How is porsi calculated

In Jainism, "porsi" (also spelled "porshi") refers to a specific time in the morning after sunrise, which is significant for the timing of meals, especially for lay followers (śrāvaks/śrāvikās) observing daily vows. According to Jain discipline, eating must be completed within a certain time after sunrise, and these time periods are traditionally divided into:

1. Porsi (Porshi)
2. Sadh Porsi
3. Purimuddh
4. Avaddh

Calculation of Porsi:

• Porsi is calculated as the end of the fourth prahar (one-fourth of the time between sunrise and sunset) after sunrise.
• Traditionally, the time from sunrise to sunset is divided into eight equal parts (each called a "pahar" or "prahar").
• The time for porsi is after the passage of 48 minutes from sunrise (since one prahar is 3 hours, so one-eighth is 1.5 hours, but for porsi, the calculation is specifically 48 minutes).
• In many Jain calendars, porsi time is 48 minutes after sunrise. For example, if sunrise is at 6:00 AM, then porsi is at 6:48 AM.

Significance:

• Many Jains, while observing certain vows (vrats), will eat only after sunrise and complete their meals before a specific period, often before porsi or before the subsequent time divisions.
• Eating after these prescribed times is discouraged for those following stricter observance.

Summary Table: | Term | Time After Sunrise | |---------------|--------------------| | Porsi | 48 minutes | | Sadh Porsi | 1 hour 36 minutes | | Purimuddh | 2 hours 24 minutes | | Avaddh | 3 hours 12 minutes |

Note: Exact timings may vary slightly based on local traditions or interpretations.

References:

• Jain Agams and traditional Jain calendars (Panchang)
• Books on Jain daily practices (Jain Dharma ka Maulik Swaroop, etc.)

If you have a specific location or date, you can consult a Jain Panchang for exact porsi timings for that day.