Reviewed for accuracy by Carlos Vargas, Texas Licensed Funeral Director (TFSC License No. 119648) · Last reviewed March 6, 2026 ·
Jain tradition in DFW
The DFW Jain community centers on the Jain Society of North Texas in Richardson. The Society has a temple, regular prayers, community gatherings, and affiliated priests (panditji or monks when they visit). Most DFW Jain families are members or have association with the Society.
Families come from several Jain traditions: Digambara, Shvetambara, Sthanakvasi, and Terapanthi. The core funeral sequence is shared across traditions, though specific practices vary.
The core principles
Ahimsa — non-violence in every aspect
Jain funeral practices avoid violence to any living being. Specifically:
- No embalming — the chemicals involved are derived from or tested on animals, and the process itself is a form of violence to the body
- No lavish casket materials — ornate caskets often involve animal products (leather, silk, horsehair) and excessive resource consumption; a simple wooden casket is preferred
- No flowers with animal-origin processing — some commercially treated flowers are excluded; locally grown or simple flowers are preferred
- Vegetarian community meals during mourning — all Jain gatherings, including funeral gatherings, maintain strict vegetarianism, and often avoid onion and garlic during specific mourning days
Simplicity
Jain funerals are deliberately simple. No elaborate decorations, no extensive memorial display, no costly caskets. The emphasis is on spiritual presence rather than material display.
Navkar mantra
The Navkar mantra (the prayer honoring the five categories of exalted beings) is the central recitation. Family and community recite it during the home observance, at the cremation, and during post-cremation gatherings.
The sequence
Immediately after death
The family gathers. The Navkar mantra is chanted quietly. A Jain monk or muni (if available in DFW) may be contacted. The body is bathed and dressed in simple white clothing. No cosmetics, no ornaments. The body is placed in a position of rest.
Transfer and preparation
We transfer to our Dallas facility. No embalming, no cosmetic preparation. Simple cleaning and dressing in the clothing the family provides (typically white or a plain color). The body is placed in a plain wooden casket — we do not upsell to fancy caskets for Jain families.
Viewing
At the Jain Society temple or at the family's home. Community gathers. The Navkar mantra is recited. A Jain priest or community elder leads prayers. The viewing period is typically shorter than in Hindu tradition — hours, not a full day — because Jain emphasis is on moving toward cremation promptly.
Cremation
Typically day 2 or day 3. Texas law requires the 48-hour wait; Jain tradition prefers prompt cremation. Family may be present at our partner crematory for family-witnessed cremation. A Jain priest recites Navkar mantra during the cremation. Mukhagni-style rituals are not typical in Jain tradition; the cremation proceeds under the mantra's general blessing.
Asthi and post-cremation
Asthi is collected the day after cremation. Traditional Jain practice immerses asthi in flowing water (a river, or the ocean). Some families immerse locally (Trinity River, Lake Lewisville); others travel to India for the Ganges or the Arabian Sea.
Post-cremation, the family observes a period of mourning. The Digambara tradition has specific observances; the Shvetambara tradition similar but slightly distinct. The community visits the family home for several days. Vegetarian meals are served.
Memorial gathering
A formal memorial gathering (samvatsari or similar) is held at the temple, typically 10 to 13 days after cremation. The Navkar mantra is recited, selected Jain scriptures are read, and the family hosts the community for a vegetarian langar-style meal.
Our coordination
We work with the Jain Society of North Texas for:
- Contacting the appropriate priest or spiritual leader at time of death
- Coordinating temple availability for the memorial gathering
- Ensuring the cremation facility can accommodate Jain-specific requests (e.g., no meat-derived lubricants in the retort, though this is generally standard practice anyway)
- Providing plain wooden caskets and simple urns; never suggesting upgrades for a Jain family
Digambara specific considerations
The Digambara tradition of Jainism includes a special observance for certain deaths: sallekhana or santhara — the voluntary fast-to-death undertaken by some monks, nuns, or elderly Jains who feel their life's work complete. This is a legal and religious topic that has been contested in Indian courts; it is not illegal in Texas. Families of Jains who undertake sallekhana should work closely with their community and medical providers. We support the family after death in the standard way; the funeral logistics are identical to any other Jain death.
Cost
Our direct cremation is $895 and memorial cremation is $2,495. Jain families typically choose direct or memorial cremation (no casket upgrade needed, no embalming). A plain wooden casket for cremation is included at no extra cost. We do not add fees for religious accommodations. Pandit honoraria are paid directly by the family to the priest.