I am married in non Jain family and I still follow only Jainism, but my mother in law don't want to cook alone, in that case rather than doing nothing, can I cook and atleast me and my son do ekasana biyasana with simple paryushan allowed food items???
Yes. In your situation it is fully acceptable to cook yourself and keep your own Paryushan maryādā, and then take ekāsan or biyāsan with simple, allowed items. The key is apramatta (carefulness), ahimsā, and clarity of your pachchakkhān (vow) for these days.
How to do it simply and correctly
- Declare your vrata each morning: “Today I will observe ekāsan/biyāsan in daylight with Paryushan-appropriate food and only boiled/filtered water.”
- Cook only in daylight, eat only before sunset (choviyār), and drink only boiled/filtered water in daylight.
- Keep food very simple and freshly made; no leftovers, no outside/restaurant food, no tasting while cooking.
- Use separate utensils/section for your cooking if the family makes items you avoid. If they need roots/leafy/fermented items, let them cut/cook those themselves and keep surfaces separate.
- Maintain ahiṃsā in ingredients and method: inspect grains/pulses, strain water, avoid crushing small life.
Allowed and commonly avoided (both traditions)
- Allowed: simple grains (rice, wheat, millets), dals/legumes, non-root, non-leafy vegetables (gourds, pumpkin, ridge gourd, etc.), plain spices (dry, non-leafy), oils/ghee in moderation, fresh fruits (cut and eaten promptly).
- Avoid: roots (potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beet, radish, etc.), leafy greens (usually avoided during Paryushan), mushrooms/yeast, honey, all fermented foods (curd, buttermilk, bread, idli/dosa batter, vinegar, etc.), sprouts, leftovers, night-eating.
Tradition notes
- Shvetāmbara Paryushan (8 days): strong practice of no leafy greens through the period; many keep ekāsan/boiled-food days.
- Digambara Das-Lakshan (10 days): same spirit with even simpler meals for many; strict avoidance of roots/leafy/fermented items; emphasis on boiled water in daytime.
Practical home tips in a non-Jain family
- Plan one or two very plain dishes for your sitting: e.g., lauki/tori/pumpkin sabzi without roots/leafy items + plain dal-rice/khichdi; or just dal-rice and fruit.
- Label and reserve one knife/chopping board/pan for your use during Paryushan.
- Cook with calm bhāva; if others eat differently, keep maitri (friendliness) without compromise on your own vows.
Essence Observing ekāsan/biyāsan with simple, day-cooked, non-violent food is entirely proper during Paryushan, even in a mixed household. Preserve purity of ingredients, timing, and intention; keep humility and forgiveness in interactions.
Helpful, short references