Tamils are deeply rooted in their culture no matter where they are. They follow their unique funeral rituals after the death of their family members. Since their beliefs blend with ancient customs and thousands of years of practice, the Tamil funeral service Kenton follows the same during the final rites of their loved ones. The funeral process involves several stages, each with its specific customs and symbolic meanings.
Here is all about the funeral process.
Preparing the Body for Last Rites
Tamils believe that the body should be treated well for the final journey. Therefore, the body gets a bath, and after that, turmeric and sandalwood paste are applied to the forehead. The dead body is adorned with traditional attire. If the deceased has been married, then the women dress up in colored sarees along with traditional jewelry that shows their marital status.
After these initial processes are done, the body is laid down on the ground, facing the head in the south direction. This is because it is believed that the south is associated with Yama, the god of death in Hinduism. By facing the body towards the south, the soul can start the journey towards liberation.
Preparation for Funeral Ceremony
Funeral rituals are started by the priest or the eldest family member. He starts by invoking deities and ancestors to seek blessings for the deceased person. Various items like flowers, rice, and water are required to please the soul and deities. During this time, a string is tied on both toes to keep them together, which indicates the body is ready for the final journey. After that, the entire body is covered with a white cloth while the face remains open.
After the body is prepared, family, relatives and friends gather to show the last respects. The last rites have to perform by the eldest son or the close relative. The final ritual starts by placing a lamp and water near the head which symbolizes the light and purity. Sometimes, priest asks to place a coin on the dead body’s mouth which symbolizes the payment for the soul’s journey to the afterlife.
Cremation Rituals
During this ritual, the body is kept on the bier and carried to the cremation ground in a family-led procession. The priest chants the sacred texts to guide the soul during the process.
At the cremation ground, the body is kept on the pyre while facing the head towards the south. After that, the elder son or any close male relative circles the body three times and then places the fire on the mouth of the body.
Tamil funeral process is complex and needs attention to detail. Asian Funeral Services offers Tamil funeral service Kenton following all the tradition and rituals. With years of experience, this service can lessen the hassle of cremation of the deceased.