Santara (Sallekhana):
Recently a three-year-old girl in Indore reportedly died after being administered Santhara by a Jain monk, bringing the ancient Jain ritual of voluntary fasting unto death back into public and legal discourse.
- Santhara or Sallekhana is a Jain religious vow of voluntary fasting unto death, undertaken to purify the soul and attain moksha.
- Practiced in Jainism by both monks and laypersons under extreme conditions like terminal illness, old age, or famine.
- Features: Involves gradual withdrawal from food and water, Taken only with spiritual maturity and under religious supervision, Involves forgiveness, detachment, and spiritual reflection.
