Answer

During Paryushan, Jains generally drink only boiled and cooled water, and only during the permitted daytime period according to one’s tradition and vows.

Commonly acceptable drinks are:

• Boiled water
• Warm boiled water
• Cooled boiled water

Many people avoid drinks like:

• Tea or coffee
• Milkshakes
• Juices
• Cold drinks
• Packaged beverages
• Unboiled water

Explanation

In Jain practice, especially during Paryushan, great care is taken to reduce harm to minute living beings. Water is boiled because unboiled water may contain subtle life forms. After boiling, it is usually consumed within a specific time limit followed by one’s family, sect, or local Jain tradition.

Those doing upvas, ekasana, biyasana, or other tapasya should follow the specific rules of that vow.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is a time of purification, restraint, forgiveness, and deeper awareness. Drinking simple boiled water supports the Jain values of:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Sanyam — self-control
• Tapasya — austerity
• Jagruti — spiritual awareness

Takeaway

The safest and most traditional answer is: drink only boiled water, according to your Paryushan vows and family or sangh tradition.