Maun (silence) and fasting are both important disciplines in Jain practice, but the term “Pachhkan” as such is not a standard or widely used label in classical Jain texts. It may be a regional or dialectal form, or you might be referring to a specific local vrata or a mis-spelling. I’ll give you the core Jain meanings of maun and fasting, and note how they are observed in common Jain practice. If you meant a particular ritual by “Pachhkan,” tell me the exact spelling or the tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar) and I can tailor the explanation.

• Maun (mauna vrata)

- What it is: a vrata (vow) of speechlessness or reduced speech. Practitioners observe silence for a period to deepen self-control, mindfulness, and detachment from worldly talk. - How it is practiced: the duration and strictness vary by tradition and context. Some observe short maun days, others undertake longer periods, especially during sacred months or communal pansas (panchakha)–like periods of reflection. - Differences by tradition: Digambar and Shwetambar communities both value maun, but the emphasis, duration, and accompanying practices (like prayer, meditation, and study) can differ slightly.

• Fasting (upavasa, vrata, and ekasana)

- What it is: voluntary fasting as a spiritual practice to purify the mind and body, reduce attachments, and cultivate discipline. - Common forms: - Upavasa: temporary fasts, sometimes partial (e.g., no grains or specific foods) or complete fasting with only water on certain days. - Ekasana: abstaining from all food at a specific meal time (often a single meal or daylong fast, depending on the vow). - Varsha tapas or seasonal fasts: longer fasts tied to religious observances or monastic calendars. - Purpose: to still the senses, increase self-control, and focus on meditation, study of scriptures, and charity. - Differences by tradition: the rules about what may be eaten, when fasting is undertaken (certain lunar days, Paryushan, etc.), and how strictly it is observed can differ between Digambar and Shwetambar communities.

If you can share:

• the exact term you encountered (possible spellings: Pachchhan, Pachhan, Panchhkan, etc.),
• which Jain tradition you are asking about (Digambar or Shwetambar),

I can give a precise, tradition-aligned explanation with the classical meanings and the practical way to observe that practice.