Pachkhan Timings

What is Pachkhan?

Pachkhan (also written Pachkan or Pachchhakkan) is a formal vow taken by Jains to restrict food, water or both for a fixed period or until a specific time of day. The vow is usually taken before a photo of the Tirthankaras with folded hands and a clean mouth.

Each Pachkhan is a small act of self-discipline that strengthens the mind, deepens mindfulness and renews the spirit of ahimsa.

Common pachkhan and their timings

Below are the most common pachkhan observed by Jain families. Exact times follow the local sunrise and the Jain calendar (Panchang), so families typically confirm the day's timings with their temple or Gurudev.

• Navkarsi — drinking water only after morning rituals and the day's first meal restrictions begin
• Porsi — eating only before a fixed early-afternoon time (generally within the first quarter of the day)
• Sadhporsi — eating before a later fixed time in the afternoon, still strictly before sunset
• Purimaddh — eating only within the first half of the day
• Avaddh — taking a single meal within a fixed time window for a set number of days
• Chauvihar — no food or water from sunset to after sunrise the next day
• Tivihar — no food from sunset; boiled water is allowed before sunrise
• Duvihar — a gentler overnight vow with minimal food restrictions
• Upvas (Tivihar) — full-day water-only fast
• Upvas (Chouvihar) — full-day fast without water
• Ayambil / Nivi — a simple single-ingredient meal taken once a day
• Ekasanu — one meal a day, eaten in one sitting
• Biyasanu — two meals a day, both before the day's time limit
• Dharna / Abhigrah — a special vow of additional restrictions for a specific goal

How pachkhan is taken

To take a pachkhan: fold your hands in front of the Tirthankara's image (if possible), ensure your mouth is clean, decide which pachkhan you wish to observe, and recite the vow. Keep the vow with joy and consistency – the discipline is the gift.