Antyeshthi Sanskaara (Full)

INTRODUCTION

The Antyeshti Sanskaara

The final sanskaara, this अन्त्येष्टि संस्कार, like the first three, is done in the physical absence of the person on whose behalf the Sanskaara is done. But, unlike all the rest, this one is after the end of life, whereas the preceding 15 are before and during life.

This Sanskaara provides for the proper disposal of the dead body. This is the only Sanskaara that is performed for the general good of the world (as compared to other sanskaaras that generally look to the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of the self). The mantras in this Sanskaara provide a clear Vedic and scientific approach to the last rites, in which all of the elements used in Creation are acknowledged, and the process of reincarnation and recycling is recognized.

In the previous 15 Sanskaaras, there were the elements of life, air, water, earth, space, and energy, and we prayed for those to be effective and efficient within us and for us. In this final Sanskaara, these six elements that were hitherto prayed for are returned to their source. In a way, the Antyeshthi is a ritual for recycling the human body, that is, returning the elements to their source of form and letting the world be free of a lifeless, decaying body.

We believe in reincarnation of the Soul, and upon death, there is no concept of lingering, maligning, or hovering “spirit.” Instead, the elements of the body return to their source, and the soul takes its reincarnation.

This Sanskaara is of three main parts:

Part I – The Cremation itself, which provides a purification ritual to return the elements of the body to their source. Thus, dust to dust, ashes to ashes is taken even more literally with air-to-air, water-to-water, etc. This allows us to dispose of the body without contaminating the surroundings.

The first part of this Sanskaara stresses the practicality of cremation as the mantras identify the relinquishment of various body parts, the senses, and the attachments the person has had when alive. The second part contemplates the universal laws of life and death and the aspects of reincarnation. The final part of the Sanskaara contemplates the Almighty God, who presides over all and facilitates the process of reincarnation of the Soul to a new body.

The Sanskaara has 120 verses to be chanted and offerings made to the fire. These may be repeated as necessary and if possible (given the intense heat that may arise from the fire).

Part II – Grihashuddhi. Immediately after the Cremation is completed at the crematorium, the गृहशुद्धि (Grihashuddhi) or house purification is to be done at the home.

This is the environmental clean-up of the potential effects of the dead body. A dead body starts to decompose from the time of death, and therefore, all precautions are taken with this second part of the Sanskaara to ensure that the home and the surroundings are clean.

Part III is the collecting and disposing of the ash, usually done on the day following cremation.

The entire Sanskaara is designed to provide a scientific process for the disposal of the body. Even the ash (from the cremation) is properly disposed of in a manner that contributes to the environment.

There is no other obligation for the dead.

Time for Antyeshti

As soon as is practical and possible after death. The earliest time from death is recommended. The soul has departed; our duty is to let the elements of nature return to their original state as early as possible.

Requirements for Antyeshti

It is recommended that the amount of Ghee and Samagri be equal to the body’s weight.

The usual Havan ingredients are required but with extra camphor, dhoop, etc.

Long-handle spoons should be available – alternatively, tie the spoons to long sticks.

A pyre should be available (or made), which should typically
– Length: length is as long as a person lying with hands stretched above head.
– Width: as wide as a person lying with arms stretched to the sides.
– Depth: As high as chest height.