A Jain community woman had died after undertaking a a ritualistic fast unto death to attain salvation.
Surat (Gujarat), Sept. 5 : A Jain community woman had died after undertaking a a ritualistic fast unto death to attain salvation.
The process, which is also known as, Santhara is said to purify the body after a person determines that his worldly duties are over.
A 'Palki Yatra' (palanquin procession) was taken out for her cremation. A crowd of saints and faithful followed the palanquin.
Tejash Bhai, a member of the Terapanth religious group, said that the Jain community had come out in full force to pay their respects to 67 year old Anandshree, who was suffering from cancer for past two years.
Anandshree was a disciple of Acharya Mahapragya, a religious teacher of the Terapanth religious group.
At the age of 19, Anandshree took 'Diksha' (initiation, by obtaining preaching) by travelling across India on foot.
Acharya Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, founded Jainism. Mahaveer was the 24th and last Tirthankara.
Jainism preaches the three-fold path of right belief, right knowledge and right conduct to attain heavenly bliss.
ANI