Indian burn body8/19/2023 Upon returning home, all family members will bathe and change into fresh clothes. When the body has been fully cremated, those gathered will return home. At this point, the body is ready for cremation, and should be placed into the incinerator feet-first. Those gathered may pray, and then the karta will perform the ritual circling of the body. The body should be brought into the crematorium feet-first, ideally with the feet facing south. Thus, most of the rituals may still be observed. However, most crematories will allow for ceremonies before the cremation and will allow for guests to be present at the cremation itself. In the United States, only crematories may cremate bodies. For Hindus living outside of India, there are companies that will arrange for the shipment of the body to India and hold a traditional cremation with a proxy karta. Then the karta will set the pyre on fire and those gathered will stay until the body is entirely burned. The karta will circle the body three times, walking counter-clockwise so that the body stays on his left, and sprinkling holy water on the pyre. The family builds a pyre and places the body on the pyre. Historically, Hindu cremations take place on the Ganges River in India. It is customary that only men attend the cremation. If a vehicle, such as a hearse, is used for transportation, the eldest male relative (known as “karta”) and another male family elder should accompany the casket. Traditionally, the casket is carried on a stretcher and walked to the cremation site, though it is acceptable to transport the body in a vehicle. Traditionally, all Hindus-except babies, children, and saints-are cremated. Related Article: Viewings, Wakes, and Visitations. At the end of the wake, the casket is removed feet-first and brought to the place of cremation. At the end of the wake, before the body is removed for cremation, many Hindus place “pinda” (rice balls) near the casket. During the wake, family and friends gather around the casket and may recite hymns or mantras. A garland of flowers should be placed around the neck, and holy basil should be placed in the casket. “Vibuti” (ash) or “chandanam” (sandalwood) should be applied to the forehead of a man, and turmeric should be applied to the forehead of a woman. The body should be displayed in a simple, inexpensive casket. Hindus generally hold a brief wake before cremation. Viewing, Wake, Or Visitation Before A Hindu Funeral If the person who died was a married woman who died before her husband, she should be dressed in red. Once the body is sufficiently cleaned, the big toes should be tied together, the hands should be placed palm-to-palm in a position of prayer, and the body should be shrouded in a plain white sheet. While the body is being washed, those washing should recite mantras. The body may also be washed in purified water. Traditionally, for the “abhisegam” (holy bath), the body is washed in a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), and honey. A lighted oil lamp as well as a picture of the deceased’s favorite deity should be kept by the deceased’s head. For the ritual washing, the deceased’s head should be facing southward. If this is not possible, the funeral home may wash and dress the body. Many Hindu funeral homes recognize the importance of the family washing the body and will allow the family to prepare the body. ![]() ![]() Traditionally, the body is washed by family members and close friends. EmbalmingĮmbalming is acceptable in Hinduism. Organ donation is acceptable for Hindus, as there are no Hindu laws prohibiting organ or tissue donation. A priest should be contacted and can help guide in the decision-making process and direct the family to a Hindu-friendly funeral home. The funeral should take place as soon as possible-traditionally, by the next dusk or dawn, whichever occurs first. ![]() Preparations for the funeral begin immediately. After Death Has OccurredĪs soon as death occurs, those gathered will avoid unnecessary touching of the body, as it is seen as impure. If this is not possible before death, then these actions should take place immediately following the death. A small amount of water from the Ganges River should be placed in the dying person’s mouth. When death seems imminent, the body should, if possible, be transferred to a grass mat on the floor. Those present should chant mantras or play a recording of mantras being chanted. When a Hindu is approaching death, a priest should be contacted and the priest and the family should gather to be with the dying person. Once moksha is attained, the soul will be absorbed into Brahman, the divine force and ultimate reality. The ultimate goal for many Hindus is to become free from desire, thereby escaping samsara and attaining moksha, the transcendent state of salvation. Generally, Hindus believe that life and death are part of the concept of samsara, or rebirth.
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