Describe a traditional Jain funeral ritual.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The traditional Jain funeral ritual has these typical elements. 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, the symbol of Jainism, is placed near the deceased. When the family arrives and it is time for the service, Jain 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; finally, clarified butter on its forehead, hands, and feet. 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.

At the cremation site, the body is removed from its casket, disrobed, and washed with a wet cloth. It is then reclothed and covered entirely with a cloth. Meanwhile, a platform of wood is erected for an open-air cremation. The body is placed on the platform with logs of wood over it. Ghee, camphor, and sandalwood powder are sprinkled all over the body. The elder son walks around body three times sprinkling water on it. Chanting the Namokar Mantra, he lights up the pyre. After the burning is done, milk is poured over the remains, which are then collected in bags. Then a hole is dug in the earth, the remains are placed in it, and salt is spread on it to hasten decomposition.