Kariyatu

Sleeping on the floor on a thin cloth, walking barefoot from one city to another, facing harsh weather without any modern amenities like an umbrella and surviving on donated food sounds like ascetic living.

- Smt. Minati Shah

Indeed this is how Jain monks live. Their purpose of pursuing a path of non-violence entails strict discipline and provides them immunity against all odds. They may not rely on chemical-based soap or insecticide but they do get some help from 'Kariyatu'.

Small plants of Kariyatu or Swertia Chirayita/ Chirata grow in the Himalayas and Nepal and are available in the form of dry leaves, whole plant or powder that can also be purchased online.