from a Jain Guru before doing fasting.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of Chhath Attham is not just to avoid food. Its deeper purpose is to reduce attachment to the body, control desires, purify karma, and increase focus on the soul.

Takeaway

Do Chhath Attham with proper pachchakkhan, spiritual discipline, humility, and guidance. The real tapasya is not only fasting, but remaining peaceful, pure, and devoted to the path of the soul.