September 10, 11:30Aaj Tak

According to the Garuda Purana: Why should one not look back after a funeral?

When a funeral rite is performed, the body is offered to the fire according to Vedic mantras. According to sacred scriptures, the matter from which the body is composed returns to the same five elements after it turns to ash in the fire.

Often, at cremation sites, people are instructed not to look back when returning home after a funeral and to walk straight. This raises the question of why such a rule exists and what its reason is.

The Garuda Purana is considered one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. It contains various doctrines concerning virtue, ethics, yajna, japa, detachment, and religion. Furthermore, it includes descriptions of rules related to death and the state after death, including norms pertaining to burial.

According to religious beliefs, one should not look back after cremation. This is attributed to concepts related to the soul's attachment and worldly bonds. According to beliefs associated with the Garuda Purana, the soul does not disappear even after the body is destroyed. After death, the soul takes on a subtle body and continues its journey depending on the deeds it has performed; at the appropriate time, it attains a second body.

There is a belief that during cremation, the soul observes its body turning to dust. When the body is completely given over to the fire, this is seen as a sign for the soul that its connection to this body and worldly life is complete. It no longer has rights over it and must move on its path.

Renouncing worldly attachments and relationships can be difficult. According to religious views, this very attachment can become an obstacle on the soul's path. Therefore, the tradition of not looking back after a funeral is linked to helping the soul let go of worldly attachments.

It is believed that even after the body leaves the physical form, the attachment of the living soul to its relatives does not disappear instantly. It may feel sadness or joy seeing its loved ones. In such cases, turning back is interpreted as a sign of retaining attachment to the soul.

This is why the tradition of not looking back when returning from the crematorium exists. It is believed that relatives convey a message to the soul that its connection to this world is completely finished, and now it should let go of its attachments and continue its journey.

There is another concept: after the body burns, the soul may try to follow its relatives home. If a person looks back, it is regarded as a sign of the soul's attachment to its kin. However, it should be remembered that these are religious beliefs and should not be considered scientific facts.

It is because of these religious beliefs that the tradition of not looking back when returning from the crematorium has developed. Also, in some places, there is a tradition of not taking children to the crematorium, which is explained by similar beliefs and their psychological state.

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www.aajtak.inSeptember 2, 10:56

According to the Garuda Purana: Why is the body laid on the ground after death?

In Hindu families, there is an ancient tradition where, after a person's death, their body is often removed from the bed and placed on the ground. This raises the question of whether this is merely an old custom or if deep religious, cultural, and symbolic meanings lie behind this practice.

Most people follow this custom, but few know the beliefs that underpin it. It becomes clear why the body is placed specifically on the ground, what the connection is to the five elements (Panchamahabhuta), and why the ground is chosen over the bed for funeral rites.

Garuda Purana:

Death is the inevitable truth of life. When a person breathes their last breath, the family follows a series of traditions related to burial. One such tradition is moving the deceased's body from the bed to the ground. Although funeral rites may vary depending on the states, communities, and families in India, the practice of laying the body on the ground is observed in many Hindu families. Behind this lies not only religious faith but also a symbolic message about the transience of life and the connection between humans and nature.

Beliefs Associated with Panchamahabhuta

In Hindu philosophy, the human body is considered composed of five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Akasha). According to religious beliefs, the body that was born will eventually dissolve into these five elements. The funeral rite after death is also viewed as part of this natural cycle. Therefore, the tradition of placing the body on the ground is linked to the element of Earth. This symbolically indicates that the body has entered its final journey and must ultimately return to nature.

Symbolic Meaning of Laying on the Ground

In ancient times, most houses had earthen floors. Thus, placing the deceased on the ground held cultural and symbolic significance. This tradition reminds people of the ultimate truth of life: regardless of how much wealth, status, prestige, or honor a person achieved during life, their body is mortal. All earthly achievements are left behind after death.

Placing the body on the ground also symbolizes humility and the impermanence of life. It serves as a reminder to the living that life is not eternal, and eventually, everyone must submit to the laws of nature.

Why is the body not left on the bed?

Many wonder why the body is not left where it died if death occurred in bed. According to traditional beliefs, the bed is associated with daily life and worldly activities. However, the process of burial begins after death. Therefore, laying the body on the ground symbolizes the completion of one chapter of life and the beginning of preparations for the final farewell. Nevertheless, there are various traditions and beliefs in different regions and families.

Why is a mat or white cloth spread under the body?

In many families, instead of placing the body directly on the ground, a mat, cushion, mat, or white cloth is placed underneath it. This is part of traditional notions of reverence and purity. After this, family members sit next to the deceased, praying and asking God for peace for their soul. During this time, the atmosphere of the house is filled with grief, reverence, and memories.

Funerals in Religious Texts and Traditions

Hindu sacred scriptures and traditions contain descriptions of rites performed after death. However, the forms of these rituals may differ across various texts, regions, and communities. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that there is only one specific reason for laying the body on the ground; rather, this tradition represents a combination of religious beliefs, local customs, and cultural perceptions.

What is the true message of this tradition?

The tradition of laying the body on the ground after death is seen not just as a ritual. It also contains a message about the transience of life, the connection to nature, and humility. This custom reminds the living people of the mortality of the body and that the true value of life lies in our actions and behavior.