Answer

In Jain Dharma, doing 16 Upwas is considered a very serious form of tapasya. It affects the body strongly because the body receives little or no food for many days.

Common bodily effects may include:

• Weakness and tiredness
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headache
• Low energy
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Acidity or nausea in some people
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty walking or standing for long
• Increased need for rest

Explanation

During Upwas, the body does not get its usual nourishment. So it begins to use stored energy. Because of this, the body naturally becomes lighter and weaker.

In Jain practice, tapasya is not done to harm the body. It is done with awareness, self-control, and spiritual purpose. The body may become weak, but the aim is to strengthen the soul’s qualities like:

• Discipline
• Detachment
• Control over desires
• Patience
• Equanimity

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, fasting is a form of bahya tapas — external austerity. But the inner attitude is more important than the outer act.

A 16 Upwas should be done with:

• Samayik, Pratikraman, Swadhyay, and prayer
• Calmness and humility
• No pride about tapasya
• No anger, irritation, or expectation of praise
• Guidance from elders, guru, or experienced people

Important Caution

16 Upwas is physically demanding. If a person has illness, diabetes, blood pressure issues, pregnancy, weakness, or is taking medicines, they should be very careful and seek proper guidance.

In Jain Dharma, tapasya should be done according to one’s shakti — capacity. Forcing the body beyond safe limits is not the true spirit of tapasya.

Takeaway

16 Upwas can make the body weak, light, and tired, but when done properly with right intention, it becomes a powerful practice of self-control, detachment, and spiritual purification.