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Which pachkan to take if we have to drink water after sunset but not food
Short answer Take a “Chovihār break – only water” pachkan (also called Rātri Jal Pān Pachkan). In this, you allow yourself only boiled, filtered water after sunset, no food or other liquids, and it ends at sunrise.
How to take it (simple and correct way)
- When to take: Ideally before sunset; if urgent, take it the moment you need water.
- What to permit: Only boiled-and-cooled, filtered water (no milk/juice/tea/medicine).
- How much: Minimum necessary sips, as few times as needed.
- Duration: For tonight only; it automatically ends at sunrise.
- Intention: For health/necessity only; resume normal Chovihār from tomorrow.
Suggested wording (choose one and say it with folded hands before the Tīrthankar image or in front of Guru)
- English: “With repentance, I break tonight’s Chovihār only for boiled, filtered water. I will not take any food or other liquids. I will drink the minimum needed. This pachkan is valid only until sunrise. Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.”
- Hindi: “Aaj rāt main keval ublāyā-huā, chhānā huā pānī hi piyūṅgā/piyūṅgī. Ann ya anya peya nahīṁ lūṅgā/lūṅgī. Avashyakta bhar kām se kām pānī piyūṅgā/piyūṅgī. Yah pachkan sirf sūryoday tak hai. Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.”
- Gujarati: “Āje rātre huṁ keval ukāḷeluṁ ane chhāṇeluṁ pāṇī ja pīś. Khādhya ke bijuṁ peya nahi laīś. Ghanūṁ ochhuṁ, jarūr atluṁ ja pīś. Ā pachkhan āvte sūryoday sudhī māṭe che. Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.”
Sect notes
- Shwetāmbara: This “Chovihār todī jal-mātra” pachkan is commonly allowed for necessity; keep it for one night only and specify “boiled, filtered water.”
- Digambara: Principle is the same—night water is generally avoided; if there is real necessity (āpaddharma), take a limited-night pachkan allowing only boiled, filtered water, minimum sips, ending at sunrise.
Helpful references
