Mourning the Dead!

Hmm.. Today we have brought upon you an unhappy topic. - Death!

It is said that a dead person lives on through the memories that they have left behind.

Memories that never fade!

A dead person's soul finds shelter inside the heart of their loved one.

The impact that each death has on the family & friends of those passed away souls, is something that can never be put into words!

In this process of grieving the dead, death rituals are been done by gathering up the family and friends of the dead one.

Death rituals vary according to the religion and cast which they represent.

And today, we are going to talk about the Hindu funeral rituals and rites.

Before that, let's know about the Hindu beliefs about death!

What is Death as per Hinduism?

Death has different meanings and beliefs in different religions.

Hinduism, the third largest religion in the world, after Christian and Musilm, with more than 1.2 billion followers in India, believes that if someone dies, their soul will be reincarnated in a different form. The soul's incarnation depends on the deeds that they have done in their past life, and that is what we call, "karma".

It is believed that when a person dies, only the physical body dies. The soul will remain and will cycle until it settles back to its true nature. And it is said that this soul with each death, gets closer to "Brahma", a Hindu God.

As per the Hindu funeral rituals, the physical body is cremated by following the Hindu customs and death rituals.

So,

Why do Hindus Cremate the Dead Body?

Hindus believe that, after death, the physical body serves no purpose in the real world. So, in order to fasten up the cycle of birth and death, "The Cycle of Samsara", Hindus cremate the body of the dead.

In simpler words, during Hindu funeral rituals, they choose to burn the bodies of their loved ones to free the soul and help it with the process of reincarnation in the quickest way possible. The cremation ritual in Hinduism is usually conducted in the Ganga River in India, as the family will be carrying the ashes of the dead and spreading them in the river. As history has passed, few do that. Now, the cremation and the spreading of ashes in done in the nearby temple ponds and rivers under the guidance of any Hindu priest.

Hindu Funeral Rituals - All You Need To Know

Antyeshti - The Hindu funeral rituals or the kriya after death, is a traditional funeral rites and rituals that mostly comprise "mantras" or chanting. The death ritual will be overseen by the eldest son of the passed or any Hindu priest.

Antyesti, which is referred to as the "last sacrifice" usually involves the cremation of the deceased, where the family and friends are gathered for the funeral ritual. The Hindu funeral rituals comprise the following steps and traditional procedures:

• As part of the Hindu Funeral Rituals, the body of the deceased will be properly cleaned using water, milk, ghee, honey, and yogurt.

• Essential oil will be poured onto the head of the body.

• The palms of the deceased will be kept in a position as they are praying and the big toes will be tied together.

• The body of the deceased will be dressed-up smartly and wrapped in a white sheet.

• Then the body will be displayed in the public for the friends and family members to express their grievance.

• During this ceremony, a casket of flowers, and bowl with rice seeds, and a pitcher, "kindi", filled with water will be kept near the body of the deceased.

• The pinch of rice and sesame seed along with the water from the pitcher will be poured into the mouth of the deceased as part of the ritual by every loved one of the deceased.

• As the end part of the cremation process or the Hindu funeral rituals, the body will be cremated - Antyesti.

Asthi Visarjan

Following the cremation, the collected ashes hold the essence of the loved one. Asthi Visarjan, "immersion of the bones," a ceremony where the ashes are entrusted to sacred waters. The Ganges considered the embodiment of purity, is often the chosen destination, but any flowing water body imbued with spiritual significance can serve as a receptacle. As the ashes mingle with the flowing water, it symbolizes the soul's merging with the universal spirit, dissolving its earthly ties and embarking on its next cycle.

Shradh - Honoring the Deceased

Shradh, a Sanskrit term meaning "offering," transcends mere mourning. It's a ritualistic way to honor and connect with deceased loved ones. Performed annually on the death anniversary or during specific lunar months, Shradh involves offerings of food, prayers, and libations. These acts are believed to nourish and appease the ancestral spirits, ensuring their smooth passage into the afterlife. Sharing meals with family and reciting mantras create a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, fostering a sense of unity and continuity across generations.

Hindu funeral rituals are woven with symbolism and steeped in ancient wisdom. From the symbolic fire to the sacred waters, from ancestral offerings to periods of quiet contemplation, these rituals provide solace, guidance, and a sense of connection beyond the veil. They remind us that death is not an ending, but a transformation, a transition on the soul's eternal journey.

These Hindu traditions passed down through generations, not only honor the deceased but also strengthen the bonds of family and community. They serve as a testament to the Hindu belief in the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth, offering hope and solace in the face of loss.

After the 10-30 day period of mourning the dead as per the Hindu custom, after all the death rituals and kriyas, the soul of the deceased is said to found its salvation and is said to be undergoing the process of reincarnation, thereby fulfilling the purpose of life.

There you go, folks. These are all you need to know about Hindu Funeral Rituals. Share your opinion in the comment section below!