Vees Sthanak Tap (20 Sthanak Tap) refers to the set of twenty austerities (Tapas) that a Jain practitioner may undertake to purify the soul and progress on the path to Moksha. This framework is often discussed in the Shvetambar tradition, and Sthanakvasi (non-idolatry) practices emphasize discipline, self-control, and meditation rather than idol worship.

What the 20 Sthanak Tap generally include

• The first six are external austerities (Bahirang Tap): fasting, eating less than usual, limiting varieties of food, renunciation of tasty foods, preferring solitary or simple sitting/resting places, and bearing physical discomfort.
• The next six are internal austerities (Antarang Tap): repentance/at-one-ment, humility (Vinaya), service to ascetics and needy people, study/self-study, renunciation of attachment to body, and meditation.
• The final eight additions (varying by texts) describe broader qualities or practices that complete the list, often framed as further virtues or higher forms of self-discipline.

Key idea

• The aim of these Tapas is to burn karmas, cultivate detachment, and progress toward spiritual awakening and eventual liberation.

Tradition notes

• Different Jain traditions (Digambar, Shvetambar, and sub-traditions like Sthanakvasi vs. Terapanthi) may present the exact enumerations or emphasis slightly differently, but the core purpose remains the same: disciplined practice to purify the soul without reliance on image worship.

You can read more about the 20 Sthanak Tap here