Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium in Mysore

The Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium is one of the oldest and most famous cremation grounds in Mysore, Karnataka. Located on the banks of Kaveri River, it is a place where Hindus perform the last rites for their loved ones.

History and Significance

The cremation ground gets its name from the mythological King Harishchandra, who was known for his honesty, truthfulness, and integrity. According to legends, this king performed cremations on the banks of the Ganga River. The Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium in Mysore follows his name, upholding his principles.

The land for the crematorium was donated by the Mysore Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the early 19th century. Since then, the crematorium has been the main funeral ground for Hindus in Mysore. Generations of Mysore residents have performed the last rites for their family members here.

The crematorium is especially significant during the annual Dasara festival when the Vijayadashmi procession halts here. The royal sword is worshipped before proceeding to Bannimantap for the Jamboo Savari celebrations.

Structure and Facilities

Spread over 7.5 acres, the crematorium has several structures and facilities. There are separate burning platforms for different castes as per local customs. The main burning ghat is a raised platform with several concrete and brick pyres. There are changing rooms and wood storage facilities.

The crematorium also has an office building, a prayer hall, shelters for relatives to rest and wait, and toilet facilities. Concrete pathways connect the various sections. The riverbank has steps leading to the water, which is considered holy.

Cremation Process and Rituals at Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium in Mysore

The cremation rituals followed at Harishchandra Ghat adhere to traditional Hindu customs. When a person dies, the body is first bathed and prepared. It is then wrapped in white cloth and garlands. The male relatives carry the body to the crematorium on a bier.

At the ghat, the chief mourner and the priest offer prayers. The body is placed on the pyre with its head facing south. The chief mourner circles the pyre, offering puffed rice as sustenance for the soul. He then lights the pyre at the feet, as others chant mantras.

The cremation process takes 2-3 hours. When the skull cracks, it signals the departure of the soul. The remains are later collected and immersed in the river. Other rituals like gathering the ashes and bones follow in subsequent days.

Administration and Functioning

The Mysore City Corporation oversees the functioning of the crematorium. There are designated officers who allocate the pyres, provide facilities for cremation, and maintain records. Cremations take place from morning to evening. There are about 5-8 cremations on regular days.

Documents Needed for Cremation Services

If a deceased family looking for any type of cremation services, contacting Believ is always a viable option:

Death certificate from hospital or municipality
Doctor’s certificate stating cause of death
Aadhaar card or PAN card of the deceased
Residencial proofs like Voter ID or electricity bill etc
Medical reports if any
Receipt of crematorium charges payment
Form 4A for immersion of ashes in the river later & Form 4 if unnatural death occurs.
No objection certificate from police in case of unnatural deaths
Authorization letter from family for cremation.

Following these requirements and carrying the documents ensures the smooth facilitation of cremation at Harishchandra Ghat. The Believ’s caretakers provide full cooperation if due procedures are completed.

Services Offered for Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium in Mysore

We think that in these difficult circumstances, our assistance transcends purely professional lines. While providing all services with the utmost professionalism, we hope to instill compassion and caring. At Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium, Beleiv provides the following services in response to your needs:

A Funeral Manager for Supervision
Assistance with the Crematorium’s documents clearance
A Committed Helper for Ongoing Assistance and Support
Understanding the requirements for the Harishchandra Ghat Crematorium

Additional Planning Initiation by Believ

The criteria for Antim Sanskar, such as attire, Pind Daan, and sacred artifacts, will be handled by a knowledgeable team.
Additionally, we provide experienced Pandit services and ceremonial assistance, assuring adherence to applicable regulations.
The proper preservation of the body for extended times is made possible by the availability of hearse vans for the transporting of the deceased.
In the event of a death outside of India, the team also offers international repatriation services.
Following the cremation at Harishchandra Ghat, the family’s rituals and traditions are followed during the Shraadh Services.
There are 13 days of ritual priest services in the house, as well as Thirteen and Chautha Services. Regular priestly ritual services follow established customs.
Priests will be arranged to chant mantras during the rituals.
Coconut, ghee, camphor, and sandalwood will be brought for final rituals.
At severals locales, such as Kasi, Rameswaram, Gaya, Varanasi, and Srirangapatna, ritual immersion is provided following a cremation or Asthi Visarjan.