In Jain Dharma, it is not “necessary” (compulsory) to do Shanti Vidhan for a departed soul, but it is a permitted and good punya‑karmā if done with right understanding.

1. What happens to the soul after death in Jainism?

• As per Jain philosophy, the soul leaves the body and immediately takes a new birth according to its own karma.
• There is no waiting period where the soul is hanging around the house or needs “peace rituals” to move ahead.
• So, no ritual can change the next birth of the departed soul once death has occurred.

2. Then why do people perform Shanti Vidhan / Shanti Pooja?

• Shanti Vidhan is mainly for:

- Shanti (peace) of the living family’s mind - Punya for the one who is doing it - Prayers for the welfare of all souls (including the departed one)

• If done with samkit, bhakti, and non‑mithyātva bhavna, it becomes a good spiritual activity and can become indirect cause of punya connected to the deceased (through their past relations and our intentions).

3. Is it compulsory from Jain Shastra point of view?

• No Jain Agam or main Digambar text makes Shanti Vidhan after death a compulsory rule.
• It is a beautiful tradition (paramparā), not a mandatory condition for the soul’s journey.
• The real help to the departed soul is:

- Reducing our attachment and grief - Doing navkār mantra, svādhyāy, pratikraman, dān, ahimsā in their memory - Removing our own paap‑bandh.

4. Digambar & Shwetambar view

• Both traditions have various types of Shanti Vidhan / Shanti Pooja.
• Names, mantras and method can differ, but basic idea is same:

- Prayer for universal peace - Spiritual upliftment of the doer and all jivas

• None treats it as a strict must for the departed jiva’s gati.

5. What is best to do for a departed soul?

If you wish to do something truly helpful in Jain spirit:

• Do Navkar Mantra with shuddha bhavna.
• Do Pratikraman, ask forgiveness from all beings including the departed.
• Do Daan (charity, food/water for sadhus/poor/animals) in their memory.
• If you like, you may also arrange Shanti Vidhan, but:

- Do it with right understanding - Don’t think “without this, the soul will not get peace.”

You can read more on related Jain Shanti Pooja topics here