Every living being born on earth dies one day or the other. After the death, the last rites are performed according to their religion. In Hinduism, there is a custom of cremation. Also, there are different funeral rules. It is necessary to follow them.
Hinduism also has a tradition of cremation. Further Garuda Purana mentions some inscriptions related to this. If a person dies, the dead body is not cremated after sunset. Also, the dead body is not left alone. What is the reason for this? Here is the answer.
If a person dies after sunset, his cremation is performed only the next morning. During this time, the dead body is kept on the ground overnight. Not only that, someone else will definitely be sitting next to that dead body all night long. The reason behind this is given in Garuda Purana. First, if someone is cremated after sunset, that person will not get Moksha. It is also believed that the soul is reincarnated in the vagina of a ghoul or asura.
Choosing the right time for cremation is considered essential. If someone dies during Panchaka (sunset or night), his last rites are performed only after the period is over. Someone has to sit with the dead body till the panchaka is over. It is said that if someone is cremated during Panchaka, five other people in that person’s family may also die. A remedy is also given for this, according to which, along with the dead body, 5-grain flour or dry grass replicas are also burnt with complete rules.
Why sit with a dead body at night?
The reason behind sitting with the dead body all night is mentioned in the Garuda Purana. According to this, if a dead body is left alone, an evil spirit can enter it during the night. Some bad things can be done through that body. That is why the dead body should not be left alone at night. This is one of the reasons for keeping the dead body clean. Further, in the sacred light of the fire, incense or a lamp is lit there to prevent any evil spirit from entering the dead body. Not only this, but they also sit vigil so that no other creature touches the dead body.
In Hinduism, there is also a belief that only the son or daughter of the deceased should perform the last rites of the dead body. If the relatives of the deceased are away from them, they keep the dead body and wait until they come. In such a situation, sometimes the dead body has to be kept for the whole night. It is believed that if the last rites are performed by the son, the soul of the deceased will find peace. Otherwise, the soul is believed to continue wandering in search of reincarnation or salvation.
Nice article from Garuda Purana.