Answer

Nirjala Upvas in Jain Dharma means observing a fast without taking any food or water.

It is usually done from sunrise to the next day’s sunrise, though in Jain practice the exact timing may follow the guidance of one’s family tradition, Guru, or local Sangh.

How Nirjala Upvas Is Done

A person observing Nirjala Upvas:

• Does not eat any food.
• Does not drink water.
• Avoids unnecessary physical comfort and worldly activities.
• Spends the day in spiritual activities such as:
  • Samayik
  • Pratikraman
  • Swadhyay
  • Japa
  • Meditation
  • Listening to pravachan
• Maintains peaceful thoughts, restraint, humility, and forgiveness.

From When Is It Started?

In common Jain practice, Nirjala Upvas starts after taking the proper intention or vow, often called pachchakhān / pratyakhyan.

Usually:

• One takes food and water before the fast begins, according to Jain rules.
• The fast begins from the decided time, commonly from sunrise.
• It continues until the next day when the fast is completed with proper parna, according to tradition.

Some people may begin after Chauvihar the previous evening, meaning they stop food and water from sunset and continue the upvas the next day. Practices can differ by sect, region, and family tradition.

Spiritual Understanding

Nirjala Upvas is not only about not eating or drinking. Its deeper purpose is:

• To reduce attachment to the body.
• To practice self-control.
• To purify thoughts and actions.
• To increase awareness of the soul.
• To support the shedding of karmas through tapa.

Important Guidance

Nirjala Upvas is a strong austerity. It should be done with:

• Proper faith and understanding.
• Guidance from Guru, elders, or knowledgeable Jain practitioners.
• Consideration of one’s health and capacity.

If a person is ill, weak, pregnant, elderly, or taking medicines, they should not force such tapasya without proper guidance.

Takeaway

Nirjala Upvas is done by completely giving up food and water for the chosen period, usually from sunrise to next sunrise, with spiritual discipline and pratyakhyan. Its true value lies in inner purity, restraint, and devotion, not merely physical fasting.