Social Studies

Yair

20 May, 22:20

Soon after death, the body is washed and dressed and put in a casket. A sandalwood garland is placed on the body; flowers are not used, because they may carry small insects. A swastika is placed near the deceased. When the family arrives and it is time for the service, songs and scriptures are recited for an hour. Eulogies are offered by family and friends. Family members then gather by the casket and apply various items to the body: a little water and rice three times; then sandalwood powder. Then they chant the Namokar Mantra and put more sandalwood powder on the body, a gold coin in the mouth, and a pearl under the lid of the right eye. The casket is then closed and taken to the place of cremation. This is the traditional funeral ritual of which religion?