Chhath Puja 2026: How does Jainism regard sun worship such as Chhath Puja? What is the Jain understanding of the sun, and what is the Jain practice of Surya-related fasts?

In Jain philosophy, the sun (Surya) is understood as one of the cosmic elements endowed with a single sense, that of touch, and is not considered a living soul (jiva) but rather a non-sentient substance (achitta) that participates in the cosmic order. Unlike Hindu traditions where sun worship such as Chhath Puja is a devotional ritual to the solar deity, Jainism does not endorse worship of natural elements as gods but emphasizes the soul's liberation through self-discipline and non-attachment. Jain Surya-related observances, if any, are integrated into broader spiritual practices such as fasting (upvas), pratikraman (introspection and repentance), and niyams (vows) that cultivate detachment from karmic bondage. The focus is on inner purification and the cessation of karmic influx rather than external ritual worship of the sun. For example, during the Chaumasa period, which overlaps with Kartak Sud 6 (the date of Chhath Puja in 2026), Jains observe intensified fasting, swadhyaya (scriptural study), and daan (charity), pausing pilgrimages and focusing on spiritual austerity. Thus, while Chhath Puja is culturally observed in some Jain communities as a regional festival, the Jain doctrinal stance regards the sun as a cosmic element without devotional worship, and Surya-related fasts are practiced as part of ascetic discipline rather than sun veneration. This aligns with Jainism’s metaphysical theism that prioritizes liberation through knowledge and austerity over ritualistic theism (Jain Bhawan Publication 1981; JainGPT observance calendar 2026).