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11. Paushadh Vrata :
(Third Siksha Vrata) आहार देह सक्कार गेहवावार विरयम बंभेहिं ।
पव्वदिणाणुट्ठाण तईयं पोसहवयं चउहा ॥ The Third Shiksha Vrat 'Paushadha' is observed on auspicious days (parvas) by doing four things: abstaining from (1) food (totally or partially) (2) adoration of body (3) worldly affairs and (4) lack of celibacy. Paushadh means that which nourishes the merits of soul and is accompained by observing samayik lasting for four or eight praharas. (prahara=3 hours). One should also observe an Ekashana, Ayambil or a fast while observing the vow of Paushadh.
AVOID FIVE ATICHRAS (FAILURES OF CONDUCT) : (1) Appadilchiya Sejja Santharo : One passes urine, stool or
coughs in a manner that would not result in killing any
living beings. (2) Apramarjit Dushpramarjit : We should not use bed (of
wool carpet etc.) without gently sweeping for cleaning the
insects without harm. (3) Apratilekhit Dushpratilekhit : To spread bedding without
scrutiny (Padilehana) and not sweeping it gently and
carefully. (4) Paushadh Vidhi Viparitata : To observe Paushadh without
proper proceedure, respect, love or enthusiasm. (5) Paushadh Vismriti : To forget that one is observing a
Paushadh to-day. 12. ATITHI SAMVIBHAGA VRATA :
(Fourth Vow Of Discipline) A saint who abstains from observing special days (Tithi Parva) for his visits or by eating good food, by wearing good dress and by putting on ornaments, is a real guest (Atithi), the rest are only visitors. Atithi is a guest who comes to you without any regularity and uninvited in a spontaneous manner.
For observing the Atithi Samvibhag Vrata, a fast for 8 days 'Athhai' (now-a-days it is only one fast) along with a Paushadh is prescribed. It is broken the next day with ekashna, eating only such
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