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Hindu Death Rituals

Websites Used

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Hinduism/2003/02/Hindu-Rituals-For-Death-And-Grief.aspx?p=1

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Hinduism/2001/02/Rites-Of-Transition-Hindu-Death-Rituals.aspx

http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/a/rites_rituals_5.htm

http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?death

The 13 days of Mourning

Customs and Rituals

13-day mourning is a ritual in which family members are able to repay the debts of their ancestor as well as the Gods, and also help the deceased soul towards their journey to Yama, the god of death. As the mourners grieve over their loss, they are also coping with it through this ritual, in which they are able to complete actions that will help recuperate from the loss. After the ritual is completed on the thirteenth day, the family breaks away from the loss and returns back to their daily lives. However, depending on some, they may perform Shraddha, and mourn up to one year. During this time, they do not attend festivals, ceremonies, or any event of celebration.

Rituals performed

Within 24 hours of the death, the family of the deceased will bathe the body as well as pray over it. The body will be dressed in white, and before it is cremated, it is decorated with flowers, rice in the mouth (for the soul to feed on), and coins in their hands for the soul to carry on to their next lives. Before entering the crematorium, prayers/readings are said from the religious scriptures. The Chief mourner (most often a male from the family) lights an oil lamp and circles around the body to pray over the departing soul. For respect of the grieving, no cooking is done inside the home of the family members until the cremation is done. After cremation, the body ashes are then immersed in a holy river or the ocean. A lamp is lit to light the way for the soul, and water is provided to nourish it. After these rituals, the family members have to bathe in order to purify themselves and change into other clothing before entering the home. The priest will purify their home with spices and incense. This marks the beginning of the 13-day mourning period where the mourners are in a state of 'pollution' and grief. During the 13 days, the family will give offerings to the soul, particularly pindas (rice balls) which will help the soul transcend to the realm of Yama (god of death).

Hindu Belief on Death

In Hindu beliefs, it is common for them to practice cremation instead of burials. Hindu religion does not feel the need to keep the human body, as it is the soul that transcends.They believe that the soul will leave the body and reincarnate and transcend back to life on Earth. This is an ongoing cycle until the soul reaches Nirvana, and is reunited with Brahman. Depending on your past karma, it will determine the future of your reborn life. By disposal of the body, they believe it will allow the soul to detach itself from the earthly existence.

There are several rituals in which they perform, all in which have a significant meaning. With these rituals, families are able to cope and adjust to the loss of their loved one.

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