AFTER DEATH

AFTER DEATH

PREAMBLES

• All movement around the deceased should be anticlockwise.
• Similarly during prayer time, all theebams, sambirani etc. should be shown anticlockwise.
• Another rule of thumb is that one's left side should be grazing the coffin when going round the deceased.
• The body should always be moved with the legs first as though in a walking position.
• The head of the deceased should be placed in the South. To get the above correct, it is best to use a compass.
• The Gingelly Oil (nallanai), Lime (ellumicham juice) and Soap-Nut mixture (sheeyakai or arraippu) are placed at the head-side of the deceased on a small stool / table. The relatives shall move in an anticlockwise direction, towards the left-hand side of the deceased.
• He/she then shall face the deceased, and using the back of the three centre fingers of the right hand, proceed to Oil from the base of the head, in an upward motion (towards the forehead) three (3) times. This is followed by the squeezing of a Lime-piece on the forehead, followed by the swiping of Soap-Nut mixture (in the same manner as per the application of oil previously). The hands are then to be rinsed in water and wiped dry.
• When annointing oil, the male relatives take precedence. I is followed by the females.The `Kartha' or Torch-Bearer shall be the last to perform rite.
• Those who have come to pay their last respects shall stand at the feet of the deceased.
• According to Saivaite practice, ladies generally do not go to the Crematorium. But in today's context this practice seer: be fading away.

• The following shall be the 'Kartha' (Torch-Bearer) in order of sequence :­
• Son
• wife
• Husband
• Daughter
• Elder brother
• Younger brother
• Brother's son
• Father
• Mother
• Daughter-in-law
• Sister
• Sister's son

m) Father's side relative

n) Mother's side relative

o) Disciple

P) Guru

q) Son-in-law

r) Friend

s) King or Ruler

• Where there is a Son of the deceased he shall be the `Princi; : Kartha'. The rest take second precedence. Where there is no `Principal Kartha', the above-named shall take precedence in the sequential order. If for any reason the `Principal Kartha' is unable to execute his duties, he shall then delegate these duties to the next named as above.Where there is/are a son/sons, the rest above-named have no authority or function to execute these duties. By norm, the eldest son presides for the father and the youngest for the mother. When an unmarried son/daughter dies, the father shall be the `Principal Kartha'.
• A still-born child should be buried without pomp and splendour. A child of up to 3 years of age should be bathed, dressed, decorated with loose flowers, and after the singing of Hymns etc., is to be buried with milk sprayed before and after burial.A child above 3 years of age, but had not attained the age of 12 years, may be bathed with the 'Thiraviya Abishegam', decorated with loose flowers, and after the singing of Hymns, may be cremated. For a person who is 12 years old or above, bathing ceremonies and Saiva Kiriyai may be performed. On the 31 st day, a`Punniathanam' ceremony to cleanse the house is to be done for (a), (b) and (c) above.

GENERAL RULES

• `Kriya Kartha/s' and relatives are to abstain from consuming drinks (including alcohol) and cigarettes or even the chewing of betel-leaves and nuts during and prior to the funeral rites.
• As this is a sombre and solemn affair, all are expected to keep ­their cool, i.e. no wailing, screaming and crying.

• The use of harsh words, hitting children or reprimanding the should cease.
• The `Kartha/s', their wives and the immediate relatives shoulc be attired in a befitting manner during all rites and rituals for the deceased.
• When the body is lying-in-state or when it has been brougl-­into the house, continuous singing of Hymns etc. are to encouraged.
• It would be most helpful to the people of the house if a gue­record book is placed at a prominent place for the guests : write their names, addresses, telephone numbers etc. Th_ - information may become useful to request for any help , assistance from them later, and also to send out invitatic , cards for the Anthiyeshti etc.
• The serving of soft-drinks, mineral water etc. should not encouraged or served during this period.
• The singing of 'Thiruppugal' songs should be stopped funerals.
• To compensate, the singing of 'Vazhappatthu', 'Adaikkalap­patthu,' `Pattinathar Pulambal,' `Nadaraja Patthu,' 'Lingastagam,' 'Thayumanavar' and 'Pattinathar Paadalgal' 'Arunasaleesar Pathigam' songs by Ramalinga Swamigal etc. should be given prominence.
• In the olden days of the `Panchapuranam,' only Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, and Thiruppuranam Hymns were sung at funerals, in addition to item (9) above.
• During the singing of the 'Thiruppotchunnam', it was started with the singing of the 'Thevaram' first followed by the 'Thiruppotchunnam' and finally ending with the 'Thiruppuranam'. Wonder how the change (`Thiruppotchunnam', 'Thevaram' and 'Thiruppuranam') came about!
• At funerals and other related ceremonies the 'Vazhthu Oli' : 'Nama Parvathi Pathaye' and 'Thenadudaya Sivanae Potri' only are used together with their respective replies.
• The direct use of plastic containers etc. to bathe the body should be avoided. It is best to use an ever-silver basin or a dish to mix and conduct the Abishegam.
• If a body is brought in a coffin from another state or overseas, then the body should not be removed from the coffin. If the body is placed in a sealed coffin, there shall be no placing of 'Vaikuarisi,' on the coffin, but substituted with flowers.If the coffin is unsealed, and the cover could removed, then oiling and bathing ceremonies can conducted. Using a`Therpai' or 'Arugampul' the Abisheg can be conducted by immersing them into the `Thiraviarrs and dabbing them on the forehead of the deceased. If Kurukkal is present, then the 'Kumbam-Water' is sprinki over the body using the three (3) mango leaves from `Kumbam' .Under NO circumstances should a plastic sheet be plac over the coffin and the 'Abishegam contents' poured over plastic sheet.
• Care and attention should be given to those assisting helping out at funerals.

WHEN NEAR DEATH

• It is an important Saivaite tradition to sing the Moola Manthirams softly into the ears of the person facing death that the thoughts of those around and of the person fact death can be centred on God Almighty giving peace and sol to all concerned.
• A teaspoonful of milk should be given wherever possible every one of the close relatives of the person near death.

AFTER DEATH

• Soon after death it is important to ensure that the eyes and mouth of the deceased are closed and the hands straightened out so that the body lies in a sleeping position.
• Both the hands should be clasped together and placed on the stomach. Then the thumbs are tied together as if in a state of prayer.
• The toes too are tied together with a white strand of cloth.
• To close the mouth, a piece of white cloth is stretched from under the chin and a knot made above the head.
• Holy Ash together with Santhanam and Kungkumum should be applied on the forehead of the deceased.
• For widows Kungkumum should NOT be used.

WHEN THE BODY IS BROUGHT HOME

• The mango leaves hanging at the front door should be removed, all the hanging pictures should be reversed and the altar-light put off.
• The body should always be moved with the legs first as though in a ,A alking position.
• The body should be placed on a raised wooden platform with~ the head of the deceased placed South--the direction sacred to Yaman, the Lord of Death.
• The body should be covered with a white cloth leaving on the face and neck for viewing.
• Holy-Ash plus Santhanam and Kungkumum should be applied to the forehead and a garland of fresh flowers placed round t neck.
• A "Kutthu Villakku" with only one wick should be I burning throughout at the head-side of the deceased.
• Incense sticks and Sambirani should be lighted often a.­placed close to the lamp.
• Relatives and friends should sing the Hymns from the Sai Thirumurai throughout the time the body is at home so as give peace and solace to the bereaved family.
• Visitors could place additional garlands and Holy-Ash on deceased. However, it is best to place the garlands after body had been bathed.
• The Kolli Vaippavar (Torch-Bearer) will be the eldest so , the father and the youngest son for the mother.
• The person concerned will bathe and wear a new versti . ii thundu with Holy-Ash applied on his forehead, shoulders, arms at four places, chest and stomach.