When the word death is heard, fears and many questions arise in the mind. What happens to a person in the last hours of life? Do they know in advance that their time is coming to an end? Do they see any signs before death that others might not notice?
The Garuda Purana describes the relationship between death, soul, and body through a dialogue between Lord Vishnu and Garuda. According to religious beliefs, death is not a sudden event but a process that can be accompanied by changes before the separation of body and soul. Among such signs are phenomena associated with the approach of death. However, it should be understood that these statements are part of religious beliefs. Modern medicine explains similar experiences as changes in the body, medication intake, lack of oxygen, or mental state.
Garuda Purana
The Garuda Purana describes very mysterious and specific images of Yamdatus (messengers of death). According to beliefs, when a person's time to pass away approaches, they may see scenes inaccessible to others. Religious doctrine states that at this moment, messengers of Yamaraja arrive to take the soul. Upon seeing them, a person may experience fear or anxiety. This is why some people point to things near death that go unnoticed by others.
It is also said that there is a possibility of seeing deceased relatives before death. Seriously ill people sometimes begin to call out the names of parents, grandparents, or old acquaintances. The religious viewpoint interprets this as a sign of the gradual separation of the soul from earthly life. In some traditions, it is believed that the ancestors of a virtuous person come to accompany them on their journey.
It is stated that closer to the moment of death, a person begins to recall events of their entire life. These memories cover childhood moments, as well as relationships with family and good or bad deeds performed. From a religious perspective, this is viewed in the context of karma. It is believed that memories of good deeds can bring peace to the soul, while regrets about unjust actions can cause anxiety. It can also be seen this way: in the final stage of life, a person's connections and actions become more important than wealth or social status.
Some beliefs related to the Garuda Purana mention changes in a person's reflection and shadow before death. It is said that in a mirror, water, or oil, a person's face may look abnormal. In religious understanding, this is linked to the weakening of the connection between body and soul. Nevertheless, there is no scientific confirmation of this, and it is not considered an absolute sign of death.
Some religious narratives describe changes in a person's vision before death. It is believed that they may see stars in the sky even during the day, or colors and light may appear different than usual. Such experiences in religious tradition are associated with the approaching end of life. From a medical point of view, however, unusual perception can be caused by severe illness, medication intake, or lack of oxygen in the body.
The question of changes in pupil size arises. In the final moments of life, general bodily functions weaken. A person may fix their gaze on one point, eyelashes may blink less frequently, and changes in eye movements are observed. According to the beliefs of the Garuda Purana, these changes are related to the process of the soul separating from the body. However, such changes in the eyes can also occur with serious health problems.
The Garuda Purana gives special importance to the river Vaitarani. According to religious beliefs, after death, the soul must cross this river during its journey to Yamaloka. It is said that before death, a person may experience sensations similar to water, darkness, fire, or passing through a difficult path. In religious tradition, this is associated with Vaitarani and the subsequent spiritual journey.
Changes in body odor and taste before death are also discussed. In the final moments of life, various physiological changes can occur in the body. A person may stop tasting food as they used to, and the ability to distinguish smells may weaken. According to the beliefs of the Garuda Purana, this is related to the gradual weakening of the body's senses. Medicine notes that in severe illnesses and at the final stage of life, changes in the ability to taste, smell, and hear can occur.
Can hands and feet become cold in the final moments? Before death, body temperature can drop, leading to coldness in the extremities. Breathing patterns may change, and a person may feel severe weakness. Changes in breathing patterns are observed in many seriously ill patients.
