hindu death rituals
There is one thing that is certain in this lifetime that eventually we all must die. A belief in the cyclical reincarnation of the soul is one of the foundations of the Hindu religion. Death is viewed as a natural aspect of life, and there are numerous epic tales, sacred scriptures, and vedic guidance that describe the reason for death 's existence, the rituals that should be performed surrounding it, and the many possible destinations of the soul after departure from its earthly existence (Retrieved from http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?death on 18th January, 2012).this essay will discuss the rituals performed for the soul of the dead body so it reaches heaven peacefully.
Traditionally, a Hindu dies at home. Nowadays the dying is increasingly kept in hospitals, even when recovery is clearly not possible. Once family is certain that a person is taking his last breath, the start to chant mantras such as “om namoh narayana”. This helps the soul to leave the body peacefully. They also put holy ash or sandal paste on the forehead and put few drops of Ganga or holy water in the mouth so that the soul goes to heaven. The first mortal to meet his fate with Death was named Yama. Yama is aided by his two killer guide dogs who keep an eye as to whose life has come to an end. so they take the last breath of that person and take the soul to yama who directs them to their destiny . after the person dies the family member calls a chief priest who performs the rituals of”Homa” which is making afire and chanting mantras and doing offering to the “Agni Dewata” or fire god. The family gather together to cremate the body. Cremation is a ritual designed to do much more than dispose of the body; it is intended to release the soul from its earthly existence. "Hindus believe that cremation (compared to burial or outside disintegration) is most spiritually beneficial to the departed soul." This is based on the belief that the "astral
Traditionally, a Hindu dies at home. Nowadays the dying is increasingly kept in hospitals, even when recovery is clearly not possible. Once family is certain that a person is taking his last breath, the start to chant mantras such as “om namoh narayana”. This helps the soul to leave the body peacefully. They also put holy ash or sandal paste on the forehead and put few drops of Ganga or holy water in the mouth so that the soul goes to heaven. The first mortal to meet his fate with Death was named Yama. Yama is aided by his two killer guide dogs who keep an eye as to whose life has come to an end. so they take the last breath of that person and take the soul to yama who directs them to their destiny . after the person dies the family member calls a chief priest who performs the rituals of”Homa” which is making afire and chanting mantras and doing offering to the “Agni Dewata” or fire god. The family gather together to cremate the body. Cremation is a ritual designed to do much more than dispose of the body; it is intended to release the soul from its earthly existence. "Hindus believe that cremation (compared to burial or outside disintegration) is most spiritually beneficial to the departed soul." This is based on the belief that the "astral
References: 1. Firth, S., (1997): Dying, Death and Bereavement in a British Hindu Community. ISBN 9068319760, 9789068319767, Peeters Publishers 2. Patricelli, K., (2007): Dealing with Your Own Imminent Death - Preparations and Activities. Retrieved on 2nd Jan, 2009 from: http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=11990&cn=174 3. Patricelli, K., (2007): Dealing with the Imminent Death of a Loved One - Caring for a Dying Person. Retrieved on 2nd Jan, 2009 from: http://www.lifewatch-eap.com/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=11992&cn=174