Gradually, the word sati was used to designate the ritual of self-immolation or self-sacrifice by a Hindu widow on her husband's pyre. ... Such a widow was thought to become a goddess and to bring auspiciousness or good fortune to her birth and marital families.

What was the reason behind the practice of sati?

According to ancient Hindu customs, sati symbolised closure to a marriage. It was a voluntary act in which, as a sign of being a dutiful wife, a woman followed her husband to the afterlife. It was, therefore, considered to be the greatest form of devotion of a wife towards her dead husband.

How did Sati start in India?

Sati system in India is said to have its traces back in the 4th century BC. However, the evidence of the practice is traced between the 5th and 9th centuries AD when widows of the Kings performed this sacrifice. Jauhar was among one of the most prevalent practices in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.