Exploring the Spiritual Aspects: Hindu Funeral rituals and Mantras

Aman

25 March, 2025

Table of Contents

What happens in a Hindu family after the demise of a beloved one?
Which tasks take place in cremation rites?
After how much time, the cremation rite should be performed after demise?
How can you plan a dignified funeral before the cremation ritual?
What is the mourning period after the death in Hindu Religion?

The final rites in Hinduism are called Antyeshti Sanskar. Having a deep spirituality, and intricately detailed, and profound symbolism, these last rituals ensure a peaceful liberation of the departed soul. These rites help the soul detach itself from all worldly relations.

After the death in Hindu religion, there are several rites performed by the lead male mourner of the family. It could be the son, elder, or only brother, father, and husband. In the absence of any male member who belongs to the family, a female can perform the final rites of the departed soul.

Here are the necessary customs that must be performed by the lead mourner of the family, after the demise of a beloved one.

What happens in a Hindu family after the demise of a beloved one?

After the death, the male member of the family (usually the eldest one) takes charge of performing each ritual included in the last rites.
It is believed that the physical body serves no purpose after demise and does not need to be preserved. Hence the cremation rite takes place as soon as possible after the death.
Cremating the deceased body is essential as the followers of Hinduism believe that it’s the quickest way to release the soul and help in reincarnation.
In ancient times, Hindus performed the cremation rite on the sacred bank of holy river Ganga in India, and then the family members carried the casket to the crematorium site. But these days, Hindus cremated the dead body at a local Cremation ground/ Crematorium and then collected the ashes in an urn to scatter them in the holy river Ganga.

Which tasks take place in cremation rites?

According to the Vedic scriptures of Hindu Religion, the cremation rites take the form of chants or mantras which are usually chanted by a well-learned Hindu priest. He guides the lead mourner of the family or the eldest son who is performing the cremation rite. The priest will gather the family and friends and lead them in the various Hindu death rituals.

Here are the key tasks that the lead mourner should perform with the help of a well-learned priest.

The lead mourner with the help of other male family members wash the deceased body with ghee, honey, milk, and yogurt etc.
It is necessary to place essential oils on the head of the deceased body. It could be sandalwood oil or another one according to the preference of the family.
The hands of deceased body should be placed in such position that the palms are downwards and the toes of the feet should be tied together.
According to the religious rules the deceased’s body should be dressed in new and white clothes.
For the dignified cremation, a floral garland should be placed of the perfectly wraped deceased body. The pindas 'rice balls' can also take place close to the remains.
A lamp should be placed close to the head of the dead body. The lead mourner should sprinkle Ganga Jal on the body to make it sacred before igniting the pyre.

Also Read, The Significance of Hindu Rituals After the Loss of a Father

After how much time, the cremation rite should be performed after demise?

According to Hindu death rituals, the body should be cremated before sunset. Hence, the remains can be kept at the home for 3-4 hours maximum after demise. But it is suggested to perform Cremation as soon as possible after the death.

How can you plan a dignified funeral before the cremation ritual?

Before cremation, the dead body is placed at home or a funeral hall for the "Antim Darshan".

The very first step is carrying the casket at a funeral hall where all the mourners recite the prayer and console each other. They also remember the life and legacy of the departed person.
In an open casket with a glass display, the deceased's body is placed. Here all the guests or visitors are expected to see the dead body for the last time. According to the Hindu Scriptures, this entire funeral process should be done respectfully and attendees should not touch the person who has died.
Once the funeral or Antim Darshan ritual is completed, the dead body is carried to the cremation ground for offering it to Mukhagni.
Ideally, the mukhagni or cremation is only attended by the male members of the family and other known ones, however, these days, hindu families allow women to attend the cremation.
The day after the Mukhagni, the remains or ashes are collected in an urn and will be scattered over a sacred water body (ideally Ganga River) or a place of importance to the deceased.

What is the mourning period after the death in Hindu Religion?

After cremating the deceased body, the family mourns over the loss for the next 13 days. On the 10th day, Daswan, the 11th day (Ekadashi), and the 13th day Teharavin and Pagadi Rasm take place.

The Teharavin ritual is considered the ending of the 13-day-long lamenting period. In Teharavin, the below-given tasks are included. Look at them -:

A specific person called Mahapatra is invited to lead the family during the Teharavin ritual.
Rice balls (pindas) are prepared for offering them to the departed soul.
13 Brahmins are invited to have Vegetarian food (Satvik Food) in the end.
The lead male member (son) offers Clothes, utensils, and Cash to the Brahmins as well as Mahapatra in the end of the Teheravin Ritual.

Also Read, Cultural Perspectives: Myth and Facts in Hindu Religion After Death

What is the significance of mantras in Hindu Funeral and what are the simple mantras that should be chanted during Antyeshti Sanskar?

Vedic mantras create a sacred atmosphere and guide the soul in achieving liberation or salvation (moksha). Here are the usually chosen mantras by the family for offering peace and dignity to the departed soul.

1. Om Namah Shivaya": It is one of the most powerful mantras in Hinduism that invokes Lord Shiva, the destroyer of all evils.

2. The Gayatri Mantra: By chanting it, the soul can obtain wisdom and guidance.

3. The "Mahaprasthana": It depicts the soul's journey to the other world.