how to take atthai pachkhan?

Here is a simple, traditional way to take Atthai Pachchhān (the resolve for an 8‑day fast), kept within Jain dharma practice. Follow your own sect’s guidance if it differs.

What “Atthai Pachchhān” means

• You formally take a pratyākhyān (vow) to observe eight consecutive days of fast (aṭṭhāī), with clear rules for food, water, conduct, and daily sādhanā, in the presence of Dev–Guru–Śāstra.

When to take it

• Ideally: before starting Day 1 of the fast, in the presence of a Jain monk/nun.
• If no sādhujī/sādhvījī is available: take it at the temple (or at home before the altar/āgams) with a knowledgeable vidhi-kārak (or by yourself if needed).
• Timing varies by tradition. Common practice:

- Śvetāmbara: take it in the morning at or just after sunrise on Day 1 (before taking any boiled water), or on the prior evening. - Digambara: take it before beginning the fast; many keep it nirjal (no water) unless health requires otherwise.

How to take it (step by step) 1) Āchaman and śuddhi - Wash hands/feet, wear clean clothes, do short internal recollection of ahiṃsā and kṣamā.

2) Dev-Guru-Śāstra vandan - Bow with the Navkār Mantra. If trained, sit in sāmāyik for stability.

3) State your saṅkalp (clear resolve) - Say your name, place, date. - State: “In the presence of Dev–Guru–Śāstra, I take aṭṭhāī pratyākhyān from [start date/time] to [end date/time], to purify karma and cultivate samyak-darśan–jñān–cāritra.”

4) Declare food and water rules (ahār-tyāg) - Śvetāmbara common niyams: - No food for 8 days. - Only boiled and filtered water, during daylight only, at fixed intervals (e.g., once every 2–3 hours), using a clean rajoharaṇa/cloth filter. No water after sunset (chauvihār). No taste-enhancers, no gargling/chewing. - Digambara common niyams: - Prefer nirjal (no water). If health needs, specify minimal plain/boiled water with clear timings. Strict celibacy and restraint are emphasized. - Health clause (both): “If genuine illness arises, I will adjust under guidance without breaking the spirit of the vow.”

5) Declare conduct rules (cāritra-niyam) - Daily pratikraman (at least once; twice if possible). - Sāmāyik daily; pratyākhyān of faults; maitri, pramod, karuṇā, madhyasthā bhāvanās. - Brahmacarya, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possessiveness. - Restraint of speech, senses, and movement; avoid injury to even the smallest beings. - Limit phone/entertainment; sleep on the floor or simple bedding; avoid cosmetics/perfume. - Temple/śāstra svādhyāy as strength allows; japa of Navkār.

6) Deś