Answer

In Jain tradition, three consecutive fasts are called Atham because the word is traditionally connected with fasting observed up to the eighth tithi or with the practice associated with three days of complete fasting in Jain tapasya.

In common Jain usage:

• Ekasan / Beasan are food-discipline practices.
• Upvas means one full-day fast.
• Chhath generally refers to two consecutive fasts.
• Atham refers to three consecutive fasts.

Explanation

The term Atham is widely used in Jain society for three continuous upvas. It is especially heard during Paryushan, Ayambil Oli, and other periods of tapasya.

The exact linguistic explanation can vary by regional Jain usage, but practically, when someone says:

• “I did one upvas” — it means one fast.
• “I did chhath” — it means two fasts.
• “I did atham” — it means three fasts.

So, Atham has become the accepted Jain term for three consecutive fasting days.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, fasting is not only about not eating. It is a way to:

• reduce attachment to the body,
• control desires,
• increase self-discipline,
• purify karma through tapasya,
• focus more on samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, and inner awareness.

Takeaway

Atham means three consecutive fasts in Jain practice. Its importance is not merely the number of days, but the inner spirit of restraint, purity, and detachment with which the tapasya is performed.