Answer

In Jain Dharma, there is no fixed age at which a person must start doing Upavas.

A Jain may do Upavas when they have:

• Enough physical strength
• Proper understanding of the vow
• Guidance from parents, elders, or Guru
• Ability to do it without harming the body

Explanation

Children are usually not forced to do Upavas. Many Jain children first begin with smaller forms of tapasya, such as:

• Eating simple food
• Avoiding favorite foods
• Doing Ekasan
• Doing Beasan
• Observing partial fasting

As they grow older and understand the spiritual purpose, they may choose to do Upavas.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jainism, Upavas is not only about not eating. Its deeper meaning is to stay closer to the soul by reducing attachment to the body, taste, and desires.

So, Upavas should be done with:

• Faith
• Peaceful mind
• Self-control
• Spiritual intention

Takeaway

There is no compulsory age for Upavas in Jainism. It should be done only when the person is ready physically, mentally, and spiritually, preferably with proper guidance.