A 3-year-old girl has taken Santhara in Indore. The girl was given Santhara on the advice of a Jain Muni, after which she died 30 minutes later. Let us tell you, this little girl was suffering from brain tumor and with this she has become the youngest girl to take Santhara. Let us know more about this amazing tradition of Jainism.

After the case of making an innocent three-year-old girl do Santhara in Indore came to light, it is being discussed in the Jain community and the whole country. It is natural to have many questions in the mind after hearing this. After all, why did a child take such a tough decision to embrace death at such a young age? What is this Santhara tradition of Jainism, hearing about which many doubts are arising in the mind? If many such questions are arising in your mind too, then let us tell you in detail in this article. Along with this, in this article we will also know about some important things related to this important tradition of Jainism, which can help you understand this surprising incident.

Why did a 3 year old girl take Santhara?

Indore's 3-year-old girl Viana was diagnosed with brain tumor in January 2025, she recovered after surgery, but her health deteriorated again in March. She was treated first in Indore and then in Mumbai, but there was no significant improvement. Then the girl's parents, Piyush and Varsha Jain, took the girl to meet Rajesh Muni Maharaj, a spiritual ascetic, about one and a half months ago. There, Munishri suggested Santhara, seeing the girl's critical condition. Since the family is a follower of Munishri and Munishri has previously conducted 107 Santharas, the process of Santhara was started with the consent of the entire family. Within 10 minutes of this religious process that lasted for half an hour, Viana gave up her life. The Jain community has respected the parents for this decision and it has been claimed that this is the first example of conducting Santhara at such a young age, which has also been recorded in the 'Golden Book of World Records'.

What is Santhāra?

Santhara is a unique tradition of Jainism, in which the body is abandoned in a spiritual way and with the permission of the family. This is not a normal fast or suicide, but a spiritual practice that has been going on for centuries in Jainism, whose purpose is to abandon the body with peace and detachment at the end of life. Viyana, a 3-year-old girl from Indore, adopted this tradition and gave up her life.

Some important things related to this tradition

• The decision to take Santhara is usually taken when a person feels that his life is now for spiritual contemplation and moving towards salvation. Long preparations are done mentally and spiritually for this.
• Before starting Santhara, it is necessary to take permission from a Jain monk or guru. Members of the community also support the person in this process.
• In this, food and liquids are gradually given up. This process can last for several days or weeks.
• During Santhara, a person spends more time in self-discipline, meditation and study of religious texts.
• This tradition is not for everyone. It requires a person to be physically and mentally stable and have strong spiritual resolve. It is not valid for children and physically or mentally challenged people.

Image credit- Freepik