Answer

The word is usually written as Chauvihar or Chovihar.

It means taking a vow to avoid all four types of food and drink after sunset.

Explanation

The name comes from:

• Chau / Chovi = four
• Vihar = consumption or activity related to taking food/drink

So Chauvihar means giving up four kinds of intake:

• Food
• Water
• Mukhvas / mouth-freshener type items
• Any other edible or drinkable intake

In simple words, after doing Chauvihar, one does not eat or drink anything until the next morning, according to the vow taken.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, Chauvihar is practiced to reduce harm to tiny living beings, especially after sunset when visibility is low and microorganisms may be more active. It also helps develop self-control, discipline, and awareness toward food and desire.

Takeaway

It is called Chauvihar because it involves renouncing four types of intake, especially after sunset, as a practice of ahimsa and self-restraint.