Dah Sanskar (Cremation)
दाह संस्कार
The sacred ritual of cremation that releases the soul from the physical body.
About This Ritual
Dah Sanskar, also known as Antyesti or cremation, is the final rite performed
for a Hindu. The ritual involves the burning of the deceased's body on a funeral pyre. According
to Hindu belief, cremation releases the soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth and allows it to
proceed to the next realm.
The ritual begins with the body being bathed, dressed in new clothes, and adorned with flowers
and sandalwood paste. The body is then carried to the cremation ground (Shmashana) on a bamboo
stretcher (Arthi). Mantras from the Garuda Purana are recited throughout the procession.
At the cremation ground, the body is placed on a pyre made of wood, with the head facing south.
The eldest son (or closest male relative) performs the main rituals, including lighting the pyre.
The skull is cracked (Kapal Kriya) to release the soul. The entire process is accompanied by
Vedic mantras and prayers for the soul's peaceful journey.
Significance
Cremation is considered essential for the soul's liberation. The fire god Agni
is believed to carry the soul to the realm of ancestors. Without proper cremation, the soul may
become a wandering spirit (Preta). The ritual also symbolizes the return of the five elements
(Panch Tatva) - earth, water, fire, air, and space - back to nature.