The Tamil Brahmin community is rich in heritage and spiritual tradition. After a person dies, family members perform intricate rituals. It is an important part of the religious and social texture among the Brahmin group. Tamil Brahmin death rituals are essential to respect loved one and give solace to the family. Here, one can learn about Brahmin rituals for the deceased.
Inform close relatives and take action quickly
If death happens, the deceased can lie on the floor in north-south direction. It signifies the earthly departure of the soul. Family members inform close relatives and friends. They speak with the funeral service provider to make necessary arrangement. A light-up lamp near the head is mandatory. Tulsi leaf can keep in the deceased’s mouth for the soul journey.
Prepare deceased
A dead body needs to prepare well for the final journey and ritual. The deceased person can wash with holy water if possible and dress in conventional clothes. Family members can apply turmeric and Kumkum powder to the deceased’s forehead.
Sparsham ritual
Once body preparation is over, rituals like sparsham can prepare. Male members can perform this ritual, which serves as symbolic cleansing. It involves touching a heated gold ring to the deceased’s lips and thrice through God’s name. Family members believe this ritual cleanses the body spiritually.
Allow visitors to pay respect
The deceased person can lie out for visitors to honor them at home. Experts carry out the necessary step for cremation. Flowers keep around the neck. A dead body can surround by flower and rice. It shows the material detachment of the soul from world.
Arrange the funeral procession
In Brahmin tradition, a funeral is an important occasion that involves reciting mantras and songs. The eldest son in the family handles the process of holding a pot of water before split near the cremation ground. It stands for the physical bond end between the dead body and the living. Fire can recognize for free the spirit from the actual body.
Cremation
Experts arrange a crematorium that is very near to you. At the crematorium, a pandit can perform a ritual before cremation. A professional cremation service gives peace of mind to the family and helps to conduct everything. Chanting a specific mantra is vital to pray for the departed soul peace.
Gather ashes
After the body burns completely, experts help the family collect the ash and bone fragments. These things dip in the holy river, especially Ganges. Such a process is known as asthi visarjan, that entail purify body. It lets the departed soul on its onward journey to the afterlife.
Sapindikaran ritual
On the tenth day, the family performs the Sapindikaran ritual that spot soul transition from individual entity and delves into the ancestral world.
Thirteenth day ritual
The thirteenth day is the end of the mourning period with a ritual. It is an effective means of respecting the body. Such a ritual covers a ceremonial feast to renovate the home’s purity and family members.
Annual remembrance
Every year, the Brahmin family organizes a death anniversary and informs close relatives take part in it. It is best to honor a person memory and life. Family members conduct a special prayer and donate something that replicates respect.
