Attam (Attham/Atham) tap = three consecutive upvaas (about 72 hours) focused on inner purification. It is a revered austerity in both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions.

How to do Attam tap (simple, traditional way) 1) Take pachchakkhan (vow)

• Stand with folded hands and take a clear vow before Arihant–Siddha–Sadhu–Dharma–Guru to observe 3 days and 3 nights of upvaas.
• Decide the type: with only boiled water in daylight (most common) or nirjal (no water) if you are experienced and healthy.
• Do chauvihar the evening before you start (nothing after sunset).

2) Daily conduct during the 3 days

• Ahimsa and care: stay calm, avoid travel and harm to any jiv, speak little, rest adequately.
• Devotion and study:

- Morning: snatra/puja or bhav-puja, Navkar mantra jaap, prarthana. - At least one 48‑minute samayik daily; do pratikraman each evening. - Read/listen to Jain scriptures or stotras; cultivate the four bhavnas (maitri, pramod, karuna, madhyasthata) and forgiveness.

• Water rule (if not nirjal): take only boiled/filtered water, in small sips, after sunrise and before sunset. No flavored liquids, milk, or medicines (unless there is a health need—in that case, consider the tap discontinued).
• Restraints: celibacy, truthfulness, no entertainment or social media; keep mind on the soul.
• Hygiene: simple bathing and cleanliness are fine; avoid using products that involve himsa.

3) Parna (breaking the fast) on the 4th day

• After sunrise, at an auspicious time (as guided by your sangh/guru), do prarthana and take pachchakkhan to complete the tap.
• First take warm boiled water; then take very simple, light, Jain shuddh aahar (e.g., thin mung broth/khichdi) without spices/grease; avoid overeating.
• Offer kshamapana (forgiveness) and dedicate the punya for samyak darshan–jnan–charitra.

Notes on traditions

• Shwetambar and Digambar both accept Attam as a 3‑day upvaas. Names vary by region: Atham/Attham/Tela. Minor procedural differences exist (e.g., exact water window or liturgy for pratikraman). Follow your local guru/sangh.
• Nirjal Attam is considered higher, but only attempt if healthy and accustomed to fasting.

Health guidance

• Not advised for children, pregnancy, advanced age, or medical conditions unless your doctor and guru approve. Stop if you feel unwell.

Related reading on JainKnowledge

• What is “Attham” within major taps and how it’s used in sadhanas like Siddhi Tap:
• How Siddhi Tap uses two Attams with a parna in between: