Consulting the stars…
Consulting the stars…
Aaj Ka Pachchakkhan
Based on today's sunrise · 06:25
New Delhi, India
Pachchakkhan (also spelled Pratyakhyana) is a formal Jain vow of restraint — usually around food and water — taken for a fixed duration measured from sunrise. The vows range from a short 48-minute wait (Navkarshi) to a complete day-long fast (Upvas), and are central to Jain daily discipline and festivals like Paryushan.
Traditionally, one folds the hands (often before an image of the Tirthankara if possible) and recites the vow, commonly with guidance from a Guru or a recorded recitation. To complete it once the time window has passed, sitting in one place, folding the hands again, and reciting the Navkar Mantra three times before eating or drinking is the traditional practice — regional custom varies, so confirming with your local Sangh or Guru is recommended.
Traditional sources generally hold that a vow isn't considered violated if something is consumed unintentionally — out of forgetfulness, due to unavoidable circumstances, on a Guru's or community's instruction, or to manage acute pain or illness. This is a matter for individual conscience and local guidance, not a rule this site can determine for you.
A Prahar is one-quarter of the daylight period — take the full sunrise-to-sunset duration and divide by 4. Several Pachchakkhan levels (Porisi, Purimaddha, Avaddha) are defined in Prahars rather than a fixed clock duration, which is why their exact time shifts with the day's actual sunrise and sunset for your city.