Death is an inevitable part of life. For Tamil Brahmins, following traditional death rituals and ceremonies are of utmost importance as they believe it helps the soul of the departed attain moksha or liberation. In this article, we will look at the typical 15 steps involved in Tamil Brahmin death rituals and their significance.
1. Informing Close Relatives and Preparing the BodyÂ
The first step is informing close family and relatives about the death right away. The body needs preparing too. It is cleaned and dressed in fresh clothes before the rituals. Then male family members apply turmeric and kumkum powder to the forehead and chest area as part of respecting and honoring the deceased.
2. Keeping Vigil and Chanting Prayers
In the first days after the death, close family gather near the body to keep watch overnight. During this time, they chant prayers and readings from holy texts like the Bhagavad Gita. Doing so aims to comfort the soul on its journey and aid its transition. The recitations are a way to offer solace during this difficult period of loss. In some families, priests may also be called to chant mantras and perform puja.
3. Ritual Bath and Dressing the Body
After 24 hours, the body is given a ritual bath with water mixed with tulsi leaves and turmeric. It is then dressed in a white dhoti or saree. Vermilion is applied on the chest and sacred ashes or vibhuti is placed on the forehead, arms and feet.
4. Preparing for Final Rites
All arrangements are made for the 13th day ritual called thithi. Sacred threads, flowers and other items required are readied. A copy of Bhagavad Gita may also be placed in the hands of the deceased.
5. Laying the Deceased to Rest
On the 13th day, close family and priests assemble to conduct the final rites. As is traditional, the oldest son or another male relative will light the funeral pyre. Others gather round to chant sacred Vedic verses. As the hymns are sung, the flames consume the body, allowing it to be peacefully laid to rest. The 13th day ceremony represents the completion of the soul’s journey.
6. Ritual Feast and Pinda Daan
After the cremation, the family returns home to perform a ritual feeding of brahmins known as pinda daan. It is believed the soul of the deceased is offered pindas or rice balls during this ritual. A feast is also arranged for relatives and neighbours who offer condolences.
7. Post-Death Rites on the 16th and 30th Day
On the 16th day, a ritual called shodasham is performed where prayers are offered on behalf of the deceased. Relatives also distribute food. On the 30th day, the anthyeshti ritual is conducted which marks the end of the mourning period for the family.
8. Annual Death Anniversary
Every year on the death anniversary or punya tithi, prayers are offered by lighting lamps near a sacred tulsi plant in memory of the deceased. Close family members also visit the cremation ground and perform rituals.
9. Rituals for a Child’s Death
In case of death of a child, the rituals are slightly different. The body is not kept for long and is directly taken for cremation. On the 13th day, pinda daan and rituals are done by parents and close relatives near a sacred tulsi plant or peepal tree.
10. Key Beliefs Behind the Rituals
Tamil Brahmins firmly believe the soul attains moksha through these rituals. Offering food to brahmins is seen as a way to feed the soul of the deceased. The 13th day ritual finalises the soul’s journey. Annual death anniversaries ensure the soul is at peace.
How do Tamil Brahmins prepare the body of the deceased?
One of the Tamil Brahmin death rituals is to prepare the body of the deceased and they do this in the following ways:
- The first step is to clean the body and dress it in fresh clothes before rituals begin.
- Then, male family members apply turmeric and kumkum powder to the forehead and chest.Â
- After 24 hours, a sacred bath is given using water mixed with tulsi leaves and turmeric. The body is dressed in a white dhoti or saree.Â
- Vermilion is gently placed on the chest, with holy vibhuti ash on the forehead, arms, and feet. Sometimes a copy of the Bhagavad Gita is laid in the hands.
Overall in tamil brahmin death rituals, the preparation involves purification and respect – cleaning, dressing in white, applying specific herbs and colors, and potentially including a sacred text. This readies the body in a spiritual way for the funeral rites to follow. The family takes care to honor their loved one during this important time.
Why do Tamil Brahmins face south during death rituals?
Tamil Brahmins face south during funeral ceremonies because in Hindu beliefs, the south is associated with Yama, the god of death. When laying the body, they position the head facing south. Traditionally, the eldest son of the deceased person performs the key final rites. He places the body on a cot and lights the funeral pyre.
In Tamil Brahmin death rituals, the specific mantras or prayers recited during this time can differ based on local customs and what the family typically follows. However, most Yajurvedi Tamil Brahmins adhere to the procedure set out in the writings of Sage Apastamba. According to this, as the eldest son lights the pyre, he recites passages from the sacred texts.
Other ancient Hindu law books like other Grihya Sutras may outline slightly varying parts of the service as well. So in short, the southward orientation and eldest son conducting the rites are common threads. But families and regions can opt for their own theological interpretations and localized traditions when it comes to the precise mantras or order of events.
Conclusion
While practices may vary across families, following traditional tamil brahmin death rituals is of great religious and cultural significance for Tamil Brahmins. It offers solace to both the living and the departed soul on its onward journey after death. Understanding these rituals helps appreciate their rich theological underpinnings.
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Also Read : Why Do Eyes Open Before Death?
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