The highly specific practice of Sallekhana or Santhara, which involves the voluntary ritual fasting unto physical death under specific life junctions, is a highly regulated custom belonging to which tradition?

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Sallekhana is a highly respected custom in Jainism. It is not viewed as suicide but as an ultimate act of spiritual purification. When an individual faces inescapable old age, terminal illness, or famine, they gradually reduce food and water intake while meditating, allowing the soul to peacefully cast off the physical body. Chandragupta Maurya famously executed this custom at Shravanabelagola.

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