“Anāhāri pad” (also written anhari pad) means “the state of being without taking food.” In Jain usage:

• It primarily refers to the spiritual state of Kevalī Arihants (omniscients) who are described as not consuming any material food after attaining Keval‑jñān. This highlights their complete detachment and self-sufficiency of pure consciousness.
• By extension, anāhāra also means total fasting (no food), so people sometimes use “anāhāri” for someone observing such austerity.

Tradition notes:

• Digambar tradition: firmly states that Kevalins are anāhāri (they do not eat).
• Shwetambar tradition: allows that Kevalins may, on rare occasions, accept alms; hence the “anāhāri” emphasis is less absolute.

For a simple overview of related fasting ideas, see: