Sadhu na upkaran
“Sadhu na upkaran” means the essential articles a Jain monk uses to live with ahimsa (non‑violence) and aparigraha (non‑possession). Their purpose is only to avoid injury to tiny beings and to keep discipline; they are not for comfort or decoration.
Shvetambar tradition (core, names/number vary slightly by gaccha)
- Muhpatti: small mouth‑cloth to prevent harm to airborne beings while speaking.
- Ogho/Rajoharan: soft wool broom to gently clear the spot before sitting/walking.
- Kamandal: small pot for pure water (mainly for sanitary use).
- Patra: bowl(s) for gochari (alms‑food).
- Astrotari/cloth: clean cloth to cover/handle utensils or food.
- Granth/Scripture: for svadhyaya (study) when permitted by guru.
Digambar tradition
- Picchi: broom made from naturally shed peacock feathers, used only to gently move aside tiny beings.
- Kamandalu: gourd/water‑pot for pure, filtered water.
- Scripture: allowed for study; otherwise Digambar sadhus keep no possessions and remain nirambara (without clothes). ( en.wikipedia.org)
Spiritual intent preserved in both traditions
- Minimize even the slightest himsa in movement, speech, sitting, eating.
- Maintain utter simplicity and non‑attachment; only those articles strictly necessary for dharma‑practice are kept.