What’s veyavacham mean
“Veyavacham” (Prakrit: veyāvacca; Sanskrit: vaiyāvr̥tya) means devoted service (seva) to the worthy—especially Jain sadhus, sadhvīs, acharyas, teachers, the sick and elderly, and support for sacred places and scriptures.
In practice, it includes things like:
- respectfully arranging permitted food/water for monks and nuns
- providing simple necessities or medicine within non‑violence rules
- maintaining/upkeeping upāśrayas (Jain lodgings/temples)
- assisting the ill or elderly with compassion and restraint
Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions honor veyavacham as a key lay duty. Minor practical details can differ (what items may be offered, how, and when), but the essence—humble, non‑possessive, violence‑free service to the sādhusaṅgh and deserving beings—remains the same.