Fasting is widely practiced in the Jain religion. The Sunday Times of India Review reports: “A Jain muni [sage] in Bombay [Mumbai] drank just two glasses of boiled water a day—for 201 days. He lost 33 kg [73 lb].” Some even fast to the point of starving themselves to death, convinced that this will bring salvation.

The Jain religion views fasting as a way to achieve the salvation of the soul