With its Indian roots, Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. Followers of Hinduism believe that death is merely a physical construct and that the soul is reincarnated into another being. The principle of karma concerns the belief that actions during one’s physical life will shape the destiny of their soul’s reincarnation.
As reincarnation is considered an ongoing cycle, from one life to the next, there are four goals at the heart of Hinduism, each with increasing importance. The ultimate of these goals is to be reunited with the source of the soul, the highest and holiest god known as Brahman. When this reunification takes place, moksha is said to have occurred.
Planning for a Hindu Funeral
When a death takes place in the Hindu religion, the deceased will often be cremated within 24 hours of their passing. If however the death involved a baby, child, or saint, then cremation would not occur. Most crematoriums will be able to accommodate a Hindu service.
At the service, mourners perform prayers around the deceased as their body is cremated. The ashes are typically scattered the day after the funeral, with Hinduism considering the Ganges River a sacred place to do so. However, given the wide prevalence of Hindus living far from this location, the practicality of transporting ashes back home at short notice is not always possible and other local arrangements may be made at other recognised locations.
When attending a Hindu viewing or cremation, mourners will wear white casual clothing and are expected to view the open casket. Some inappropriate actions at a Hindu service or viewing include wearing black, touching the deceased, or offering food as gifts.
Traditions
Under Hinduism, it is generally accepted that a person who has passed away shall not be touched by anyone else. The exception to this would be instances where there is a necessity, or in the case loved ones wash the body of the deceased. Because the cremation takes place so soon after death, embalming is not performed and viewings will only be for a short period of time.
At the viewing, mourners will place flowers at the feet of the person inside the casket, and may also add other touches like flowers or wooden beads around their neck. Holy basil is something else that may be sprinkled inside the casket. Depending on the gender of the deceased, turmeric or ash wood/sandalwood may be placed on their forehead – female and male respectively. Hymns will be performed by mourners encircling the casket. Afterwards, it is not uncommon for mourners to offer Pindas to one another, which are rice balls.
Bereaved individuals will usually mourn the loss of a loved one for 13 days as reincarnation rituals are performed. This provides time for others to pay their respect at makeshift memorials inside loves ones houses where there will be a picture of the deceased and flowers. One year after the passing, a memorial will take place that marks the final stage of the reflection process before normal life resumes for the bereaved.
