What is the Hindu tradition for funerals?
While some Hindus do bury their dead, the most common practice is to cremate the body, collect the ashes, and on the fourth day, disperse the ashes in a sacred body of water or other place of importance to the deceased person. To Hindus, the Ganges (or Ganga, in Hindi) is the most sacred river.
What are the rituals after death in Hinduism?
shraddha, Sanskrit śrāddha, also spelled sraddha, in Hinduism, a ceremony performed in honour of a dead ancestor. The rite is both a social and a religious responsibility enjoined on all male Hindus (with the exception of some sannyasis, or ascetics).
How do you pay respects at a Hindu funeral?
These Hindu funeral ceremonies are typically conducted by a Hindu priest, and songs, chants and scripture readings may be part of the service. At the end of the service, guests file past the casket and leave a single flower to pay final respects. After the conclusion of the ceremony, the cremation will occur.
What do you say when a Hindu dies?
Hinduism believes in Moksha that is liberation- Liberation from the endless cycles of birth and death. That’s why instead of using RIP we should say, “Om Shanti” or “Aatma Ko Sadgati Prapt Ho (May Soul attain Moksha)”. Sadgati means salvation or liberation.
What happens when a Hindu dies?
When a person dies, their atman is reborn in a different body. Some believe rebirth happens directly at death, others believe that an atman may exist in other realms. Hindus believe that an atman may enter swarg or narak for a period before rebirth. Hindus believe in karma or ‘intentional action’.
Why do Hindu shave their heads when someone dies?
Mundan, as they call it, is the ritual of shaving the head post the death of an elderly member in the family. It is believed that shaving off the hair helps men to let go of their ego. It gives them a sense of responsibility and reminds them to be obedient and become more selfless while performing their deeds.
How is a body prepared for cremation in Hinduism?
Hindus generally hold a brief wake before cremation. The body is displayed in a simple casket. During the wake, family and friends gather around the casket and recite mantras. At the end of the wake, before the body is removed for cremation, many Hindus place “pinda” (rice balls) near the casket.
How long is the Hindu mourning period?
13-day
This is the beginning of a 13-day Hindu mourning period during which friends and loved ones will visit to offer condolences. Sometimes the Hindu mourning period includes another ceremonial memorial within the month after the deceased has passed away.
How do you send condolences in Hinduism?
Thank you for letting truth speak. Dear Family, I am praying for all of you, my sincere condolences to all who share the life with India. May God give you comfort in this tragic time, with my prayers sending love and respect. Dear Family of India Clarke, I was saddened to hear of India’s passing.
What does Moksha mean in Hinduism?
moksha, also spelled mokṣa, also called mukti, in Indian philosophy and religion, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara). Derived from the Sanskrit word muc (“to free”), the term moksha literally means freedom from samsara.
Do you send flowers to a Hindu funeral?
It is not a Hindu custom to bring or send flowers to the grieving family at the funeral service. During the time leading up to the cremation of the body, flowers play an important role in the ceremony. Hindu mourners adorn the body with flowers and leaves prior to the funeral.
How is Hindu cremation done?
Both manual bamboo wood pyres and electric cremation are used for Hindu cremations. For the latter, the body is kept on a bamboo frame on rails near the door of the electric chamber. After cremation, the mourner will collect the ashes and consecrate it to a water body, such as a river or sea.
What happens at a Hindu funeral?
A Hindu funeral typically takes place within one day and sometimes two days after the time of death. No gifts or flowers should be brought to the funeral, although flowers may be sent or brought ahead of time. Hindu funeral rites take the form of chants, or mantras, which are specially written to be chanted at funerals.
What are the Hindu death rituals?
Hindu funeral rituals include cremation within 24 hours of death, and keeping the body at home until that time. In some areas outside of the United States, male family members typically carry the body to the funeral home or cremation site. The deceased is usually shrouded and family members and visitors place flowers at their feet.
How do Hindus dress for a funeral?
Hindu funeral rites will vary among families and locations, but here are some common customs: Mourners at a Hindu funeral wear simple, white, casual clothes. Dress down, not up. A priest or oldest son (or other male) of the family preside at the service. You’ll hear prayers and hymns You’ll see lots of flowers on the body. The casket will be open, and all mourners are expected to quietly view it.
What are Hindu burial rituals?
Burial In Hinduism: Apart from the cremation method there are large sects in Hinduism which follow burial of the dead. The preparatory rituals are more or less similar to cremation viz, washing the body, applying vibuthi or chandam on the forehead of the deceased etc, but instead of cremating, the deceased is buried.