MP: Outrage As Toddler Dies After 'Santhara'; Parents, Monk Face Backlash Over Controversial Jain Ritual

A shocking incident has surfaced from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where a three-year-old girl, suffering from a terminal brain tumour, passed away after her parents initiated her into "Santhara" - a centuries-old controversial Jain practice of fasting unto death.

The incident has provoked widespread outrage and renewed debate over the ethical and legal implications of such rituals-particularly when minors are involved.

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The event took place on March 21 in MP's financial capital, but only drew wider attention recently, after the Golden Book of World Records issued a certificate naming the girl, Viyana Jain, as the "youngest person in the world to take the Jain vow of Santhara."

Her parents, Piyush Jain (35) and Varsha Jain (32), both IT professionals, said they acted under the guidance of Jain monk Rajesh Muni Maharaj, reported the Hindustan Times.

Santhara-also known as "Sallekhana" or "Samadhi Maran"-is a religious vow of voluntary death through the gradual renunciation of food and water, regarded in Jainism as a path to spiritual liberation.

Although the Supreme Court upheld its legality in 2015, following a Rajasthan High Court ruling that had labelled it a form of suicide, the involvement of children in the practice remains a grey area.

The parents said their daughter had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in December. After surgery in Mumbai in January, her condition showed brief signs of improvement before rapidly deteriorating again in March. With medical options exhausted, they turned to spiritual recourse.

"Maharaj ji observed her condition and told us her end was near, and she should be given the Santhara vow," said Piyush Jain. "This fast holds great spiritual value in Jainism. After much thought, we agreed."

Viyana's mother explained that her daughter had already stopped eating and drinking in the days prior.

"Watching her suffer was unbearable. It was an incredibly painful choice. I want her to be happy in her next life," she said, fighting back tears.

The ceremony began at 9:25 pm on March 21 at the monk's ashram in Indore. Viyana died at 10:05 pm, just 40 minutes after the initiation.

While the family has described the ritual as a spiritual release, child welfare groups and medical professionals have condemned the act.

"This is a practice intended for fully aware adults, typically the elderly," said Omkar Singh of the Madhya Pradesh Child Rights Commission.

"A toddler cannot possibly give informed consent. We are investigating whether this violates child protection laws and will take appropriate action."

Doctors also criticised the move. "She should have been receiving palliative care in a hospital," said one senior physician. "Santhara is a demanding ritual even for adults. A child cannot grasp or endure such a process."

Retired high court judge Abhay Jain Gohil noted the legal complexity. "Hundreds of adults undertake Santhara each year-it's lawful. But involving a child is deeply problematic. If she was already dying, criminal charges may be difficult, yet serious ethical questions remain."

The decision by the Golden Book of World Records to honour the event has also drawn criticism, with detractors calling it "highly irresponsible" and accusing it of legitimising a non-consensual religious act involving a child.

As the controversy grows, the Madhya Pradesh Child Rights Commission has said it will soon determine whether to recommend legal proceedings against the parents or the spiritual leader involved.