Answer

Yes, in Jain Dharma, taking Upvas Pachkhan is considered necessary if you are doing Upvas as a religious vow.

Explanation

Upvas is not just “not eating food.” In Jain tradition, it is a conscious spiritual vow taken with discipline.

Pachkhan means making a clear resolve or vow, usually before a Guru Bhagwant or with proper devotional awareness.

By taking Pachkhan, a person clearly decides:

• What type of fasting they are doing
• For how long they will observe it
• What they will avoid
• That they are doing it for spiritual purification, not merely for health or habit

Without Pachkhan, it may still be physical fasting, but traditionally it is not considered a properly undertaken Jain Tapasya in the full religious sense.

Spiritual Understanding

Pachkhan gives firmness to the mind. It reduces carelessness and strengthens self-control. In Jain Dharma, intention, awareness, and restraint are very important. Pachkhan turns fasting into a vow of discipline, renunciation, and purification of karma.

Takeaway

If you are doing Upvas as Jain Tapasya, you should take proper Pachkhan according to your tradition and guidance from Guru Bhagwant or knowledgeable elders.