In Jainism, death ceremonies are simple and focused on ahimsa (non‑violence), detachment and prayer, not on big rituals to “send” the soul somewhere. Customs differ slightly between Digambar and Shwetambar (Murtipujak, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi), and also by region, but the basic principles are the same.

Below is a simple, tradition‑friendly overview.

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1. Jain view of death

• The soul (jiva) leaves the body immediately at death and takes a new birth according to its own karma.
• No ceremony can change the soul’s next birth or give moksha; all rituals are mainly for:

- remembering the true nature of the soul, - calming and guiding the living family members, - inspiring vairagya (detachment) and samyak bhav (right attitude). ( jainknowledge.com)

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2. Immediately after death

Common practices:

1. Shanti path / Navkar mantra

- Family and close ones may sit quietly and recite Navkar Mantra and simple shanti (peace) sutras. - Purpose: to steady the mind, remember the soul’s independence from the body, and accept the reality of karma.

1. Simple handling of the body

- The body is treated with respect and simplicity. - Avoid unnecessary decoration and show. - Usually, the body is taken for cremation as soon as practical, keeping in mind: - avoidance of himsa (e.g., not keeping the body too long, simple arrangements). ( jainknowledge.com)

1. No “calling the soul back”

- Jain dharma does not support trying to call, hold or direct the departed soul through rituals. - The soul has already moved on according to its karma at the very moment of death.

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3. Funeral / cremation (Antim Sanskar)

Common Jain approach

• Cremation is the normal practice among both Digambar and Shwetambar Jains.
• At the cremation ground, usually:

- An elder or close relative may say a short prayer. - Navkar Mantra, Jain stotras or sutras may be recited. - Often there is a short reflection on anitya bhav (impermanence) and on living a dharmic life. ( jainknowledge.com)

Differences in traditions

• Shwetambar Murtipujak

- Some families invite a sadhu/sadhvi or shravak‑scholar to speak briefly on Jain view of death and karma. - Very simple flowers or cloth may be used, but without heavy ritualism.

• Sthanakvasi / Terapanthi

- Generally even simpler, no idol‑based or fire‑ritual style “Agni Sanskar”. - No Vedic mantras or havan; only Jain prayers and reflection, keeping to strict ahimsa and aparigraha. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Digambar

- Similar stress on simplicity and detachment. - Prayers, pathshala‑style short discourse, and then cremation with minimum show.

All emphasize: respect for body as former abode of soul, but no attachment to it.

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4. Mourning period (Shok / Ashauch)

• Many Jain families observe a short mourning period, typically:

- About 3 days in many places, sometimes up to 8–10 days by local custom. ( jainknowledge.com)

• During this time:

- No big celebrations, parties, or new ventures. - Many avoid: - murtipuja, abhishek, aarti, - entering the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the temple. - Simple daily prayers at home are encouraged (Navkar Mantra, Samayik, Pratikraman, Swadhyay). ( jainknowledge.com)

This is maryada (discipline/custom), not a belief that the soul is “unclean”. It is to give the family time for reflection and inner purification.

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5. What family is encouraged to do after death

After the funeral, Jains are encouraged to:

1. Regular Navkar and Shanti paath

- For self‑purification and stability of mind. - Not as a “bribe” or guarantee for the departed soul’s moksha.

1. Pratikraman / Samayik

- To look at one’s own faults, improve conduct, and deepen understanding of anitya (impermanence).

1. Charity (Daan) and Jiv‑daya

- Doing kind acts, feeding the needy, helping animals, supporting sadhu‑sadhvi or Jain institutions in memory of the departed. - This creates punya for the doer and spreads compassion, which is the real honor to the departed soul. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Discourses (pravachan)

- Sometimes a small pathshala / pravachan is arranged to remind everyone of: - nature of soul and karma, - the inevitability of death, - importance of using life for dharma.

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6. What Jainism clearly does not teach about death rituals

• No ritual can force liberation for the departed.
• There is no Hindu‑style shraddh, pitru tarpana, homa / havan required by Jain shastra.
• Any copied customs from other religions are local/social, not from Jain Agams. ( jainknowledge.com)

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7. Special case: Sallekhana (Santhara)

• Sallekhana is not a post‑death ritual.
• It is a voluntary vow taken by the person while alive, usually:

- when death is near and - when they can maintain full awareness, non‑attachment, and forgiveness.

• Family cannot “do” sallekhana for someone who has already passed.
• It is a personal spiritual vow, guided by a Guru, and is considered a very high form of vairagya and tapas. ( jainknowledge.com)

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If you tell me your specific tradition (Digambar / Shwetambar Murtipujak / Sthanakvasi / Terapanthi) and country, I can list a very simple, step‑by‑step sequence of what is usually done in that community.

You can also read a concise Jain‑based explanation of what the family should do after a death here: You can read more here