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Antyeshti
Antyeshti
Many rituals for death exist in Hinduism. These vary according to family and region, though across all regions bodies are usually cremated rather than buried. The rationale is that burning enables the departed soul to abandon attachment for its previous body and move swiftly forward to the next chapter of life.
Funeral ceremonies should therefore be performed as soon as possible – by dusk or by dawn, whichever occurs first. Therefore, in India a funeral takes place within hours of death. Regulations elsewhere mean that it may take much longer.
During the funeral ceremony, the priest and the mourners may recite verses from scripture and mantra. Most Hindus would say they are grieving for the person they knew, not the atman, which they believe will be reincarnated.
“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.”
“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.”
Bhagavad-gita 2.22
Key Actions
Key Actions
In India
In India
The corpse is placed on a pyre made of sandalwood, saffron, musk and camphor, beside a river. The feet of the body must face south towards the realm of the god of death, Yama. The chief mourner, the eldest son or a male mourner, or the priest lights the fire and throws rice, nuts and other offerings into the flames. The ashes are collected and scattered into a river, preferably the Ganges.
In some communities, relatives wash their body and clothe it in white garments. They may put a few drops of water from the River Ganges into the mouth of the deceased to help purify them. During the funeral ceremony, the priest and the mourners may recite verses from scripture and mantra.
Outside of India
Outside of India
The body is washed by relatives, dressed in fresh cloth, and bedecked with flowers. A few drops of Ganges water are placed in the mouth. The corpse is then carried on a stretcher to the cremation grounds accompanied by kirtan (the act of praising and glorifying some form of divinity., chanting mantras such as “Ram Nam Satya Hai” (the name of Rama is truth). The eldest son lights the funeral pyre.
For renunciates, it is considered important that the skull is cracked, and this is sometimes part of the ritual, apparently urging the departed soul to move on. Towards the end of the ceremony a priest or relative recites appropriate verses from scripture. Usually three days later, the eldest son will collect the ashes and place them in the Ganges, or another sacred river. In Australia or the UK, relatives may travel to India for this purpose, though in the UK some are now using the Thames.
Key Symbols
Key Symbols
Essential Oils
The person’s head may be anointed with essential oils: sandalwood for men and turmeric for women.
Dressing
Traditional Indian death rituals include a simple white sheet to dress the person who has died. More modern practices allow for contemporary, stylish clothing.
Flowers and Rice
Funeral attendees may place a garland of flowers and rice balls (known as pinda) around the loved ones. Leaves, such as basil, may also be used to adorn the body.
Lamp
Some traditional practices involve placing a lamp near the head of the person who has died.
Water
Sprinkling water on the body is a symbol of cleansing.
Mourning
Mourning
Mourning lasts for 10 days, after which a series of 16 pindas (special rice balls) are placed in strategic places associated with the death: the place of death, where the corpse was laid, the path of the funeral procession, where the bier stopped, the place of cremation, and the place where the ashes were scattered.
On the 10th day, the chief mourner shaves, bathes and receives a new sacred thread.
Shraddha
Shraddha
After the death of a loved one, some Hindus perform Shraddha. The Shraddha rites (funeral rites) are prescribed in the ancient law books and the rites reflect a linear understanding of the afterlife.
Offerings are made to family gods and goddesses to help the atman of the deceased to move on. Some Hindus believe the atman remains around loved ones while they grieve, so Shraddha symbolises an end to mourning. Some Hindus give gifts in charity on behalf of the departed loved one.
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