Posthumous Services
Hinduism holds the view that after death, a person’s soul reincarnates into a new body. Hindu funeral customs are based on the concept of reincarnation. Even though Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, it might be difficult to discover information on the traditions and practices of a Hindu Antyeshti (funeral).
Cremation of the deceased’s body is a frequent practice. Hindus have little regard for the physical body. Hindus think that the physical body might stop the soul from continuing on its next journey. The funeral will therefore be held by the decedent’s family as soon as practicable. In Hindu funerals, cremation serves the purpose of severing the soul’s connection to the body it is departing in order to allow it to progress toward mukti (freedom from a continuous cycle of death and rebirth).
Only infants, children, and saints who are thought to be pure and unattached to their bodies are not normally burnt in Hinduism; instead, they may be buried.
Although there is a standard set of Antyeshti (Hindu Funeral) ceremonies, each group and sect has slightly unique customs.
When it is certain that a death is imminent, the following actions are routinely taken. Get in touch with a priest so that they can provide the appropriate direction and, if needed, be present for a ceremony. Work with the medical personnel to ensure that the tasks are completed if the patient is in a hospital.
Prokshana
The person should be sprinkled with holy ganga water from the Ganges River and/or have it poured into their mouth. Chant heavenly names when giving out the water, such as Ram, Krishna, Shiva, etc. Purified water may be used in its place if Ganga water is not accessible.
Chanting Divine Names
- Chant the Bhagwaan names.
- If desired and practical, play suitable Bhajans and recite the Vishnu SahasranAma Stotra or chant the names of God in the right ear.
- The chanting should be done by close family members, although anyone present is welcome to participate if they so choose.
- Repeat the phrase at least 108 times.
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Shiva Shiva Shiva Shiva Shivaya Nama Om Hara Hara Hara Hara Haraya Nama Om Om Namo Narayanaya ! Om Namo Narayanaya !
Viewing / Wake
Before cremation, many families typically have a brief wake, which is generally held in the family’s house but is sometimes arranged at the funeral home or crematorium. During the wake, loved ones frequently assemble around the coffin and may sing hymns or recite mantras. The coffin is taken out feet first and brought to the cremation site when the wake is over.
Cremation & Ceremony (MukhAgni)
The cremation must occur as quickly as possible, ideally between 24 and 48 hours after the death. During the ceremony, a selected family member gives the Kartaa—the person carrying out the rites—powers. The timing of cremation should fall between sunrise and sunset.
A Hindu priest is frequently the officiant and handles all Hindu funeral procedures, guiding the family and other mourners in the numerous rituals. Chanting, prayer, and singing are all done during the event. Sometimes flowers or rice balls (pind daan) are placed.
Usually a day or two after the cremation, the crematoriums give the cremated remains (asti). Transfer the ashes to an environmentally safe container that dissolves in water. The container must be transported with care and kept in a secure area.
Immersion of Ashes (Asti Visarjan)
Some families wish to take ashes to immerse in the Holy Ganga, sometimes at pilgrimage centers such as Haridwar. It is advised that ashes should be immersed as soon as possible after death, preferably before the tenth day. The individual who performed the cremation should ideally perform the immersion. A close friend or relative can also carry out this rite.
While immersing, chant the name
“Naarayana Naarayana Naarayana”.
