In Jainism, Samvar refers to the process of stopping the influx of karmas to the soul. One of the important practices to achieve Samvar is taking Pachchhakhāṇ (also spelled as Pachkhan or Pachchhakhana), which means making specific vows or resolutions undertaken by monks (Sadhus), nuns (Sadhvis), and even lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) to limit activities and thus reduce the inflow of new karmas.

Sadhumargi refers to followers of the Sthanakvasi sect, which emphasizes non-idolatrous worship and strict adherence to the teachings of Jain Agamas.

Samvar Pachchhakhān in Sadhumargi Tradition

Among Sadhumargis, daily and periodic Pachchhakhans are taken to practice self-restraint (Samyam) and control over senses and activities. These can include:

• Alochana: Confession of faults or mistakes.
• Pratikraman: Periodic repentance and reflection, performed daily, fortnightly, or annually.
• Pachchhakhān: Taking specific vows for a set period, such as:

- Aayambil: Eating one meal of tasteless food in a day. - Ekasana: Eating once a day, in one place. - Upvas: Complete fasting for a day. - Chauvihar: Avoiding food and water after sunset. - Sthanakvasi Pachchhakhān: It can include various resolutions such as avoiding certain foods, places, or activities, not harming any living being, or refraining from certain actions for a fixed time.

Purpose: All these vows and resolutions aim to:

• Control passions (Kashayas)
• Reduce violence (Ahimsa)
• Increase awareness and mindfulness (Samyak Darshan)
• Gradually purify the soul by stopping new karmic bondage (Samvar)

Typical Sadhumargi Pachchhakhān Formula: "Panchhakhān" is usually taken in the presence of a Guru, monk, or in front of the Navkar Mantra, with a statement of intent, for example: "I take the Pachchhakhān to avoid eating root vegetables for one month."

Summary Table:

| Samvar Pachchhakhān | Meaning/Practice | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Alochana | Confession | | Pratikraman | Repentance/reflection | | Aayambil | One tasteless meal per day | | Ekasana | Eating once a day, at one place | | Upvas | Fasting for a day | | Chauvihar | No food/water after sunset | | Sthula Pachchhakhān | Larger, more stringent vows (e.g., no violence) |

These practices are an integral part of Jain daily spiritual discipline, especially among the Sadhumargi Sthanakvasi community, to ensure the soul's progress on the path to liberation (Moksha).