Hindu Rite

Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no…

founder, common creed or doctrine

What are the vedas?

Oldest sanskrit texts from the vedic period around 4000 years old. They do not have a holy book, but they do have these. Often referred to as a way of life as it combines many traditions and philosophies

Most forms of hinduism are henotheistic, which means…

They worship a single deity known as Brahman but recognize other gods and goddesses

What is samsara?

The continuous cycle of life, death and reincarnation

What is kharma/karma?

the universal law of cause and effect; the idea that people’s actions and thoughts directly determine their current life and future lives. The physical body may die, but the individual soul has no beginning and no end

What do Hindus believe about animals?

Cows are sacred and they value all living creatures- they do not eat beef or pork and many are vegetarians

What is the swastika?

The word means good fortune or being happy

What is the om?

composed of 3 sanskrit letters and represents 3 sounds (a, u, and m) when which combined are a sacred sound

Who will perform the death rites?

A hindu priest will perform certain rites, but the family may act as a substitute if one is not available

It is traditional for those of the hindu faith to die where?

in their homes. If in a hospitla, the family has the death certificate signed immediately and transports the body home
-Family and friends will keep a vigil until the moment of passing by singing, praying and reading scriptures- still carried out in a hospital

What happens at the moment of passing?

the mantra is chanted, and holy ash is placed on the forehead, holy water or milk is dripped into the mouth. the body is prepare for a return to mother earth’s lap.

Which disposition is not permitted?

Embalming, and the organs are never removed for donation

During the 24 hours after death, what is done with the body?

it remains at home until cremation

What is homa?

The ritual of fire- most ancient and sacred ceremony in the Vedic tradition of Sanatana Dharma. Special offerings will be cast into the fire and sanskrit mantras are chanted
-The combined energy of the fire, offerings and mantras generates powerful spiritual vibrations that bless and purify everyone present, spreading peace and healing
-The smoke that rises from a homa contains a powerful healing energy, and as it rises to the heavens, it purifies the atmosphere
-can be performed for many occasions, not just for a funeral

What is the blessing of kumbhas (pots)?

It is Hindu custom for the family to build a shelter and perform a fire ritual (homa) in order to bless kumbhas.
-Nine brass kumbhas and one clay kumbha are used for the funeral

Who leads the homa?

the chief mourner does. He is the eldest son in the case of the father’s death and the youngest son in the case of the mother’s.

What is the prep of the body like?

-If the family cannot bring home the deceased for ceremonies, they will make arrangements to prepare it themselves at the mortuary as they do not want to leave sacred rites in the hands of strangers
-The relatives of the matching sex will remove the clothes of the body and drape it in white cloth. Depending on the situation, the body can be sponge bathed and prepared where it is
-each applies essential oils to the head and the body is bathed with water from the nine kumbhas, dressed and placed in a coffin

What is the arti?

A Hindu ritual performed to express love and gratitude to a god. Derived from the sanskrit word aratrika which refers to the light that removes ratri or darkness. regularly performed outside of funerals, for special occasions and multiple times daily

Who performs arti?

the chief mourner

How is arti performed?

The chief mourner passes an oil lamp over the remains then offers flowers
-the young children, holding small lighted sticks, encircle the body and sing hymns
-the women then walk around the body and offer rice balls to nourish the deceased for the journey ahead
-A widow will place her tali (wedding pendant) around her husband’s neck, signifying her enduring tie to him
-the coffin is then closed to be taken to the place of cremation

What is the mukhagni?

hindu funeral

How will the mukhagni go?

-Mourners may dress casually (in white, never in black)
-Flowers may be offered, but bringing food is not part of the custom
-There is always an open casket and guests are expected to view the body
-Using a camera or recorder of any kind is not considered polite

Who conducts the funeral service?

The Hindu priest and senior family members. Guests of other faiths are welcome to participate, but not expected to do so

What is the cremation process like?

-Traditionally only men attend the site of cremation led by the chief mourner but women are beginning to participate, too
-Body will be carried counterclockwise around the pyte and then placed on the pyre (can be carried around the chamber)