Updhyan tap details please
Upadhan Tap (also called Upadhānā Tap) is a structured external-then-internal austerity practiced by Śrāvakas during Paushadh vrata. It is guided by a guru and aimed at purifying the soul and reducing karmic bondage. In short, it combines a disciplined daily routine with long, multi‑day periods of austerity. Here are the key details in simple terms:
- Performed during Paushadh vrata under the guidance of a Jain monk or senior guru.
- It emphasizes both external practices (fasting, careful conduct) and internal refinement (mind, remembrance of vows, study).
- The classic Upadhan is done in three possible spans: 47 days, 35 days, or 28 days.
- 47-day version is divided into three sub‑phases: Adhaariyu (two phases of 18 days each) and Chakia-Chaukia (11 days).
- 35-day version is called Patrishyaa.
- 28-day version is called Athavishyu.
- Daily and ritual practices
- Recite the Navkar Mantra or Namokar mantra about 20 times each day.
- Perform 100 Khamasaman (kneel with head to the ground) as part of humility and penance.
- Do Kayotsarga (body-sitting meditation) and chant or study the Logassa Sutra around 100 times.
- Observe Paushadh vrata with the usual discipline (vegetarianism, non‑violence, no harm to living beings, etc.).
- Study Jain Agamas during the period.
- Pratimā (internal purification)
- A special internal discipline called Pratima or Pratimā is undertaken to purify and perfect life; 11 types of Pratimā are described in Jain texts (e.g., Samyaktva, Vrat, Samayik, Paushadh, Niyam, Brahmacharya, Sachitta Tyag, Uddhisht, Preshyarambha Tyag, Arambha Tyag, Shramanbhut).
- The aim is steady progress on the path to liberation, through a long, disciplined period of self‑control, study, and reflection.
Notes on tradition differences
- The core idea of Upadhan Tap is similar in Digambar and Shwetambar communities, but the exact rules, meals, and daily details can vary by sangh or acharya. Always follow the guidance of your own guru or local sangh for the precise procedures you should follow.
You can read more about Upadhan and related fasting/tap practices in this Jain Knowledge resource:
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