What does SANTHARA actually means ?

The word Santhara means a way of life and encompasses a way of dying as well. In Jainism, the body is seen as a temporary residence for the soul which is reborn. One must remember that a word can embrace a multiplicity of worlds and meanings. As a result, translation is one of the most difficult of acts. It demands a delicacy of understanding about words which, in their consequences, can be lethal. Equivalences are welcome when we seek unity but we need a unity that can sustain the multiple senses of difference.

It is a ritual act of purification, done in consultation with a guru, and follows the most detailed of procedures. It cannot be an impulsive act or an egoistic one. It bears the imprimatur of theology and the approval of society.

Santhara, also called ‘Pandit-maran’, ‘Sallekhana’ and ‘Sakham-maran’, is believed to have been practised since the foundation of Jainism and finds mention in its agams (religious texts). As per the Jain Yuva Sangh, the Pratikramana Sutra in Shravaka Anuvrata (the code of conduct for Jains) clearly explains santhara, saying that when all purposes of life have been served, or when the body is unable to serve any more purpose, a person can opt for it.

संथारा जैन समाज की वह प्रथा है, जिसमें किसी व्यक्ति को लगता है कि उसकी मृत्यु निकट है तो वह अन्न-जल त्याग देता है और मृत्यु पर्यंत मौन व्रत रख लेता है।