Hinduism is a diverse and ancient religion that has many beliefs and customs about death and the afterlife. One of the most distinctive aspects of Hinduism is the practice of cremation, which is seen as a way of releasing the soul from the body and preparing it for the next life. In this article, I'll explore the meaning, process, and significance of cremation in Hinduism.
Topics Covered
- Why Hindu creamate their dead?
- Do Hindus bury their dead?
- The Process of Cremation in Hinduism
- Why do Hindus break skulls during cremation?
- Why are the toes of dead bodies tied together in Hinduism?
- What does Bhagavad Gita say about death?
- What not to do when someone dies in Hinduism?
- What is the 13th-day ceremony after death called?
- Why the deceased's family can not take turmeric after death?
- Which days are auspicious for death?
- What is so special about Manikaranika Ghat in Varanasi?
- Conclusion
Why do Hindus creamate their dead?
Hindus believe that the soul, or atman, is eternal and indestructible, while the body is temporary and perishable. The body is only a vehicle for the soul to experience the world and perform its duties, or dharma. The soul undergoes a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, or samsara, until it attains liberation, or moksha, from the bondage of karma, or the law of cause and effect
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Cremation is a way of dissolving the body into the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. By burning the body, the soul is freed from its attachment to the physical form and can move on to the next stage of its journey. Cremation also symbolizes the destruction of the ego and the illusion of the material world, which are the sources of suffering and ignorance.
Cremation is not only a physical act, but also a spiritual one. It is a ritual that honors the deceased, expresses gratitude for their life, and offers prayers for their peace and happiness. It is also a way of coping with grief and accepting the reality of death. Cremation helps the family and friends of the deceased to let go of their attachment and find closure.
Do Hindus bury their dead?
Hindus cremate their dead because they believe that the soul is attached to the body and needs to be released by fire. Cremation also symbolizes the destruction of the ego and the attainment of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
However, some Hindus are buried instead of cremated, such as babies, children, and saints. This is because they are considered pure and unattached to their bodies, and do not need the fire to free their souls.
The Process of Cremation in Hinduism
The process of cremation in Hinduism varies according to the region, caste, sect, and personal preference of the deceased and their family. However, there are some common steps that are followed by most Hindus.
Preparation of the body
The process of cremation in Hinduism varies depending on factors such as region, caste, sect, and personal preference of the deceased and their family. However, there are common steps followed by most Hindus.As soon as possible after death, the body is washed, anointed with oils and perfumes, and dressed in new or favorite clothes. A tilak, or a mark, is applied on the forehead, and a sacred thread, or a yajnopavita, is worn around the neck or chest. The body is then laid on a bier, or a stretcher, made of bamboo or wood, and decorated with flowers and garlands. The body is placed with the head facing south, the direction of death and the underworld.
Transfer of the body
The body is carried by the male relatives or friends of the deceased to the cremation ground, or the shamshana, which is usually located near a river or a water source. The body is carried on the shoulders of a vehicle, depending on the distance and the availability. The procession is accompanied by chanting of mantras, or sacred verses, and playing of musical instruments.
The eldest son, or the chief mourner, leads the procession and carries a clay pot filled with water, or a kumbha, with a hole in it. The pot is placed on the left shoulder and is tilted so that the water leaks out gradually. This signifies the gradual dissolution of life and the severance of the relationship between the deceased and the living.
Cremation of the body
At the cremation ground, a pyre, or a chita, is prepared with dry wood, cow dung, ghee, or clarified butter. The body is placed on the pyre with the head facing north, in the direction of the gods and the heaven.
The chief mourner circles the pyre three times, sprinkling water and rice, or pinda, on the body. He then lights a fire, or an agni, from a sacred source, such as a temple or a home, and sets the pyre ablaze. He then circumambulates the pyre clockwise, or pradakshina, while reciting mantras and prayers.
Collection of the ashes
After the fire has consumed the body, the ashes, or the bhasma, are collected and immersed in a river or a sea, or scattered in a sacred place. This is called the asthi visarjana, or the bone disposal.
The immersion of the ashes is a way of returning the body to the elements and offering the soul to the divine. It is also a way of cleansing the soul from the impurities of the body and the world.
Why do Hindus break skulls during cremation?
Hindus break the skull during cremation as a ritual called kapala kriya. This is done for two main reasons:
- To help the body burn faster and easier by breaking the hard skull bone².
- To release the soul of the deceased from the attachment to the body and allow it to attain peace and salvation.
This is a very ancient and sacred practice that is performed by a close family member or a priest with a bamboo stick. It is believed that the soul of the deceased can only leave the body after the skull is cracked open.
Why are the toes of dead bodies tied together in Hinduism?
According to some Hindu traditions, the toes of dead bodies are tied together with a string before being them to the cremation ground. This is done to tighten up the Muladhara, the root chakra, in such a way that the body cannot be invaded by the departed soul once again.
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| Muldhara Chakra at the bottom |
This also helps in conjoining the right and left energy channels, leading to the movement of the waves from the body in a circular manner within the body itself. This is believed to facilitate the release of the soul from the body and its journey to the afterlife.
What does Bhagavad Gita say about death?
According to the Bhagavad Gita, the soul is eternal, immortal, and indestructible. It is neither born nor dies but transmigrates from one body to another according to its karma. Death is only the end of the physical body, not the soul.
The soul can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death by realizing its true identity as a part of the Supreme Being and by performing one's duty without attachment to the results.
What not to do when someone dies in Hinduism?
There are some dos and don'ts that Hindu families follow after a death in their family. Some of them are:
- The family members do not wear new clothes or adorn themselves with jewelry for 13 days after the death.
- The family members do not perform any worship rituals for 13 days after the death.
- The family members do not participate in any festive or auspicious occasions for 13 days after the death.
- The family members do not delay the cremation of the body, which should be done within the next dawn or dusk after death.
What is the 13th-day ceremony after death called?
On the 13th day after the death a ceremony is performed by pries called Terahvin (Terahvin means 13). On this day rice balls (pind) are offered to the soul near a river or water body and are called pind daan. Pind Daan is a Vedic ritual. The word "pind" means a body and the word "daan" means charity.
Therefore, Pind Daan means charity to the soul. On this day the soul is aware that the old body is dead and through Pind Daan offering by the family a new body is created. The soul can feel the smell, sound, and emotions of those who remain on the physical plane.
On this day it is believed that the messenger of death comes to take the soul in the other plane. This ceremony is believed to help the soul attain peace and transition into the other plane and marks the end of the mourning period and return to normal life for the family.
After one year the family members have to perform another ritual.
Why the deceased's family can not take turmeric after death?
Though not everyone has this restriction it is avoided as it is considered to be auspicious in Hinduism.
It is one of the Mangala dravya which means sacred item and is reserved for auspicious occasions. This restriction is followed till the Pind Daan Puja.
Which days are auspicious for death?
According to Hindu Shastras, the most auspicious day for death is Vaikunta Ekadasi, which is the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Margashirsha. This day is believed to grant salvation to the departed soul and free them from the cycle of birth and death.
However, there are also other factors that affect the auspiciousness of death, such as the Tithi, Nakshatra, and Vaara (day of the week) at the time of death. These can cause different types of doshas (defects) that may require certain remedies to be performed by the family members of the deceased.
What is so special about Manikaranika Ghat in Varanasi?
Manikaranika Ghat is one of the holiest cremation grounds in Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges river. It is believed that the souls of the dead who are cremated here attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The name Manikaranika comes from the legend that the earrings of Goddess Sati, the consort of Shiva, fell here when he carried her burning body across the sky.
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| Manikarnika Ghat |
The ghat is also a Shakti Peeth, a place of worship dedicated to the divine feminine energy. The ghat has a sacred well called Manikarnika Kund, which is said to have been created by Lord Vishnu as a symbol of his love for the city of Varanasi. The ghat is also known for its continuous burning of funeral pyres, which creates a striking contrast with the serene river and the ancient temples nearby. Manikaranika Ghat is a place of profound spiritual significance and a unique cultural experience for visitors.
Conclusion
Hindu cremation is a sacred and ancient practice in Hinduism that symbolizes the detachment of the soul from the body and its journey towards moksha. Cremation rituals vary across regions and sects, but they share some common elements such as the use of fire, water, and mantras. Cremation also reflects the Hindu beliefs about karma, reincarnation, and the cycle of life and death. By understanding the significance and meaning of cremation in Hinduism, we can appreciate the diversity and richness of this ancient religion and culture.
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Very detailed infromation
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