Muhapatti ( Mopati) is a small white cloth worn to cover the mouth during certain Jain rituals, especially in Samayik/Pratikraman (partikaman). Its main purposes are:

• to avoid harming tiny living beings or invisible microbes when we exhale or breathe, and to practice ahimsa
• to help control speech and washing of thoughts, i.e., samyama on what we say
• to prevent saliva or breath from coming into contact with sacred texts or objects

In practice, Muhapatti is used by Svetambara traditions (notably the Terapanthi) and by some Sthanakvasi practices during Samayik/Pratikraman. Digambara practice does not typically include wearing Muhapatti in the same way, so there are differences between Digambar and Śvetambar contexts. The essential idea across traditions is to cultivate non-violence, humility, and disciplined speech.