Answer

Yes, in many Jain practices of tapasya, it is commonly followed that one may drink boiled water only up to a fixed time before sunset — often around before 6 pm, depending on the local sunset time and family/tradition.

However, the more accurate Jain principle is not simply “6 pm,” but before sunset.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, especially during fasting and tapasya, there are careful rules about food and water because of:

• Ahimsa — minimizing harm to living beings
• Discipline — controlling taste, desire, and dependency
• Purity of conduct — following restraint with awareness

For many tapasya practices, people drink only boiled water, and that too only during the permitted daytime period. Since sunset time changes by place and season, some people use a practical fixed time like 6 pm. But traditionally, the limit is connected to sunset, not the clock time itself.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose is not merely to follow a time rule mechanically. The deeper aim is to cultivate:

• self-control,
• awareness,
• detachment from bodily comfort,
• and reverence for life.

If someone is doing tapasya, they should follow the guidance of their Guru Bhagwant, Sadhvi ji, family tradition, or sampraday rules, because details may differ depending on the type of tapasya.

Takeaway

Saying “water only before 6 pm” is a common practical rule, but the traditional Jain understanding is: boiled water may be taken only during the permitted daytime period, generally before sunset, according to the tapasya being observed.