Hinduism
About
Hinduism is the oldest of the six major world religions. It is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal and also exists significantly in populations across the world, with an estimate of over 1 billion global followers today.
Hinduism has no single founder but evolved gradually over time. It holds no single scripture, but a vast array of teachings, with the Vedas being just one example of Hinduism's many primary religious texts.
End of Life
Hindus believe in reincarnation. When the body dies, the soul is reborn in a different form. Each death brings the soul closer to Brahma, the Hindu God, and the next incarnation is determined by karma; the result of a Hindu’s actions during their lifetime. They may view illness as a result of karma.
In terms of end of life care, Hindus tend to want a natural death over artificially prolonging life. Vegetarian or plant-based food are usually required, and it may be requested that only women staff tend to a female patient.
In a Hindu’s final days, family visit in large groups and a Hindu priest may visit to help the soul prepare to move on. A sacred thread is tied around the dying person’s neck or wrist and holy water is sprinkled or used to wet their lips. They are often placed on the floor on a clean mat or sheet to symbolise closeness to Mother Earth, and their oldest child is required to remain present.
After Death
A Hindu body should be cremated within 24 hours of death, so embalming is unnecessary. Several rituals take place in this time, including washing the body with ghee, honey, milk, and yoghurt, placing essential oils on the head, positioning the palms for prayer and tying the big toes together. The deceased is dressed in smart clothes or wrapped in a white sheet. Flowers and rice balls (pinda) are arranged, water is sprinkled, and often a lamp is placed near the head.
The cremation ceremony, known as mukhagni, lasts around 30 minutes and includes chants and mantras led by a Hindu priest or the eldest son of the deceased. Mourners pay their respects before the open casket and the cremation then proceeds. Traditionally, the mukhagni is only attended by men, but today modern Hindu funerals also welcome women. The ashes are scattered the next day over a sacred body of water or a place of importance to the deceased.
A period of mourning commences that traditionally lasts 10-30 days, during which the bereaved family welcomes visitors to their home to offer their condolences. A picture of the deceased is displayed and decorated with a garland of flowers. After thirteen days, a ceremony known as preta-karma is held, with rituals to help release the soul of the deceased for reincarnation.