Introduction to Hindu Funeral Rites At a Crematorium
Every religion gives its adherents instructions on rites to perform after death because death is inevitable. The Hindu faith also provides a thorough guide to its complex burial rites and arrangements for its adherents. Hindus think that after death, the soul reincarnates in a different body. Therefore, there are various levels in the Hindu religion, both before and after death. The basic Hindu funeral guidelines followed at a Hindu crematorium are provided here.
Death rites preparation at a Hindu crematorium:
When a person dies, some rituals are executed by a priest at the funeral service, while the deceased’s remaining family members carry out the majority. A dying person should be laid out on a grass mat at the entrance to the house or in their chamber, with their head turned toward the east. The dying person is given Ganges water to drink while mantras are sung into their right ear.
Following death, the body is cleansed and covered with a plain white cotton cloth. The body is subsequently covered with sandalwood paste and decorated with floral garlands. Finally, the funeral pyre, traditionally built of wood, camphor, and mango leaves, is constructed. The deceased is brought to the funeral pyre at a Hindu crematorium on a bamboo stretcher.
The cremation:
It is typically preferred to cremate the deceased before the sun sets on the day of their passing. In India, cremations are most frequently carried out at a Hindu crematorium close to the River Bank or any water body. The dead person’s body is placed in a casket and transported or carried on foot to the site of creation. In most Hindu groups, usually, only men are permitted at the cremation site within the Hindu crematorium. Therefore, the males will place rice in the deceased’s mouth.
The funeral pyre:
At the place of cremation, a funeral pyre is built. The deceased body is moved around the pyre three times counterclockwise before being set down on the platform. The dead person’s eldest son or another close male relative typically serves as the key mourner. The key mourner carries a torch and a pot of water on his left shoulder behind his back. With this, he circles the pyre three times, and during each circumlocution, someone strikes the pot to create a hole in it. The water spills out. The key mourner fires the funeral pyre, following the third circle. The deceased person is subsequently placed in the crematorium.
Funeral etiquette:
At a Hindu funeral, white clothing is required. Arms should not bare arms, and dress should be straightforward and modest. Avoid bringing flowers when you attend a Hindu burial ritual since they could divert the deceased person’s soul. Following the cremation, a 13-day period of mourning follows.
Conclusion
I sincerely hope that by providing you with a brief overview of Hindu funeral customs related to death, we have made it easier for you to comprehend these customs.
