Parna of Jain Shravak Nipeksh Sheth’s 180-Day Fast to be Held at Pankaj Jain Sangh on September 20
Ahmedabad : In a rare demonstration of faith, austerity and self-restraint, Jain Shravak Nipeksh Sheth will conclude his 180-day fast with the sacred Parna ceremony at Pankaj Jain Sangh, Bhattha, Paldi, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the presence of Gacchadhipati Param Pujya Acharya Shri Narratnasurishwarji Maharaja.
The spiritually significant occasion will bring together Jain monks and nuns, Shravaks and Shravikas, family members, relatives and community members to witness the conclusion of the extraordinary penance and offer their blessings and best wishes to Nipeksh Sheth. Nipeksh Sheth commenced the rigorous penance on March 24, 2026, undertaking a 180-day period of fasting on boiled water as part of his spiritual discipline and austerity.
The penance has been described within the Jain spiritual tradition as an expression of tapasya, restraint, renunciation, devotion and inner purification. Beyond the physical dimension of fasting, Jain philosophy places emphasis on controlling desires, reducing attachment, cultivating equanimity and turning the mind inward through disciplined spiritual practice.
‘A Journey of Faith, Restraint and Inner Purification’
Blessing Nipeksh Sheth and addressing journalists, Gacchadhipati Param Pujya Acharya Shri Narratnasurishwarji Maharaja, who administered the vows (Pachchhkhandata) for the penance, said: “Today’s youth power is the invaluable heritage of a developed India, entrusted with preserving the core values of all communities. In this materialistic era, these values can be nurtured through resolute faith, self-restraint and supreme strength of will. Remaining steadfast for 180 days on boiled water represents an extraordinary commitment to penance and discipline.”
He further explained that, according to Jain spiritual thought, fasting is not intended merely to impose hardship on the physical body but is regarded as a means of spiritual discipline, detachment and purification of the self.
“The long penance undertaken by Nipeksh is an inspiration for the Jain Order and society. Along with the spiritual dimension of the austerity, such discipline can strengthen the values of sacrifice, dedication and self-restraint,” Acharya Shri Narratnasurishwarji Maharaja said.
Spiritual Discipline and Awareness Around Food
Acharya Shri Narratnasurishwarji Maharaja also highlighted the importance of mindful and disciplined dietary practices in everyday life. He observed that contemporary lifestyles increasingly involve processed, junk and convenience foods, making awareness about food habits and moderation important.
From a broader scientific perspective, fasting can produce significant physiological changes involving energy metabolism, glucose utilisation and hormonal responses. However, prolonged fasting is substantially different from routine dietary practices and can carry medical risks if undertaken without appropriate supervision. The spiritual significance attributed to fasting in Jain philosophy is a matter of religious belief and should be distinguished from scientifically established physiological effects.
The 180-day penance undertaken by Nipeksh Sheth, therefore, represents a deeply personal spiritual commitment within the Jain tradition, while also highlighting the broader themes of discipline, mindful living and control over consumption.
‘The Greatest Spiritual Journey of My Life’
Sharing his experience and inner reflections, Shravak Nipeksh Sheth said: “My faith in Jainism, along with the guidance and blessings of my parents and Gacchadhipati Gurudev Param Pujya Acharya Shri Narratnasurishwarji Maharaja, transformed this 180-day penance into the greatest spiritual journey of my life.”
“During the initial days, there were physical challenges. However, the blessings of Gurubhagwant, my firm faith in the Jinshasan and the chanting of the Navkar Mantra gave me strength and helped me remain steadfast. During this penance, I experienced the profound influence of determination, faith and self-restraint.”
He added, “This austerity has given me a deeper sense of inner peace, non-violence and self-discipline. This achievement is not mine alone; it is the result of the grace and guidance of my Guru and the selfless support of my family.”
The September 20 Parna ceremony is expected to be a significant spiritual gathering for the Jain community, marking the culmination of Nipeksh Sheth’s 180-day journey of austerity and devotion, while reflecting the enduring Jain values of Ahimsa, restraint, simplicity, sacrifice and spiritual awareness.