Jain Cremation

In Jainism, death is considered a threat or a way that helps the soul unite with the almighty. Based on the four prime pillars of Jain Religion, the final rituals especially the cremation after the demise, should be performed in a unique and dignified manner.

Before knowing the right procedure of cremation in the Jain Religion, you must take a glimpse of the four pillars of Jainism. These pillars play a pivotal role in understanding the procedure of cremation and other final rituals in Jain Dharma.

1. Ahimsa, also known as Non-violence

2. Satya, also known as Truthfulness

3. Asteya, also known as Non-Stealing

4. Brahmcharya, also known as Chastity

These four pillars influence the religious, ethical, and spiritual practices of the followers of Jainism.

Ahimsa

The highest religion is ahimsa parmo dharma, or non-violence.  In Jain literature, the phrase "Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being" appears frequently.

Satya

Jainism maintains that in addition to abstaining from lying, one should constantly express the truth, which ought to be wholesome and agreeable.  If the truth makes a living being feel pain, hurt, anger, or die, then one should keep quiet.

Asteya

A person should adhere to this pledge to the letter and not touch anything that is not theirs, no matter how worthless.  It is important to only accept the bare minimum of assistance, aid, or alms.  In Jainism, it is also considered stealing to take more than one needs.

Brahmcharya

Celibacy means being completely away from all five senses and sensual pleasure. It is quite challenging to keep this vow of restraining from the pleasure of the senses.  Even if one abstains from bodily indulgence, one may still consider the sensuous pleasures that are forbidden in Jainism.

What is the Stepwise procedure of the cremation ritual in the Jain Religion?

There are diverse communities and religious beliefs followed in India, and each one has its own specific burial/Cremation service rituals, prayers, and practices.  Similarly, burial rites have their customs and traditions within the Jain religion.

Here is the Stepwise procedure of performing a dignified farewell or burial or Cremation in the Jain community.

Know the Pre-cremation or Burial Arrangements:

1. The very first step is rubbing the corpse with a damp cloth.
2. The body is covered with a shroud, clothed, and then placed on the bier.  On a table, cotton, fragrant incense, and agarbatti are used to purify the atmosphere.  Until the final ceremonies, the deep is positioned on the right side of the head and burns nonstop.
3. The head of the body should be placed in the north direction.
4. Books, religious texts, and an image of a dead person with a garland around its neck should be placed on the table closed to the dead body.
5. After praying at the beginning of the funeral service, men and women can sit on separate sides of the room where the dead body is placed.

How does the funeral rite begin in the Jain culture?

After being tied to the bier, the body is transported to the Crematory.  A wooden platform and a location free from harm to living things are used for burial in Jainism.  The Top 5 Things to Understand About Jain Funerals. After being removed from the bier, the corpse is set on a pedestal that has wooden engravings on it and the final rites are carried out by the deceased's eldest son or a close male member of the family in the absence of the son.

What are the steps performed during the funeral?

1. The swastika, a sacred symbol, is applied or made near the coffin of the dead body. Then, on top of the swastika symbol, you need to add an Agarbatti (sceneted sticks) and a whole coconut.

2. The attendees and the family members chant the sacred mantras and sing peaceful bhajans for an hour. These bhajans help in offering peace to the soul as well as the mourners.