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Although Hinduism is the third largest religion worldwide, not much is known about the customs & beliefs of the Hindu religion. And this goes for what goes on at a Hindu funeral ceremony.
This guide will cover their beliefs about death, and the rituals carried before, during, & after it occurs. It will discuss how Hindus handle the cremation process, and the differences between a funeral taking place in India than in the Western World.
In addition, we will explain what to expect at a Hindu funeral and give you some recommendations on etiquette when attending one.
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Hindu Beliefs About Death
As believers of reincarnation, Hindus follow the idea that it’s only their body that dies. The soul is reborn in a different form after death.
This recycling of life continues until the soul finds it’s true nature. This is referred to as Brahma, which is their one God.
Brahma & Death
Brahma has many forms. There are thousands of gods and goddesses that contain a part of Brahma. Many Hindus choose one or more of those gods to serve and worship.
This process can take many lifetimes. Therefore with each death, they strive to move closer to Brahma. They believe that when the body dies, the soul departs through the top of their head. It then lives on in a different form after a regrouping.
That form can be human, animal, insect, or even plant. Hindus are avid believers of karma. They feel that by suffering, they cancel out past negative deeds. This is accomplished by fasting, confession, and intense prayer, to name a few.
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Hindus are frequently seen with their heads shaved, which is a way for them to make sacrifice. Their karma helps to determine the form in which they are reborn in the next life.
Hindu Death Rituals
A Hindu’s journey to death is multifaceted and has numerous stages. It sometimes begins before death and continues for a period of time after death, which we will explain later.
Close to Death
If it’s apparent that death is coming soon, there are a few preparations to be completed if possible.
Elaborate Funeral Pyre Preparation
Some rites are completed by a priest, but the majority are performed by the family. If possible, a Hindu should die in their home with their loved ones. If they are hospitalized and death is imminent, ideally they are brought home.
When death is about to occur, they are normally placed on the floor with a grass mat and a priest is summoned.
They should be positioned at either the home’s entry or in their room, with their head toward the east. There should also be a light at their head.
The priest and the family assemble around the dying person. A small amount of water, from the Ganges River if possible, is placed into the dying person’s mouth.
Several Cremations at Night
Family members sing hymns, recite prayers, and chant the dying person’s mantra. A mantra is a distinct syllable or word, usually chanted repeatedly, which brings about clear and positive thoughts.
The person is urged to concentrate on their mantra. This is meant to bring all their energy to the top of their head.
As they die, they should think of Brahma and other happy thoughts, such as their family. These thoughts will aid the soul in leaving the body at the highest state.
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At Death
If it’s not possible to put the water into the deceased person’s mouth before death, it should be done immediately after their death. Everyone must ensure that they do not touch the body any more than necessary. They perceive it as impure.
Holy Wood for Cremations
If the person is unconscious at the time of death, their mantra should be softly spoken into their right ear. The body is then placed with the head toward the south and incense is burned.
In some sects, a cloth is placed under the chin and tied to the top of the head. Their big toes and are tied together as are their thumbs. Religious pictures are turned toward the wall and mirrors are sometimes covered.
As mentioned, there may be some variations in this process, depending on the sect.
Preparing for cremation
Ideally the deceased should be cremated before the next dusk or dawn, whichever comes first.
In most traditions, the chief mourner passes an oil lamp over the body. He or she then removes the clothes of the deceased and wraps the body in a white cloth. The chief mourner is typically the oldest son if the departed is a father, and the youngest son if the mother.
Preparing Body Ritual
After that, sesame oil is applied to the body and then bathed with water. The body is redressed and placed in a coffin.
The younger children may encircle the body with small illuminated sticks while singing hymns.
The women place rice into the mouth of the departed for nourishment during their journey. If the deceased is a man, the wife places the wedding pendant around his neck and the coffin is then closed.
At that time, the body is removed feet first and transported to the cremation site.
Hindu Funeral Ceremony: The Cremation
Hindu funeral rites have many variations, so keep in mind that other versions of the following ceremony are possible.
If the cremation takes place in India, it is generally performed near the Ganges river.
Carrying Body by Foot
The casket is occasionally transported to the cremation site by vehicle, but is commonly carried by foot.
In most sects, only men are present at the cremation. The mouth of the departed is again filled with rice, by the men this time. Coins are sometimes placed over the eyes.
The Pyre
The site is typically a pyre made of wood and straw with a platform on top, where the deceased is placed. The body is carried around the pyre three times counter-clockwise, and then placed on the platform. If in a casket, the cover is removed.
The chief mourner again circles the pyre three times with a clay pot of water on his left shoulder, and a burning torch behind his back. With each circle, someone knocks a hole in the clay pot, which allows the water to pour out. This signifies that life is leaving the vessel.
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After the third circle, without facing the body, the chief mourner lights the pyre.
Polluted Ganges River
The Ganges River
It is the most polluted river in the world, due in a large part to the thousands of cremations performed there. Sometimes as many as 200 a day. It’s littered with bodies and cremated remains.
Indian Vs Hindu Funeral in USA
In the USA, the cremation must be performed in a crematorium, therefore a revised ceremony has to be arranged. Surprisingly, it’s not extremely different.
Most crematoriums allow the ceremonies and rituals to be performed before the cremation. The body is carried into the facility feet first and toward the south, if possible. The circling of the body is also typically performed.
Circling and Lighting Pyre
Subsequently, instead of the chief mourner lighting the fire, the body is then placed into the cremation chamber.
Some facilities allow the family to place ghee and sacred wood inside the coffin. A number of crematoriums even allow a fire to be lit in the coffin, proceeding the cremation.
If the person is hospitalized and it’s not possible to bring them home, the same procedures as in “Close to Death” are performed there.
Funeral Etiquette
When attending a Hindu funeral, many people are unsure of what to expect, how to act, and what to wear. Below are a few tips on Hindu funeral etiquette.
Wearing White at Hindu Funeral
What to Wear to a Hindu Funeral?
It’s important to note that the proper attire is quite different than at most funerals.
Wearing the color black to a Hindu funeral is not appropriate. The color white is vital in the Hindu culture, so that would be the best color to wear.
The attire is casual and respectable. Women should keep hemlines and necklines modest. Arms should be covered and open toe shoes are appropriate. You do not need to wear a head covering. Men should dress in a white shirt.
Funeral Flowers
Body Shrouded with flowers
Do not bring flowers to a Hindu funeral. Flowers play an important role in the ceremony, but not in the usual sense.
Everything leading up to the cremation is considered the last chance for the family to assist with the soul’s transition to the next life.
Flowers being delivered or brought to the funeral would be considered a distraction and could cause harm to the soul of the deceased.
Funeral Prayers & Mantras
When a Hindu is dying, they strive to attain the greatest state of consciousness possible. The family recites mantras and Hindu prayers, while they focus on the top of the deceased’s head. Additionally, they frequently use a mala, which is a string of beads intended to keep them focused on their prayers.
Burial customs & practices
Hindu Prayer Mala
Although cremation tends to be prevalent, burial is much more common than most people think. It’s actually the preferred method in some locations and sects.
Most times, the purpose of cremation is to purify the person before beginning their passage to their new life. Nevertheless saints, infants, and young children are already considered to be pure and are typically buried.
In India, burial is more commonplace in the south. Also the more rural areas tend to bury their dead as well.
If you have an opportunity to visit a Hindu cemetery, you may be surprised by their appearance. The graves that have markers, are frequently painted in vibrant colors.
To hinder the growing problem of overcrowding, some graves are not marked. That way, another person can be buried in the same plot later.
Thirteen-day Hindu Death Ritual
Rituals After Death
The death of a Hindu person is a lengthy and complicated journey. Although excessive mourning is inappropriate, there is an extended period of rituals and ceremonies after the cremation.
Hindu Mourning Period
The mourning period begins after the cremation and usually lasts 13 days. Upon the completion of the cremation, there is a phase of ritual impurity.
- Everyone returns home, bathes, and cleans the home.
- A water pot and lamp are placed where the body was located. The water is changed every day.
- The family does not leave the home for a period of time, which varies between the different sects. It’s sometimes for as long as a year, but usually much less.
- The family is not allowed to prepare meals for at least one day after the cremation, therefore, relatives bring prepared food to the home.
- Excessive mourning is avoided and a happy environment in the home is encouraged.
Chief Mourner Lighting Pyre
They believe the soul of the departed is still conscious of any emotions on their behalf. Excessive mourning can inhibit them in their transition. In some sects, it’s even dishonorable to cry over the dead.
A memorial ceremony is held on either the third, fifth, seventh, or ninth day, when relatives have a meal of the deceased’s favorite food. A plate of the food is placed in front of the deceased’s photo. Afterward, the plate is taken outside to a vacant place. On the 31st day, the home is cleaned and a service is conducted that basically recreates the original funeral ceremony.
What to Do with Ashes?
Woman Placing Ashes into Ganges River
The next day after the cremation, the men in the family gather the cremated remains and scatter them in the Ganges river if possible.
If outside the country, the cremains can be sent to India to be scattered in the Ganges river.
In some cases, someone from the family will actually travel to India to take care of the ashes.
If those options aren’t possible, Hindus have begun scattering the cremains in a river or other body of water in the US. There may be some guidelines to follow. Check with local authorities to ensure the scattering is done legally.
One-year Anniversary
A year later, Shraddha rites are performed. This provides momentum to deceased ancestors so they can reincarnate and advance to a more superior form. This is performed every year as long as any sons of the deceased are still alive.
As you see, the death of a Hindu is a complex matter. Nevertheless, we have strived to give you a basic explanation to guide you on the beliefs, customs, and ceremonies that take place before, during, and after the death of a Hindu.
Hopefully, we have aided you in what to expect, how to act, and the proper etiquette.
I find it cool that a Hindu cremation includes bathing the deceased’s body in sesame oil and water before it is placed in a coffin after redressing. This reminded me of my officemate’s friend who died last week. She says that his last wish is to be buried traditionally back in India, his home country. How should one find a funeral service to transport his body back there?
Contact to Indian embassy
How long can Hindus hold on to the ashes before scattering them? We were looking to keep them for about a year. It’s for our mother who was a Hindu but didn’t really practice the customs stringently. The rest of us are not religious at all.
Thanks.
In circa districts of Andhra Pradesh we believe that the ashes of a deceased person can be preserved upto a period not beyond the first eclipse from the time of cremation. Before the eclipse takes place the ashes must be immersed in holy river / rivers or it is believed they loose the sanctity.
No problem for holding the ashes even for a year or s0, if you really intend to disperse them in holy The Ganges.
Just observe precaution to keep the urn having ashes hanging (not to be placed on floor).
I’m seeking to send the ashes of my friend to India to have them scattered unable to make the trip any recommendations of services
Can we go every morning near funeral pyre(chitah) to give water ? Is it good or not good for us?
You can keep them in an urn for a year and then scatter them in a river preferably a holy river as far as I know.
No such practice is advocated. Funeral sites are common areas and not marked as an individual’s site. Since the soul has continued its journey, calling it back to the site is inadvisable. It is believed that the more we weep for the soul, the more pain we cause it.
The burial is mostly done by followers of other religions (Islam, Christians, Persian etc. as India has a big population of these as well). Per Hindu rituals, body should be offered to fire to free the soul from its old form and help it in its journey.
Can you bring the ashes to your home while waiting to travel?
Sorry, I have the same question… Can we have it at home for a year before we travel to India .
No problem for bringing the ashes home or retailning them for a year or s0, if you really intend to disperse them in holy The Ganges.
Just observe precaution to keep the urn having ashes hanging (not to be placed on floor).
What is the relevance of butter in the coffin
Can we bring the ashes home while waiting to travel?
It is not advisable to bring ashes into home. In USA, Funeral home usually keep it for month or so.
Why do funerals doesn’t take place on Tuesdays
In Hindu cremation rights ghee (butter) and wood are imp0rtant to assist fire, while services of electric crematorium are taken placement of ghee (butter) and woods in coffin is just a symbolic act.
No, tradition is to take asthis (bone) and rakh (ashes) from shamshan ghat (cremation ground) to holy river direct, never to home.
The ashes collected the next day of cremation if unable to be disposed of straight away on the same day, can be put in a earthen or copper pot depending on the duration you have before travel, sealed and kept in the back yard of your house in a safe place not reachable to pets or other animals/birds. It should not be brought inside the house even for packing and should be taken direct to the airport while proceeding to catch the flight. At destination also as for as practicable the pot should be taken to a holy river and disposed off as per religious practice or otherwise keep in the back yard of the residence of stay if it is to be kept before a holy trip for immersion of ashes. However the holi immersion should be completed before the first death anniversary as per our vedic dharma.
My brother died on 6th Oct 2020 between 12.50 pm to 1.00 pm at Nasik in India due to Corona.
He suddenly fell down in his building compound on his way to hospital for treatment. He was weak and was facing breathing difficulty before his sudden fall.
He was taken to Hospital where Doctors declared him died due to Pneumonia and COVID-19. Hospital and Police didn’t allow us to take his body to home as it was safe socially as well as for family and building members. So we accepted to do the last rites directly at Smashing Ghat.
His body after P.M. directly taken to Amardham and burned with little rituals without any priest.
As his wife and 2 children were tested COVID+ve, they are in self quarrentine till today.
We could do Asahi visarjan on 3rd day but we couldn’t do Tenth ( Dahave) day and 13th day rituals as no priest was ready to do rituals due to unsafe conditions. My brother died on Tripad Nakshatra.The family members will be ok up to 1st week of November as per Doctors.
Please advise us on
What is the best time and tithi to complete the balance rituals of Pinddan and Uttarkriyavidhi and shanti if any required.
Please advise us asap.
Thanks
my deepest condolence to you and your family
I would love to have advise on how do we observe our rituals when it’s a covid death. We don’t hv the chance to do anything – I really wish someone can advice us. Everything feels so incomplete
I’m a hindu priest in Australia and have been seeing cases where children are unable to perform rites due to lockdown and unable to light the fire to the dead body too. In such scenarios, all the rites can be performed on 12th or 13th day altogether. If not possible, the funeral rites can performed during masik shradda (1 month from the death) or in pitru paksha (often in September) or on varshik shradda (1 year). In case of tripad or panchak, shanti can be performed by any priest on your behalf and you can attend it on a video call.
The spiritual process of the person leaving does feel incomplete in absence of rituals and rites, since they help on closure of the loss as well as the spiritual journey of the dead. It may be painful for the soul to transition in absence of any rites. But try to keep a positive mind, not mourn too much, promise to perform rites as soon as you can and know that the soul’s life does end there on loss of one body
The last post
It wasn’t safe for community to take his body back home from hospital. The Doctors and Police didn’t allow us and recommended to do last rites at Smashan Ghat only.
We did it without priest .
We also collected his asthi and could do asthi visarjan on next day.
We missed the 10th day Pinddan and 13th day Uttarkriyavidhi as the priest denied to do the rituals for Corona + ve members and socially unsafe condition at river and as well as at home.
His house and area is totally disinfected by us and total building and campus is disinfected by local corporation.
My friend has passed away and his family has invited me to his house for karumathi prayers. I am a Buddhist but I worship Hindu deities and pray in Hindu temples too, so there is no conflicts of religion here.
However this is my first time attending 16th day death prayers… Can you give some advice what are the steps involved in the prayers and what I should do or not. Thank you
my father passed away in the hospital. we did’t bring him home… after the death we keep him in the mortuary and the next day we did the last respect. on the 3rd day we did milk pouring ceremony and karumakirai prayer by the river side…..and the next prayer at temple on his 31st day…
When a person has died, we should not wait for more than 6 hours of death normally as per Hindu traditions. And also we should not keep asthis at home for a second. All these things and traditions have reasons in the scriptures. Posting a video here for the benefit for all who want to know more.
https://youtu.be/5zZ2f02Pn7o
It’s a very generalized description,however it is okay for a complete stranger. We also have a ritual of shaving head when someone’s father or mother dies. And then there is pind daan which is a.remarkable ritual.
Rice ball is made as a representative of one’s soul.The priest will chant a few mantras and the n the ball is offered to crows.
The crow i supposed to have a different vision by which is will see some sort of glass shield around the rice ball and will not eat the rice. If the deceased has no desires left in this life then the crow does not see any cover.He will just eat the rice.
You can read more about this ritual.
There was.no need to mention that Ganga is the.most.polluted river on earth. You finally end up in the hindu bashing gang by making such sweeping statements. There are.millions of deaths every day and Ganga is only one of the places where cremations happen.
Only because it is holy to Hindus, the past governments systematically polluted it.
Thanks to the new government under .Modi which has made.humungous efforts to clean the river. Sweet water dolphins have returned to the river.
When we get funeral invitations , the general practice is to tear at end and send to all. Any significance behind it
Can Kriya be done on Saturday Is it good day according to Hindu mythology or Sunday is preferred Is there any logic
Hello. I am a sikh and I live in Dubai. My mom pass away in May 2020 due to covid. We had to cremate her body in Dubai itself and didn’t pour the Ashes in the waters of Dubai. Infact we collected them and kept it in a safe place. Now we plan to go to India to pour the Ashes in kiratpur in Punjab. My question is before we take the Ashes to India shall we get them home? Many people say you shouldn’t get the Ashes home and many of them say vice versa. Please advise. Thank you
In Bengali Hindu communities daughters can perform the funeral rites. I did it for both my parents. The rules are married women should do it within three days so they don’t have to observe the rules for vegetarian food for too long. Unmarried women can take longer. I also did not have to shave my hair like men are required to.
There were some other rules like I had to be given the clothes I was to wear to my mother’s funeral by a friend not buy them. It didn’t seem to be that strict for my father’s funeral. All food had to be prepared by someone outside the house (suited me).
I have some questions for the gentleman’s to reply for my knowledge, can Pinder Daan and other rituals be performed even though the ashes has been kept for scattering?
The funeral rites in general are are performed in relation to religion or culture? Will appreciate anyone to reply to my comment