As far as funeral traditions followed across the world are concerned, they all have their share of rituals to follow that makes them complicated. Amongst all the traditions, those followed in the Hindu religion are the most complicated and to be followed without flaw. The reason is that this is the only religion that is said to have emanated from the Supreme Lord Himself. The scriptures followed by Hindus across the world are known to be said by the Supreme God Himself.
This is why their rituals are also believed to be as ancient as the existence of God and are therefore, very tricky.
Cremation ceremony in Hindu funerals
The cremation ceremony held by Hindu followers as well as by the people following Sikh religion is given the name of Mukhagni. The rituals followed in Sikh cremations as well as Hindu funerals are almost the same and in both these religions, the dead body has to be cremated.
The final cremation or mukhagni takes place at the pyre that is usually placed on a riverbank. Modern day societies have changed and most people prefer a nearby crematorium for cremation. All the guests are informed about the death in the family so that they can arrive and pay their last respect to the deceased and collectively take the body to the crematorium.
In Hindu funerals and Sikh cremations, earlier cremation was considered a male dominated ceremony. But with the changing times, things have changed too, and now women also participate actively.
The process starts by keeping the body on the pyre made up of lots of wood. The priest chants the sacred mantras while sprinkling holy water from the River Ganges on the pyre. It is then smeared with ghee or clarified butter and the senior most male member of the family goes around the pyre three times and finally sets it on fire. During this entire process, the priest chants the sacred mantras to ensure that the soul merges in the SuperSoul or the God and is free from the cycle of repetitive birth and death.
This is why their rituals are also believed to be as ancient as the existence of God and are therefore, very tricky.
Cremation ceremony in Hindu funerals
The cremation ceremony held by Hindu followers as well as by the people following Sikh religion is given the name of Mukhagni. The rituals followed in Sikh cremations as well as Hindu funerals are almost the same and in both these religions, the dead body has to be cremated.
The final cremation or mukhagni takes place at the pyre that is usually placed on a riverbank. Modern day societies have changed and most people prefer a nearby crematorium for cremation. All the guests are informed about the death in the family so that they can arrive and pay their last respect to the deceased and collectively take the body to the crematorium.
In Hindu funerals and Sikh cremations, earlier cremation was considered a male dominated ceremony. But with the changing times, things have changed too, and now women also participate actively.
The process starts by keeping the body on the pyre made up of lots of wood. The priest chants the sacred mantras while sprinkling holy water from the River Ganges on the pyre. It is then smeared with ghee or clarified butter and the senior most male member of the family goes around the pyre three times and finally sets it on fire. During this entire process, the priest chants the sacred mantras to ensure that the soul merges in the SuperSoul or the God and is free from the cycle of repetitive birth and death.