Hindu funeral customs are deeply rooted in religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and philosophies regarding life, death, and rebirth. Below, we define key terms associated with Hindu funerals to provide a deeper understanding of these practices.
Antyesti
The Hindu funeral rites, meaning “last sacrifice” or “last rites.” Antyesti encompasses the entire set of rituals performed for the deceased, often including cremation and post-cremation ceremonies.
Agni
The fire deity central to Hindu funerals. Agni is believed to act as a messenger, carrying the soul and offerings to the gods. Cremation fire rituals are conducted to purify and release the soul from the physical body.
Asthi
The ashes and bone fragments collected after cremation. These remains are typically immersed in a sacred body of water, such as the Ganges River, as part of a ritual to honor the deceased and aid in the liberation of their soul.
Asthi Visarjan
The ritual of immersing the ashes of the deceased in a sacred river or body of water. This ceremony symbolizes the return of the physical elements to nature and is believed to help the soul achieve liberation (moksha).
Moksha
The ultimate goal of Hindu life and death, referring to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Funerary rituals aim to help the soul progress toward moksha.
Pandit
A Hindu priest who officiates funeral ceremonies and guides the family through the proper rituals. The pandit ensures that the rites are performed according to scriptural guidelines.
Pind Daan
A significant post-death ritual in which rice balls (pinda) are offered to the deceased. This act nourishes the soul and helps it transition peacefully to the afterlife.
Preta
A departed soul in the intermediate state between death and reincarnation. Funerary rituals are performed to transform the preta into a pitru (ancestor) and ensure its peaceful journey.
Pitru
An ancestor or forebear. Hindu rituals often honor the pitru, especially during ceremonies like Shraddha, to maintain a connection between the living and their ancestors.
Shraddha
A post-death ritual performed to honor the deceased and seek blessings for their soul. Shraddha ceremonies involve offerings of food, prayers, and rituals to help the departed attain peace and moksha.
Samskara
One of the sixteen sacraments in Hindu tradition, samskara refers to rites of passage, including death rituals. Antyesti is considered the final samskara.
Tilak
A mark made on the forehead of the deceased using sandalwood paste, turmeric, or holy ash. The tilak signifies blessings and protection for the soul’s journey.
Jata Karma
The ritual cleansing of the home after a death. This purification process, often involving holy water and prayers, ensures that the family and home are free from spiritual impurities.
Kriya
A mourning period, typically lasting 13 days after the funeral. Family members perform daily rituals to honor the deceased, culminating in a final ceremony to signify the end of mourning.
Ganga Jal
Sacred water from the Ganges River, often sprinkled on the deceased and used in funeral rituals. It is believed to purify the soul and aid in attaining moksha.
Mantra
Sacred chants recited during the funeral to invoke blessings and guide the soul to its next destination. Mantras are integral to Hindu rituals and are often recited by the priest or family members.
Shav Yatra
The funeral procession in which the body of the deceased is carried to the cremation ground. Traditionally, the body is adorned with flowers and accompanied by prayers and chants.
Mukhagni
The ritual act of lighting the funeral pyre. It is typically performed by the eldest male family member or a designated mourner, symbolizing the release of the soul.
Vaikuntha Samaradhana
A post-cremation ceremony, usually performed on the 13th day, to honor the deceased and signify their journey toward moksha. The family gathers for prayers and offerings.
Tarpana
The offering of water and sesame seeds to ancestors and the deceased. This ritual nourishes the spirits of the ancestors and ensures their blessings for the living family members.
