Human birth and death are phases that are not only unpredictable, these bring changes to the family, bring about learning and acceptance. While the former brings joy & hope, the latter leaves us shattered and in pain.
In Hinduism there are specific rituals that are followed in both of these times, and all these have a deeper meaning and significance. Why I have chosen to write on the latter I am not sure; it's probably to assure the self that this is the way of the world, the way of life and death.
The journey to the other world is mysterious and Hinduism has well defined norms to allow space for your own kind of interpretation. Some who are near to the end may themselves have a sense of realization that their journey on the earth is but a matter of time. I remember my own grandfather in his last moments, in a state of semi consciousness, folded his legs in an 'asana' like posture and indicated that the photo of his Guruji be brought near him. His hands were then folded and he indicated all the threads on his hand and waist to be cut. This indicated detachment from all earthly materials, to leave everything behind and leave in the same manner one had arrived.
Once the souls leaves the body, it is free however the body is treated with respect. The send-off happens after providing a bath and making the departed body adorn new clothes. It is a formal good bye with wishes for the next journey, in all finery.
The mourning period varies, it's from 11 to 13 depending on different customs in different parts of India. The mourning period for the immediate family lasts up-to one year in certain parts of the country during which the family does not participate in any religious ceremonies.
During the first 11 or 13 days, the family of the departed eat one plane food. The person who performs the main rituals cooks his own food and eats only once a day. The reason for plain foods is not only to pay respect to the departed but also ensure that the nerves stay calm during this tragic period.
Per ritual, the family is not supposed to light the kitchen fire during the mourning period and the food is usually provided by neighbors and relatives.
There is a belief that the soul does not usually leave the surroundings till the Shradda ceremony is performed. Ceremonies are performed on the 4th, 11th or 13th days to enable the journey of the soul to the next stage.
Crows are fed daily on these days as the Hindus believe that by feeding the crows, the soul of the departed is also being fed. Crows are believed to be the messengers between this world and the other world. It is generally a practice to go and check if the crow has had the offering as this symbolises that the ancestors have accepted the offerings. This process is called 'Pinda-dan'. Pinda is a ball of cooked rice and 'Pinda-da' ensures that the soul of the deceased is not in hunger or thirst.
There are stories where someone has forgotten to feed the crow on a particular day and then he or his family member has been reminded of the miss, either in a dream or a vision.
There are annual rites that are performed and food offered symbolically to the departed souls. This is a way to pay respect to the ancestors.
During the mourning period, the family does not perform or attend any religious ceremonies. They do not enter religious shrines, or attend any social functions like birthdays or marriages.
The intense mourning period provides the opportunity to express one's grief rather than suppressing the same. Most of the rituals that are performed is to encourage the free flow of emotions. Feelings that remain unexpressed are usually harmful to the body and the mind.
During the Shraddha ceremony, food and other items of daily use are provided as a symbol of sustenance for the journey of the departed.
On the event of the one-year anniversary, prayers and other rituals take place in memory of the departed. The date is not the date on the English calendar but is the 'tithi' as prescribed by the 'Panchang'.
The ashes are finally immersed in the Ganges or any other holy river, indicating the oneness of the souls with the elements. The air that leaves the body merges with the sky, the body becomes part of the earth and the water. Full circle.
Thus Hinduism through these rituals protects the basic essence of life, promotes feel flow of emotions and provides psychological healing to the family and friends of the departed! The rituals are no doubt a way of life.
In Hinduism there are specific rituals that are followed in both of these times, and all these have a deeper meaning and significance. Why I have chosen to write on the latter I am not sure; it's probably to assure the self that this is the way of the world, the way of life and death.
The journey to the other world is mysterious and Hinduism has well defined norms to allow space for your own kind of interpretation. Some who are near to the end may themselves have a sense of realization that their journey on the earth is but a matter of time. I remember my own grandfather in his last moments, in a state of semi consciousness, folded his legs in an 'asana' like posture and indicated that the photo of his Guruji be brought near him. His hands were then folded and he indicated all the threads on his hand and waist to be cut. This indicated detachment from all earthly materials, to leave everything behind and leave in the same manner one had arrived.
Once the souls leaves the body, it is free however the body is treated with respect. The send-off happens after providing a bath and making the departed body adorn new clothes. It is a formal good bye with wishes for the next journey, in all finery.
The mourning period varies, it's from 11 to 13 depending on different customs in different parts of India. The mourning period for the immediate family lasts up-to one year in certain parts of the country during which the family does not participate in any religious ceremonies.
During the first 11 or 13 days, the family of the departed eat one plane food. The person who performs the main rituals cooks his own food and eats only once a day. The reason for plain foods is not only to pay respect to the departed but also ensure that the nerves stay calm during this tragic period.
Per ritual, the family is not supposed to light the kitchen fire during the mourning period and the food is usually provided by neighbors and relatives.
There is a belief that the soul does not usually leave the surroundings till the Shradda ceremony is performed. Ceremonies are performed on the 4th, 11th or 13th days to enable the journey of the soul to the next stage.
Crows are fed daily on these days as the Hindus believe that by feeding the crows, the soul of the departed is also being fed. Crows are believed to be the messengers between this world and the other world. It is generally a practice to go and check if the crow has had the offering as this symbolises that the ancestors have accepted the offerings. This process is called 'Pinda-dan'. Pinda is a ball of cooked rice and 'Pinda-da' ensures that the soul of the deceased is not in hunger or thirst.
There are stories where someone has forgotten to feed the crow on a particular day and then he or his family member has been reminded of the miss, either in a dream or a vision.
There are annual rites that are performed and food offered symbolically to the departed souls. This is a way to pay respect to the ancestors.
During the mourning period, the family does not perform or attend any religious ceremonies. They do not enter religious shrines, or attend any social functions like birthdays or marriages.
The intense mourning period provides the opportunity to express one's grief rather than suppressing the same. Most of the rituals that are performed is to encourage the free flow of emotions. Feelings that remain unexpressed are usually harmful to the body and the mind.
During the Shraddha ceremony, food and other items of daily use are provided as a symbol of sustenance for the journey of the departed.
On the event of the one-year anniversary, prayers and other rituals take place in memory of the departed. The date is not the date on the English calendar but is the 'tithi' as prescribed by the 'Panchang'.
The ashes are finally immersed in the Ganges or any other holy river, indicating the oneness of the souls with the elements. The air that leaves the body merges with the sky, the body becomes part of the earth and the water. Full circle.
Thus Hinduism through these rituals protects the basic essence of life, promotes feel flow of emotions and provides psychological healing to the family and friends of the departed! The rituals are no doubt a way of life.
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