What is Santhara? ‘Fast Unto Death’

A major controversy has erupted in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after a 3-year-old girl, Viyana Jain, reportedly passed away shortly after being made to undertake Santhara, a centuries-old Jain ritual of fasting unto death. The incident has triggered widespread debate across religious, legal, medical, and child rights circles.

Her case, now under investigation, has sparked questions about the legality of Santhara, religious freedom, and the rights of children in religious practices.

What is Santhara? The Jain Fast Unto Death

Santhara, also known as Sallekhana, is a spiritual vow in Jainism wherein an individual voluntarily gives up food and water with the intent of peacefully embracing death. Practised as a form of ultimate renunciation, it is believed to purify the soul and help the person attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The word “Sallekhana” is derived from the Sanskrit root words:

• “Sat” meaning truth or purity
• “Lekhana” meaning to wear away or to thin

Together, the practice signifies a gradual detachment from the physical body and worldly attachments.

It is performed by both monks and laypersons but only under specific and extreme conditions, such as:

• Old age and terminal illness
• Severe famine or hardship
• Irreversible physical suffering

Jain scriptures, particularly the Ratnakaranda Shravakachara (4th century AD), clearly outline when and how Santhara should be undertaken — with mental clarity, forgiveness, detachment, and voluntary consent.

The Case of Viyana Jain: What Happened in Indore

On March 21, 2025, Viyana Jain, the only daughter of Piyush and Varsha Jain, reportedly passed away shortly after being administered the Santhara vow in the presence of Jain monk Rajesh Muni Maharaj. According to her parents, Viyana had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2025. Though she initially responded to surgery, her condition began to deteriorate again in March.

Her parents, followers of Jainism, visited the monk for spiritual guidance. Based on his assessment that the child was nearing death, the monk recommended initiating the Santhara ritual. The family agreed.

Viyana reportedly died within minutes of receiving the vow.

Was Santhara Legal in This Case?

The legal status of Santhara has been contested in Indian courts. In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court ruled that Santhara violated Sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 309 (attempt to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code, effectively making it a criminal act.

• This led to nationwide protests by the Jain community, who consider Santhara a sacred religious practice, not suicide.
• Later that year, the Supreme Court of India stayed the High Court’s order and recognised Santhara as a legitimate religious ritual, pending further legal review.
• However, the court’s stance applies primarily to adults capable of informed decision-making. In Viyana’s case, critics argue that a child—especially one as young as three—cannot legally or ethically consent to such a vow.

Child Rights and Ethical Concerns

The incident has now caught the attention of the Madhya Pradesh Child Rights Commission. Member Omkar Singh stated:

• The commission is currently investigating whether this act constitutes a violation of child protection laws, including the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• This raises crucial questions about the ethical responsibility of parents, medical neglect, and the role of spiritual authorities in end-of-life decisions for minors.

Who Was Viyana Jain?

Viyana Jain was the only child of Piyush and Varsha Jain, both professionals in the Information Technology sector. Her parents stated that her condition had worsened in the days leading to her death. They insisted that the decision to undertake Santhara was made after careful spiritual and emotional reflection and that their daughter was in extreme pain. Despite the emotional grief of the parents, critics argue that faith should not override the fundamental rights of a child, especially in matters involving life and death.

Recognition and Controversy: Record or Tragedy?

• Shockingly, following her death, The Golden Book of World Records named Viyana as the “youngest person in the world to vow the Jain ritual Santhara.”
• This has triggered further public outrage, with many accusing the registry of endorsing unethical practices and glorifying a child’s death under religious pretext.