Traditionally, Hindus choose to die at home, surrounded by family. When death is imminent, the person should ideally be brought home to die in as natural a fashion as possible. (Many Hindus embrace conscious physical pain as a way of atoning for past sins, accepting fate, and gaining good karma for the next life.)
Hindu Burial RitualsMost Hindus are cremated as it is believed that this will help their soul to escape quickly from the body. Hindus originally used to bury their dead in ancient times, but cremation became the religion’s primary method thousands of years ago.
The ashes of the deceased are sprinkled onto the water. Many people take the ashes to India to put on the waters of the Ganga (Ganges River), which they believe is the most holy river; others may take them to the sea near to where they live.
After the funeral, the widow or widower will wear white as a sign of mourning. The close family may mourn for twelve days. On the thirteenth day the samskara (reincarnation) ends with the ritual of Kriya. During this, riceballs and milk are offered to the deceased to show the gratitude of the family for the life of that person. After this, the mourners can continue with their normal lives. Hindus believe that each death brings the atman (soul) nearer to moksha (liberation). |
Various rituals may take place around the dead body:
Hindu funeral rites will vary among families and locations, but here are some common customs:
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