Hinduism: The Cremation Of The Body

The origin of Hinduism can’t be pinpointed to one single individual, it appears in historical records around 6500 BCE. It’s the work of many individuals and has significant influences from different religions. The guide to Hindu spiritual life can be derived from their scared text the Vedas. Hinduism has the same moral code as Islam and Christianity; however, reincarnation, karma, and idol sacrifices make the religion unique. Reincarnation is the belief that your soul begins a life in a new body upon your physical death, the only way to stop this cycle is through obtaining spiritual knowledge. Karma states that the deeds one commits during their life create a cause and effect as to what happens to that person. Hindus bring sacrifices to idols

The cremation of the body is to be done as soon as possible with most cremations taking places within 24 hours of an individual’s death (“Hindu”). Traditionally the body would be placed on a pyre, melted butter would be poured over the casket to help the casket burn, and flowers would be draped all over the casket. Before the evolution of the religion, the wife would consider it her duty to die with her husband, throwing herself on the pyre as it burned. Today the most common practice for a Hindu wife is to shave her head as symbol of grieving (“Strange”). Hindus living in other countries have to adhere to their respective countries laws on formal death procedures. In the United States burning of bodies publicly isn’t allowed, families view the cremation at crematories. Those opting for traditional ways have their bodies returned to India, where they are burned next to the Ganges River, and their ashes after the ceremony cast into the water

The family then has a traditional meal where the priest light incense to purify the home. A mourning period of 13 days is held, during this time the family receives members of the community at their home. A large photograph of the deceased is placed in full view with flowers draped over it. “Preta-karma” a series of rituals is performed for 12 days during the mourning period, in order for the spirit of that individual to obtain a new body for reincarnation. If “preta-karma” isn’t preformed it is believed that person would become a ghost doomed to inhabit the earth for eternity. “A year after the death, the family observes a memorial event called “Shraddha” which pays homage to the deceased. Members of the highest caste are invited to the home and provided with an elaborate meal, the host treats them as he would his own parents”