Here’s a simple, Jain-friendly way to make “gud paani” (jaggery water), commonly used for parna (breaking a fast) or as a light drink when your pachchakkhan permits liquids.

Ingredients

• Jaggery (gud): 1–2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
• Boiled water: 1 cup (about 200 ml), lukewarm
• Optional (as per your family/tradition): a pinch of roasted cumin (jeera) powder or dry ginger (sonth)

Method (keeping Jain hygiene and ahimsa in mind) 1) Boil the water for a few minutes. Let it cool to lukewarm. 2) Strain the water through a clean, fine cloth to minimize living micro-organisms. 3) Add jaggery and stir till fully dissolved. 4) Strain once more if needed to remove any jaggery impurities. 5) If your tradition allows, add a tiny pinch of roasted cumin or dry ginger. 6) Prepare fresh, use in daylight hours, and do not store.

How to take it (parna or permitted-liquid days)

• For parna: Sip 150–250 ml slowly while seated, with a peaceful mind; many recite Navkar Mantra first.
• If you took Nirjala/Tivihar Upvas (no water), do NOT drink gud paani during the fast.
• If you took Sajala (water-only), gud paani counts as rasa and breaks the fast—use only for parna.
• If you took Panahara (liquids allowed), gud paani may be taken if your pachchakkhan explicitly allows sweetened liquids. Follow your Guru/paramparā.

Small cautions

• Use clean, good-quality jaggery; avoid additives.
• Those with blood sugar issues should use very little or avoid, as advised by elders/doctor.
• Always follow the exact boundaries of your pachchakkhan.

Related JainKnowledge guides

• Upvas/Pachchakkhan basics:
• Panahara (liquid-allowed) Upvas: