Hindu funerary rites

Hindu funerary rites honor the deceased’s journey to moksha, or liberation. Typically, the body is washed, dressed in traditional clothing, and placed on a wooden cot or bier. Mantras and prayers are recited to guide the soul. Cremation is common, symbolizing the release of the soul’s physical ties, with ashes often immersed in a sacred river. Rituals include offerings to Agni (fire god), mourning periods with specific customs, and ceremonies for the subsequent rites of the soul’s transition. These rites reflect respect for life, spiritual evolution, and the hope for peaceful liberation.