Short answer: No. During tapasya one should observe brahmacharya (celibacy). Sexual activity contradicts the very purpose of tapas—reducing passions (kashayas), attachment (rāga), and sensual indulgence (vishaya).

• For monks/nuns (both Digambar and Shwetambar): Sex is absolutely prohibited at all times as part of the Brahmacharya Mahavrata. Tapasya is inseparable from complete celibacy.

• For laypeople (śrāvaks/śrāvikās): During any tapa—Upavās, Aymbil/Āyambil, Oli, Poshadh/Paushadha, Attham/Atthai, Masakshaman, Varshitap, etc.—one should abstain from sexual activity, including with one’s spouse. Many vows explicitly require living “like a monk for the day,” which includes celibacy. Outside of formal tapas, the anuvrata of brahmacharya means fidelity and restraint, but during tapasya it means total abstinence.

Why: Sex stirs passions, disturbs mindfulness and meditation, strengthens attachment, and obstructs the purification that tapasya aims to achieve.

Traditions:

• Digambar: Emphasizes stricter bodily restraint; celibacy is unequivocal during all tapas.
• Shwetambar: The same principle holds; during Paushadha/Poshadha or any serious tapas, celibacy is mandatory.

For simple guidance on brahmacharya and vows, see: and on celibacy in practice: