Answer

In Jain Dharma, upwas means fasting for spiritual purification. Usually, a person doing upwas does not eat any food for the whole day. Many Jains also avoid drinking water, depending on their health, strength, and tradition.

How Upwas Is Done

• Take a peaceful intention: Begin with the feeling that the fast is for self-control, karma-shedding, and spiritual progress.
• Avoid food: No solid food is eaten during the upwas.
• Water rules: Some people take boiled water during permitted daytime hours; some do complete fasting without water. This depends on one’s capacity and tradition.
• Practice spiritual activities: Spend time in:
  • Samayik
  • Pratikraman
  • Navkar Mantra
  • Scripture reading
  • Meditation
  • Forgiveness and inner reflection
• Avoid anger and worldly distractions: Upwas is not only about not eating; it is also about controlling the mind, speech, and actions.
• Break the fast properly: The next day, upwas is usually completed with parna, meaning the fast is ended in a simple and respectful way, often with suitable food or boiled water.

Spiritual Understanding

Upwas helps reduce attachment to taste and body comforts. In Jain Dharma, fasting is a form of tapasya, which supports self-discipline, purification of the soul, and weakening of karmas.

Takeaway

Upwas should be done with devotion, humility, and awareness—not just as a physical fast. If you are new, elderly, young, pregnant, or have health issues, it is better to take guidance from a knowledgeable Jain elder, sadhu-sadhvi, or doctor before doing strict fasting.