Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, relatives and entire family have already confirmed that their beloved son Rajiv Ruparelia will be cremated tomorrow at the Hindu crematorium in Lugogo.
Now, let’s deeply look at this cremation process, it’s origin, rituals and traditions;
In Hinduism, death is not viewed as an end, but rather a transition — a vital step on the soul’s journey toward liberation. Rooted in centuries of spiritual tradition, Hindu funeral rites are deeply symbolic and designed to guide the departed soul toward moksha, the release from the cycle of rebirth.
A Sacred Farewell: Fire as a Spiritual Gateway
Cremation, the act of reducing the body to ashes by fire, is a central aspect of Hindu funerary practice. In Hindu belief, fire is sacred — a purifying element and a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. It is believed that cremation should ideally take place within six hours of death, accompanied by the simplest yet most respectful rites. Babies, young children, and saints are the only exceptions to this practice.
The deceased is traditionally laid on a grass mat and given holy water from the Ganges River — either just before or immediately after death. Chanting of mantras, led by a priest and family, surrounds the moment of departure, and continues during the wake and cremation.
The Journey to Moksha
At the heart of Hindu philosophy is the concept of samsara — the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Hindus believe that the soul (atman) leaves the body after death and is reborn, unless it achieves moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Moksha is attained when a soul is free from worldly desires and merges with Brahman, the ultimate reality.
Each stage of the funeral process is designed to support this spiritual transition — from the recitation of scriptures to the placement of sacred items with the body.
Cremation Rituals: From Tradition to Modern Practice
In India, cremations often take place along the banks of sacred rivers such as the Ganges in Haridwar or Varanasi. The karta — usually the eldest son — plays a pivotal role. He lights the funeral pyre after circling it three times and performing purification rituals. On the fourth day, ashes are collected and traditionally immersed in flowing water, a symbolic return of the body’s elements to nature.
In the diaspora, including countries like Australia, traditional practices have been adapted. While open pyres are not permitted, the eldest son often lights a ceremonial fire in a terracotta pot at home using ghee (clarified butter). This fire is then brought to the crematorium and placed on the coffin as it enters the cremation chamber, accompanied by mantras to guide the soul’s journey.
Mourning, Memorials, and Continued Rituals
Hindu mourning is both deeply personal and highly structured. Immediately following cremation, family members return home to bathe, change clothes, and purify the house. A lamp and water pot are kept at the site of the deceased’s bed, refreshed daily.
For 13 days, a mourning period known as Kirya is observed. During this time, the family refrains from household activities and cooking — relying on relatives and friends for meals. On the 13th day, a memorial feast is held, featuring the deceased’s favorite dishes. A symbolic plate of food is offered in front of their photograph, later given to a cow or birds as a gesture of respect.
A significant ritual, Shraddha, is performed on the first death anniversary and annually thereafter, as long as a male heir remains. This ceremony is meant to honor and sustain the soul in the afterlife.
Historical Context: From Sati to Remarriage Reforms
While discussing Hindu funeral traditions, it is impossible to ignore the historical practice of Sati, where a widow was expected to self-immolate on her husband’s pyre. Though once prevalent, Sati was condemned by reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who was moved by witnessing his sister-in-law’s forced immolation. His efforts led to the Bengal Sati Regulation of 1829, outlawing the practice under British rule.
Similarly, the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856 marked a shift in social attitudes by legalizing the remarriage of widowed women, once forbidden in Hindu law. These reforms reflect the evolving interpretation of cultural and religious norms in response to human rights concerns.
Funeral Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Hindu funeral etiquette emphasizes respect and simplicity. Mourners wear white — the color of mourning — and are discouraged from bringing flowers, which are considered a distraction from the sacred rites. Participation in mantras, silence, and prayerful presence are key elements of support for the bereaved family.
A Lasting Legacy of Faith
Hindu death rituals underscore a profound belief in the immortality of the soul and the significance of every act performed in the final hours and days after death. These time-honored practices are not just about saying goodbye — they are about helping the soul continue its journey with dignity and peace, while offering the living a structure for grief, remembrance, and healing.
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