Answer

To take a 1-day Upwas without water in Jain Dharma, you should take a proper Pachkan / Pachkhān before starting the fast, usually from a Sadhu, Sadhvi, Guru Bhagwant, or knowledgeable Jain elder.

A simple intention is:

“I take Pachkan for one Upwas without food and without water, with awareness and purity of mind, for spiritual purification.”

If you know the traditional Pachkan wording in your tradition, you should recite that exact wording. If not, please take it from a Guru Bhagwant or knowledgeable person, because sacred Pachkan words should not be guessed or changed.

Explanation

For a 1-day Chauvihar Upwas or Nirjala Upwas:

• Do not eat any food.
• Do not drink water.
• Maintain calmness, forgiveness, and self-control.
• Avoid anger, gossip, entertainment, and unnecessary activities.
• Do more Samayik, Pratikraman, Navkar Mantra, Swadhyay, meditation, and devotion.

Usually, the fast begins after taking Pachkan and continues until the proper Parna time the next day, according to your Jain tradition and local practice.

Important Note

If you are new to Upwas, have health issues, take medicines, are elderly, pregnant, or have dehydration risk, please consult a doctor and also ask a Guru Bhagwant or senior Jain before doing Upwas without water.

Spiritual Understanding

Upwas is not only about avoiding food and water. In Jain Dharma, the deeper meaning is to stay closer to the soul by reducing attachment to the body and senses. The main purpose is:

• Reducing raag-dwesh
• Practicing sanyam
• Increasing inner purity
• Remembering the soul’s true nature

Takeaway

Take Pachkan respectfully, follow the fast with purity, and do Parna properly. If you do not know the exact traditional Pachkan, do not invent it—take it from a Guru Bhagwant or knowledgeable Jain person.