Hinduism
Hindus believe in the rebirth and reincarnation of souls. The soul may go into many bodies and so will have many births and deaths. The soul has to become perfect in order to become one with the 'Divine'.
ANTYESHTI – FUNERAL OR LAST RITES
The funeral rite includes preparation of the body, cremation and the spreading of the ashes on water. After death, nearly all Hindus are cremated (burned) in order to help the soul to leave the body quickly. Only children and saints are buried without being cremated because their souls are pure.
Funerals are usually carried out by a priest and by the eldest son of the dead person. Funerals take place as soon as possible depending on the country’s laws. However, in India it can take place within hours of the person dying.
Funerals are usually carried out by a priest and by the eldest son of the dead person. Funerals take place as soon as possible depending on the country’s laws. However, in India it can take place within hours of the person dying.
Preparing the Body
The body is washed by family members. It is then covered in a clean cloth.
"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
Flowers are put on top of the body. A few drops of Ganges water are put in the mouth.
A variety of rituals may also take place around the body:
"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
Flowers are put on top of the body. A few drops of Ganges water are put in the mouth.
A variety of rituals may also take place around the body:
- A lamp is put by the head of the dead person
- Prayers and hymns are sung
- Pindas (rice balls) are placed in the coffin
- Water is sprinkled on the body
- A necklace of wooden beads, called a mala, or flowers may be put around the dead person’s neck
THE FUNERAL
The mantra (chanted prayer) "Ram Nam Satya Hai" (the name of Rama is truth) is said on the way to the cremation. Some dead bodies have their skulls cracked to allow the soul to escape.
If the cremation takes place in England the body will be taken to a crematorium to be burned. Hindus in India like to have funerals at the side of the River Ganges. This is a holy river for Hindus. The dead body is put on a pyre (pile of wood) and the oldest son says some Vedic prayers eg. O Supreme light, lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light and from death to immortality.
He then sets fire to the body. Incense and butter are put on to the flames.
Three days later the ashes of the dead are sprinkled on water. Many people take the ashes to India to put on the waters of the Ganges.
If the cremation takes place in England the body will be taken to a crematorium to be burned. Hindus in India like to have funerals at the side of the River Ganges. This is a holy river for Hindus. The dead body is put on a pyre (pile of wood) and the oldest son says some Vedic prayers eg. O Supreme light, lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light and from death to immortality.
He then sets fire to the body. Incense and butter are put on to the flames.
Three days later the ashes of the dead are sprinkled on water. Many people take the ashes to India to put on the waters of the Ganges.
Mourning
After the funeral the widow or widower will wear white as a sign of mourning. The close family members may mourn for twelve days. During this time the family is regarded as impure. They cannot eat certain foods and they cannot attend any religious activities. This is to ensure the soul of the dead person will leave the body.
Everybody, after the funeral, takes a bath to purify the body.
On the thirteenth day, the Samskara ends with the special ritual of Kriya. Riceballs (pinda) and milk are given to the dead to give thanks for that person’s life and show the gratitude of the family for the life of that person.
After the death, Shraddha takes place annually. Food, such as pindas, is given to the poor in memory of the dead.
Everybody, after the funeral, takes a bath to purify the body.
On the thirteenth day, the Samskara ends with the special ritual of Kriya. Riceballs (pinda) and milk are given to the dead to give thanks for that person’s life and show the gratitude of the family for the life of that person.
After the death, Shraddha takes place annually. Food, such as pindas, is given to the poor in memory of the dead.