What is tivihar pachkha

In Jainism, "Tivihar Pachkhan" (sometimes spelled as "Tivihar Pachkhaṇ" or "Tivihar Pachkhan") refers to a specific religious vow (pachkhan) related to food intake and movement.

Meaning:

• "Ti" means "three."
• "Vihar" means "activities" or "movements" (usually referring to the three activities: eating, drinking, and movement).
• "Pachkhan" means "vow" or "resolve."

Tivihar Pachkhan is the vow in which a Jain layperson (Shravak/Shravika) resolves to abstain from three things after sunset or during a specific period:

1. Not to eat food (no solid food intake).
2. Not to drink water.
3. Not to travel or move outside for worldly activities.

This vow is usually taken for a specific period (often overnight, from sunset to sunrise) as an act of self-discipline, non-violence (ahimsa), and spiritual purification. It is stricter than the regular practice of refraining from food and water after sunset (Chauvihar Pachkhan, which is four-fold) because it also restricts movement.

Purpose:

• Reduces harm to living beings (especially microorganisms that are more active at night).
• Increases self-control and discipline.
• Supports spiritual progress and purity.

Context: Tivihar Pachkhan is one of the many vows or pachkhan a layperson may take on special days, during Paryushan, or as part of daily spiritual practice.

Summary: Tivihar Pachkhan is a Jain vow to abstain from eating, drinking, and unnecessary movement after sunset or for a certain period, to minimize himsa (violence) and progress spiritually.