What is Patra (alms-bowl, often a nested set) to receive and take aahar made of
In Jain tradition:
- Śvetāmbara: The patra (alms-bowl, often a nested set) is traditionally made from a dried gourd (tumba), wood, or baked clay. Older practice mentions oil-coating for protection and cleanliness.
- Digambara: Mendicants generally receive food directly in their joined palms (pāṇi-pātra) and do not keep a bowl; so a material patra is typically not used.
For a simple overview of a sadhu’s permitted utensils (patra etc.), see this reference