In Jain Dharma, “8 upvas” (Aathai/Atthai) means eight consecutive full fasts observed with right faith and discipline. Its benefits are mainly spiritual:

• Stops new karmas (samvar): By restraining senses, speech, and activity, you reduce fresh bondage.
• Sheds past karmas (nirjarā): Upvās is an external tapas (anāśana) that weakens passions and helps karma fall away.
• Purifies kashāyas: Anger, pride, deceit, and greed become softer; humility and forgiveness grow.
• Strengthens vows: Ahimsa, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non‑possessiveness get firmer through self‑control.
• Deepens sādhana: A light body and steady mind support sāmāyik, pratikraman/ālochana, svādhyāy, dhyān, and maitri‑bhāva.
• Right punya: When done without show, with compassion and repentance, it yields meritorious results aligned with liberation.
• Sacred symbolism: Eight fasts remind us to cleanse the eight types of karmas (ashta‑karma) and cultivate many virtues together.

Maryādā (how to do it rightly)

• Take proper pachchakkhan (vow), keep only boiled water in permitted daylight hours, do daily pratikraman and kāyotsarg, maintain ahiṃsā and truth, and complete with proper pārna as per tradition.
• Do within your capacity and with guidance; if not possible, choose lighter tapas like ekāsan, beyāsan, or āyambil.

Tradition notes

• Shvetāmbara: Commonly observed during the eight days of Paryushan; many undertake Aathai then.
• Digambara: During Das‑Lakshan (10 days), an eight‑day fast (Atthai‑tap) is also honored. The aim in both traditions is samvar‑nirjarā and inner purity.

For simple, tradition‑true guidance on upvās and its maryādā, see:

• Why do we do 8 upvās?
• Upvās nu Pachkhan (how to take the vow)
• Eight‑day chovihār upvās benefits (practical points)