In India, an eight-year-old diamond heiress gave up millions in inheritance to become a nun in the Jain faith this week.
Devanshi Sanghvi was to inherit her family diamond business Sanghvi and Sons, which is based in the city of Surat.
According to Agence France-Presse, Sanghvi officially renounced worldly comforts and took her new role under her religious order on Wednesday.
Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited revealed that her family business is worth around R1 billion.
Sanghvi was initiated into monkhood in a five-day ceremony, which was documented by a robust campaign on an Instagram account with 9,400 followers.
The account posted more than 100 pictures and videos showing the young girl dressed in elegant clothing and jewellery, posing and participating in various rituals with her parents this week.
“Today Devanshi has chosen to live a life on the path of spiritual development,” read a post, which appeared to be written by her parents.
“But we are aware that the Diksha life will bring far more happiness than we can ever provide,” the post read.
According to the AFP, her family members are also members of the Jain faith.
Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions; it is said to have been in India for at least 2,500 years, according to the Pew Research Center.
The religious minority emphasises the importance of non-violence, meditation and vegetarianism, and rejects worldly pleasures. There are around five to six million followers in India.
Sanghvi is one of the youngest people to be inducted into Jain monkhood and relinquish worldly possessions.
BBC’s Priyanka Pathak previously reported that upon being initiated, nuns stop addressing their relatives as family members.
Bipin Doshi, who teaches Jain philosophy at Mumbai University, explained how life changes once a person becomes a Jain nun.
“Your level of spirituality, social standing and religious standing become so high, even the richest man will come down and bow to you,” said Doshi on BBC.
Compiled by Mashudu Mabila
Pictured above: Jain faith nuns
Image source: iStock
