Arihant Sharanam

Compassionate Support for Jain Families During the Final Journey

Arihant Sharanam is a community service initiative led by Jain volunteers in the Bay Area, in association with the Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC).

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Along with grief, families are often required to make spiritual, cultural, and practical arrangements within a very short period of time. For families living away from India, it may be especially difficult to find guidance rooted in Jain traditions.

Arihant Sharanam was created to stand beside families during this sensitive time and help them conduct the final rites of their loved ones with dignity, compassion, and spiritual meaning.

How We Support Families

Our volunteers help families understand and follow the Jain traditions associated with the final journey of a loved one.

We have developed a structured Jain Antim Vidhi Guide that includes prayers, rituals, and step-by-step guidance for families. Depending on the family’s needs and volunteer availability, we may also provide volunteers who can help guide or conduct the vidhi.

Arihant Sharanam may assist families with:

✦ Understanding and following the Jain Antim Vidhi
✦ Coordinating volunteers to guide prayers and ceremonies
✦ Providing practical guidance related to funeral and cremation arrangements
✦ Helping families understand relevant procedures and documentation in the US
✦ Connecting families with appropriate community resources
✦ Providing guidance to transport a loved one’s remains to India

Our intention is to offer a caring community presence so that families do not feel alone during this difficult journey.

Rooted in Jain Values

Arihant Sharanam is inspired by the Jain values of karuna, seva, dignity, and spiritual reflection.

Through this initiative, we hope to:

✦ Provide compassionate support during a family’s time of need
✦ Preserve meaningful Jain traditions for families living abroad
✦ Make authentic Jain guidance more accessible
✦ Reduce uncertainty during an emotionally overwhelming time
✦ Build a dependable network of community volunteers
✦ Create a lasting spiritual resource for future generations

A Community of Seva

Arihant Sharanam is made possible by volunteers who generously contribute their time, knowledge, and compassion.

We welcome Jain scholars, spiritual practitioners, experienced community members, and volunteers who would like to support families, contribute to the Jain Antim Vidhi Guide, or help strengthen this important community service.

"Together, we can ensure that every family has access to compassionate guidance and the opportunity to honor their loved one’s final journey with peace, dignity, and reverence."

Contact & Participation

We welcome volunteers, scholars, and practitioners who wish to contribute or seek guidance during a family's time of need.

In your Seva,
JCNC Cultural Dept.
Cultural@jcnc.org

Coordinators

Sunil S. Ranka

408-242-8232

Dilip Bhandari

+1 (425) 503-2131