Ayambil (Navpad Oli)

Lord Mahavira

Jain

Get a reminder before the next Ayambil (Navpad Oli)

At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.

Dates shown for India (default). Enable JavaScript to set a reminder for your location.

The supreme Jain austerity (Ekavikruti Tyag) — one completely plain and tasteless meal per day with zero taste enhancers. Practised especially during Navpad Oli and Paryushana, and on auspicious days throughout the year.

Dates 2026–2027

March 25, 2026March 26, 2026March 27, 2026March 28, 2026March 29, 2026March 30, 2026March 31, 2026April 1, 2026October 17, 2026October 18, 2026October 19, 2026October 20, 2026October 21, 2026October 22, 2026October 23, 2026October 24, 2026October 25, 2026April 13, 2027April 14, 2027April 15, 2027April 16, 2027April 17, 2027April 18, 2027April 19, 2027April 20, 2027October 6, 2027October 7, 2027October 8, 2027October 9, 2027October 10, 2027October 11, 2027October 12, 2027October 13, 2027October 14, 2027October 15, 2027

Mantra

णमो अरिहंताणं णमो सिद्धाणं णमो आयरियाणं णमो उवज्झायाणं णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं

Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Uvajjhayanam Namo Loe Savva-Sahunam

I bow to the Arihantas · I bow to the Siddhas · I bow to the Acharyas · I bow to the Upadhyayas · I bow to all the Sadhus — recite 108 times daily

How to recite

Recite 108 times using a mala, morning and evening. Study one of the Navpad or Nav Tattva sutras each day to deepen the contemplation.

✦ Special Note

Ayambil is eating without attachment to taste. The meal must have no oil, ghee, salt, spices, sugar, sweetness, sourness, or any of the six tastes. The purpose is to weaken the bonds of taste-craving (rasa-lolupata) and strengthen the soul. The dates shown are the Navpad Oli windows — the twice-yearly run of consecutive Ayambil days (Chaitra: Mar 25–Apr 1, 2026 and Apr 13–20, 2027; Ashwina: Oct 17–25, 2026 and Oct 6–15, 2027). Ayambil may also be taken on any individual auspicious day. Jain fasting rules vary by sect and family tradition — always follow your family's practice. Dates per Drik Panchang (drikpanchang.com, Jain calendar — Navapada Oli begin/end dates, New Delhi).

Always Allowed

Boiled water — consumed only between sunrise and sunset

Avoided Year-Round

Root vegetables — potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, beetroot, turnip (anything underground)Eggplant (brinjal) and multi-seeded vegetables including green chilliesMushrooms and cauliflowerMeat, fish, eggsHoneyAlcohol and fermented foods — yeast breads, vinegar, picklesEating after sunset — never, on any dayCold, iced, or unboiled water — all water must be boiled

Additional Restrictions

Ayambil (also known as Ekavikruti Tyag) — one completely plain, tasteless meal only. Plain boiled rice and plain dal (simple plain roti allowed). No oil, no ghee, no butter, no milk, no curd, no sugar, no salt, no spices of any kind.No dairy on Ayambil days, even though dairy is normally permitted in the Jain diet.The meal must taste like nothing. This is intentional — the purpose is to weaken the bonds of taste-craving (rasa-lolupata) and strengthen the soul.Ayambil can be observed for 9 to 90 consecutive days, or on individual auspicious days. During Navpad Oli (9 consecutive days) and Paryushana it is observed intensively.Eat in silence if possible. Study Jain scripture after the meal. Perform daily Samayik meditation.Jain fasting rules vary by sect (Shvetambara/Digambara) and family tradition. Always follow your family's practice.

Meal Idea

Plain boiled rice with completely unseasoned moong dal — cooked with no oil, no salt, no spice. The supreme Jain austerity in one bowl.

Related vrats

Prioritising the same tradition and category, with related tradition or family entries when fewer than six exist.

Das Lakshana Parva — September 16, 2026Same tradition and category
Ekasana — January 2, 2026Same tradition and category
Pakshik Chauwdas — January 2, 2026Same tradition and category
Kartik Chaumasi Chaudas — November 23, 2026Same tradition and category
Navpad Oli — October 17, 2026Same tradition and category
Navpad Oli — March 25, 2026Same tradition and category

Browse all Jain observances →

Get a reminder before the next Ayambil (Navpad Oli)

At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.

Remind me

Dates shown for India (default). Enable JavaScript to set a reminder for your location.

Track this vrat in the app

Personalised timings, reminders, and fasting guides for your tradition.

Open VRAT App →