All about Hindu Funeral Rituals

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!