Book for the Dead 9788194863267

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BOOK FOR THE DEAD A HANDBOOK ON RITUALS FOR HINDU CREMATIONS

o VEENA TALWAR

DECEMBER 2021

o This book is dedicated to my mother Karuna Kakar and my father Debendranath Kakar.

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Preface

Most of us, spend no time thinking about how to honour those in our family when they leave this world. At the request of my son Vibhu Talwar I have put together a simple guide as to what is to be done by family members when their loved ones leave this world and move on to the next world. I hope upon reading this that you will honour your loved ones who in turn will bless you for helping them in their voyage into their after-life. Veena Talwar

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IMPORTANCE OF PERFORMING RITUALS FOR THE DEAD After the death of a person many a time it is seen that the funeral rite is performed merely as a formality or as a part of fulfilling duty towards the family. If post death rites are performed as prescribed by our scriptures, then the (SUBTLE BODY) LINGA DEHA of the deceased, without getting trapped in EARTH REGION OR MRITUYALOK (REGION OF THE DEAD) acquires a positive momentum and moves on to higher regions. Consequently the possibility of the deceased person tormenting the family members reduces. The possibility of the “Subtle body” being enslaved by negative energies reduces too. All the rituals, prayers and positive energy act like food for the soul, which help begin its onward journey. At the end of the tunnel is a huge bright light signifying the entry into the astral world. Earthbound spirits lead a very miserable existence as they are neither in their actual plane nor in a body to lead an earthly life. HEALING, PRAYERS and RITUALS are of utmost importance so that the departed soul crosses over to the designated astral plane peacefully. 1

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ON DEATH  hen a person dies the following needs to be done W immediately 1) As far as possible limbs and neck should be straightened 2) Close the eyes 3) Put the hands on stomach and tie them up 4) Tie both the big toes All this is important to do as after sometime the body become very stiff and will be difficult to straighten. DO NOT CRY - As it causes PAIN to the Suksham Sharir (The spirit body). The family members should pray to Shivji to protect the subtle body from attack of negative energies and to impart higher momentum (gati) to the deceased. Mention the name of DECEASED while praying. STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN PERSON DIES 1) Before placing the dead body on the floor, sprinkle Gangajal and Vibhuti. 2) Put a new white sheet and then lay the body in the proper direction 3

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HEAD to be placed in the NORTH FEET is to be placed in the SOUTH 3) Cover the body with another new white sheet 4) In a large matti diya put sarson oil and place it near the head - the flame should face the south. Diya should be placed on kneaded dough 5) Place agarbattis near the dead 6) Play the audio of the Jaap “ OM NAMO BHAGVADE VASUDEVA” OR ask the pandit to do SHANTI PAATH 7) Sprinkle Vibhuthi around the body in an anti-clock wise direction at some distance from the body

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PREPARATION OF BODY BEFORE TAKING TO CREMATORIUM VERY IMPORTANT 1. To ensure person has not died in Panchak, if so PANCHAK SHANTI PATH has to be done. (It is important to ask the pundit if the deceased has died during Panchak) 2. Always note TITHI and PAKSH, DATE and TIME of the deceased, which is important for performing Shraadh for the deceased in the future. a. All these functions are to be done by sons b. As it is difficult to remove the clothes from a dead body, clothes can be cut with scissors i. Some from top, some from bottom-small cuts. symbolic that clothes are removed



ii. Wash the body with Panchgavya ideally 1/2 Bucket of water 1 TSF cow mutra 1 litre Gangajal (approx)or 1 cup 1 cup milk 1table spoon curd. 5

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If you can’t arrange all the above. Then in half bucket of water put some Gangajal and sprinkle on the body and clothes 3. Wrap the body with 7 meter white cloth 4. Put a cream coloured shawl in cotton wool (Lemon/ white) 5. Put piece of gold in cotton wool + tulsi (one leaf) + gangajal in the mouth 6. Put piece of gold in cotton wool + tulsi leaf and gangajal in each ear 7. Put piece of gold in cotton wool + tulsi leaf and gangajal in each nostril 8. Put piece of gold in cotton wool + tulsi leaf and gangajal in both eyes IF GOLD IS NOT AVAILABLE - put a drop of ghee 9. If SALIGRAM is washed with Charnamrit (made of milk, honey, gangajal, curd and ghee) and a drop of this is put in the mouth of the deceased, it is believed he/she goes to HEAVEN. If Charnamrit is not available then wash SALIGRAM with Gangajal and same Gangajal is put in the mouth. 10. If 3 kinds of TIL DAAN (White, black and brown) is done by the person who is about to die, he goes straight to HEAVEN and when TIL DAAN is given DEMONS run away. 11. 30 minutes before departure to crematorium family members put shawl/flowers and touch the feet for 6

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blessings and pay reverence to the departed soul. 12. SONS- Wear new clothes- kurta, pyjama, gamcha and janeo. After cremation these clothes are only rinsed in water not washed with soap 13. DEAD BODY to be carried outside house with head in front 14. After dead body leaves that area is washed with soap and water 15. The DIYA can be picked and placed in any corner of any room, but the flame should face the south direction. This is AKHAND JYOT to be burnt 24 hours for 10 DAYS. A pandit can be asked to take care of it

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ITEMS TO BE COLLECTED BEFORE TAKING BODY TO CREMATORIUM 1. List is given at Lodhi Crematorium. There is a shop which keeps all the items. 2.Pandit Name- Dharam Vir Mob No 09871350074 3.HEARSE- Lodhi crematorium can arrange for hearse and pandit to come to the house and do the pind puja. 4.SHAWLS- To buy any colour- cream/white/lemon. These are put by family members as a mark of respect to the departed soul. 5.Gold Pieces - Please buy 8 small pieces Use 7 pieces to put in the mouth, nose, ears, eyes of the departed soul before taking body to crematorium. The 8th piece to be used when you go to collect the asthiya (ashes). 6. The above can be bought from shop in BhogalPadam Chand Pramod Kumar, 39 SAMMAN BAZAR, New Delhi Pramod - Mob No 9810017791 011-24377719 9

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7. REQUIREMENT FOR PIND PUJA 1/2 kg Jauo Atta 1/2 kg Atta 100gm black til 8. The above can be bought from a shop in Bhogal NETRARAM Mob No 9810313751 011-24378716. The above is required to make the pind by pandit from the crematorium. They are made in the house before the dead body is taken to the crematorium

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PIND PUJA According to shastras elder son does pind puja for the father and younger son for the mother, but anyone can do. Before leaving the house with the dead body 6 pinds are to be made of: 1) 1/2 kg atta 2) 1/2kg jaun atta 3) 50gm black til THE 6 PINDS ARE PUT ON THE BODY BEFORE CREMATION DURING PUJA Significance of the 6 Pinds 1st Pind is made for Sthan (Where person dies). This is placed on the chest 2nd Pind is made for crossing the door-This is placed on the chest. 3rd Pind is made for road ( Vahan). This is placed on the chest midway to the crematorium. 4th/5th/6th Pind are used at the Shamshan ghat.

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One in each hand. One to be put as the pyre starts to burn. While you are leaving after cremation burn Dhoop and Jyoti at the Shivji Mandir which is at the entrance of the crematorium. Relatives and friends do not come back to the house because it is considered inauspicious. ONLY IMMEDIATE FAMILY COMES HOME The fire in the kitchen is not lit that day. Food is not cooked in the house on that day.

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ASTHIYA Next Day Collect the ASTHIYA (Bones & Ashes) The following items need to be taken with you when going to collect the Asthiya. 1. Small piece of gold to be put in the ashes before collecting the bones. 2. 2kg milk unboiled-kaccha 3. 1litre gangajal 4. 8 roti kachi pakki (ek taraf tawe par pakana) 5. 100gm half-boiled rice 6. 100gm half-boiled urad sabut dal 7. 100gm black til 8. 100gm sarson (yellow mustard) 9. 100gm sarson oil (mustard oil) 10. 100gm barfi (white) 11. Honey (small bottle) 12. 8 fruits 13. 8 supari 13

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8 elaichi 15. Dhoop and match box 16. 5 garlands (Small) 17. Roli-100gms 18. Cotton-(Worth Rs 5/-) 19. 1 kurta, pyjama, towel and hanky 20. 50 mitti diyas small 21. 1 moli 22. Red cloth -1/2 meter to be tied on the mouth of pot 23. 1 mitti ka ghara (earthen pot) 24. 2 PVC nylon boris to put ashes in 25. 1 stainless steel thali to put ghara on it How to wash the asthiyas A piece of gold is put into the asthiyas before washing the bones. Unboiled milk (kaccha milk) and gangajal is mixed. The bones are washed with this mixture These bones are put in the mitti ghara and the mouth is tied up with the red cloth. Use kaccha soot (white thick thread) to tie the cloth. Ashes are put in PVC bori till they are immersed in the river Ganga. LEAVE the above in the Shamshan Ghat under LOCK & KEY. 14

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These must not be brought home. Kurta/pyjama/janeo/gamcha worn by the son, are washed with soap and kept for PIND DAAN at HARIDWAR on the 10th day. The same clothes to be worn on the 11/12/and 13th day of pujas. (NB- Washed- after every puja)

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CHAUTHA Is not done on SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY After Chautha is over the following needs to be done 1. One lota water to bring into the house from outside and put in plants 2. Go to Mandir before coming home 3. Buy two gatti palak (bunch of spinach)- Feed one gatti to the cow and one gatti to cook in the house NBa) Feeding cow signifies - always doing the good deeds (Hamesha Daan Punye Karte Raho) b) Cooking palak in the house signifies -prosperity and happiness (Ghar hara bhara rahe) 4. Yellow sarson-200gm to bring from outside. Put little sarson in four corners of the room. NEXT DAY pick it up with hand not with jhadu. Leave it outside the house, at a little distance. NB- This is done to remove the negative energies from the house, as some time spirits can accompany the suksham spirit to the house.

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IMMERSION OF ASHES (IMPORTANT RITUALS) Immersion of Ashes is done in Haridwar in the Holy Ganga River. If for some reason person cannot go to Haridwar, you can go to the closest location of the Ganga River, for example Gar Ganga close to Delhi. It can be done on any of the following days- 5th Day/7th day/9th day till the 10th Day. Preferably it should be done on the 10th Day, as PIND PUJA can only be done on 10th Day and NOT BEFORE 10th Day- PIND PUJA IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT - as with this puja the ASTRAL SPIRIT gets its BODY formed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------On the10th Day- Asthiya (Phool) are taken from the Shamshan Ghat and taken to Haridwar for immersion. NB- DO NOT BRING IT HOME. Straight from SHAMSHAN GHAT one should proceed to HARIDWAR The PVC bori containing ashes is put in the dicky of the car. Suitcase with old belongings are also put in the dicky and nothing else.

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The matti ghada which has the bones is put on the back seat near the window. The Ghara is put on Stainless steel THALI and a garland or flowers are put on it. (This is done with utmost respect- as if the departed soul is sitting there) On reaching Haridwar go straight to Kushaghat to the panditji. For the Talwar family his name is Shiv panditji. His son is Madan Mohan panditji There room is located at Kushaghat opposite the peepal tree. Outside the room is writtenPandit Chandan lal ji Pandit Kanta Prasad Jha Our pandit will be found here. The question to ask if panditji is NOT THERE We are looking for Talwar pandit of Mysewa Galli of Lahore. With the panditji we go to Kankhan ghat to immerse the ashes. Each family belongs to a particular gotra and kul. You would need to identify the pandit handling your gotra or kul and work with him to complete the immersion of ashes and pind puja requirements. 20

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At Kankhan ghat get some coins of Rs 5/Rs 10 - which are given to the beggars after immersion of ashes Panditji does the puja and ashes are immersed in the HOLY GANGA RIVER. NB- Money is given to those who helped to immerse ashes. Coins to beggars. From here we go to the HAR KI PAUDI (VIP) ghat. Here bath is taken and the same clothes of cremation day are worn again -kurta/ pyjama/ gamcha/ janou Next panditji will take you to the ghat where PIND PUJA is to be done. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL RITUAL With this puja the ASTRAL SPIRIT is given a BODY NB -The pandit may want to do Pind pujas of the 11th/12thday also- as he is greedy for money But according to Shastras this is NOT RIGHT 10th Day- PIND PUJA - GIVES BODY TO THE ASTRAL SPIRIT 11th Day- PIND PUJA- GIVES FOOD TO ASTRAL SPIRIT 12thDay- PIND PUJA- HELPS THE SPIRIT TO CROSS THE “VAITARNI NADI (RIVER)” AND JOIN THE ANCESTORS. The panditji will ask for money to be given for the cow daan also. NB-NOT TO BE GIVEN AS THE MONEY FOR COW DAAN TO BE GIVEN ON 12TH DAY OF PIND PUJA

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If above pind pujas are not done the ASTRAL SPIRIT gets STUCK to the EARTH REALM and leads a miserable existence. Also it can create problems for the family left behind. Hence it is important to do PIND PUJA for each day. The 11th day PIND PUJA to be done in Delhi near Jamuna River. It can be done near a Peepal tree also. But preferably near a river The 12th Day PIND PUJA is done in the house 10th DAY PIND PUJA The pandit of Haridwar will do PIND PUJA for 10th day Give pandits least amount of money so their desire for you to come back again is not there. After that go to the pandit’s room, change your clothes to pant and shirt. Here the pandit will SHOW you the entire history of the descendants who came to Haridwar. You need to tell Panditji the names of all who have come to immerse the ashes and their relationship with the departed soul. Also give the names of your family -WIFE/ SONS/DAUGHTERS The pandit also enters the DAAN given by the family. ON FEMALE DEATH 1 Saree 1 Blouse 1 Shawl etc. 22

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OLD CLOTHES Gold-eg. Bangles Silver - Any silver article e.g. Katori/Glass/Spoon FOOD (Money) for 2 months for astral spirit (This is called NECHI) ON MALE DEATH 1 Shirt 1 Pant 1 Shawl etc. OLD clothes Gold e.g Ring Silver- Any silver article e.g.Katori/Glass/Spoon FOOD (money) for 2 months for the astral spirit (This is called NECHI) In Haridwar to give only 2 months (food) Balance 10 months in Delhi To a female (Brahmin) if woman dies To a male Brahmin if male dies PINDA PUJA-10th DAY SHRAAD SAMAGRI 1. GANGA JAL - 1 BOTTLE 2. MITTI KA GARA WITH COVER-2LITRES CAPACITY 3. JAUN KA ATTA - 1KG 4. JAUN- 50GM 23

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5. KALE TIL - 100GM 6. HONEY - 50GM 7. SHAKKAR- 100GM 8. GHEE - 250GM 9. TIL OIL -50GM 10. COTTON - 1 SMALL PKT 11.MATCH BOX - 1 12. DHOOP -1 box 13. BHANG LEAVES POWDER - 2TEA SPOON 14. KHASKHAS -50GM 15. DONA - 1PKT-70 pieces 16. PATTAL THALI FULL SIZE - 4PCS 17. KUSHA - 1 MUTHI 18. PANCHMEWA - 50GM 19. RICE - 50GM 20. KACCHA SUT - 1 SMALL GOLA 21. MITTI KA DEEPAK BIG (HOLD 50ML OIL)- 1 22. MITTI KA DEEPAK SMALL (HOLD 10ML OIL) - 10 23.PEETAL KA LOTTA - 1LITRE CAPACITY -1 24. PEETAL KI THALI - 1 BIG 25.PEELI SARSON - 20GM 26. LAUNG - 12 PCS

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27. ELAICHI -12PCS 28. SUPARI - 12PCS 29. JANUE - 15PCS 30. WHITE WOOL - 2METER 31. URAD DAL POWDER - 200GM 32. COW URINE - 1 BOTTLE 33. HALDI - 50GM 34. SAFED CHANDAN - 50GM 35.WALL NUT- 20GM (5PCS) 36. SWEET(PETHA) -100GM 37.KACCHA MILK - 500GM 38.FRUITS - 12PCS (1 DOZEN) 39. POMEGRANATE - 1PC 40.WHITE FLOWERS - 250GM 41.TULSI LEAVES - 11 42.NEEM KI LAKADI - 10PCS 43.PEELI SARSON KA POWDER-50GM 44.SAND - 2KG 45.WHEAT FLOUR - 100GM

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PIND PUJA -11th DAY 1) EKODDISTHA SHRADH- 1 PIND for PRET 2) MADHYAMSODASI SHRADH- 16 PINDS FOR DEVTAS THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PUJA This puja is done so that suksham (astral) spirit a) Gets food to eat b)Astral spirit is converted from Pret to Pitra (Pret se Pitra mein nivarati ho jaati hai) This puja is done near a river side e.g. Jamuna River or can be done near a Peepal tree It is NOT DONE IN THE HOUSE The Mahabrahmin who does the puja- is given the following a) 1Kurta b) 1Dhoti c) 1Gamcha d) Rs 500/e) COOKED FOOD is given 27

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PURI/ALOO RASA/CHANNA/GOBHI/DAHI BADA/KHEER etc. DO NOT GIVE UNCOOKED ITEMS LIST OF ITEMS FOR 11th DAY PUJA 1) GANGAJAL/PURE WATER-5BOTTLES 2) RICE -3KG 3) SHAKKAR 250GM 4) KALE TIL 1/2 KG 5) JAUN 100GM 6) HONEY 250GM 7) SUPARI -25PCS 8) PAN PATTE 20 9) COTTON -1 BIG PKT( of 20Rs) 10) DHOOPBATTI -1 11) COW’S GHEE -500GM 12) TIL OIL 500GM 13) CHOTE DIYE- 35PCS 14) YELLOW MUSTARD- 50GM 15) KACHA SUT (THREAD) -1GOLA 16) JANUE -2 GADDI(40PCS) 17) MIX SEASONAL FRUITS -25PCS 18) ANY WHITE MITHAI -1/2KG

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19) PHOOL MALA (FLOWER GARLANDS)-4 20) LOOSE YELLOW AND WHITE FLOWERS -1/2KG 21) TULSI PATRA (LEAVES)-20PCS 22) LAUNG (CLOVES)-20GM 23) ELAICHI -20GM 24) DONE -5PKT 25) ASAN -1 26) YELLOW CHANDAN DRY -1(ASHTAGANDH) 27) CHHOTE MATTI GHARE (VERY SMALL) -50PCS 28) MATCH BOX -2 29) CANDLE -2(BIG) 30) MATTI KE BIG GHARE- 7PCS (WHICH CAN CONTAIN 50ML) 31) PISA CHAWAL- 3KG(RICE FLOUR) 32) COW MILK 1LITRE 33) WHITE COTTON CLOTH 1 METER 34) YELLOW CLOTH -1 METER 35) SHALIGRAM 36) COW’S URINE-1 BOTTLE 37) CLOTHES (DHOTI,GAMACHA, KURTA, BANYAN, SOCKS)-FOR GHAT KE PANDIT 38) 5 VESSELS (1THALI, 2KATORI, 1GLASS, 1LOTA) FOR GHAT KE PANDIT)

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39) PAKKA BHOJAN FOR PRET (PURI, ALOO, GOBHI, CHANNA AND KHEER) SHOULDN’T CONTAIN GARLIC AND ONION NOT COOKED AT HOME 40) ALUMINIUM FOIL PLATE 12” TO 14” - 20PCS 41) PEEPAL LEAVES-20 42) SAND-7KG 43) ROLI-20GM 44) MOLI -1 45) HALDI POWDER-100GM 46) PANCHMEVA- 200GM 47) ITER- 1 SMALL 48)LONG COTTON BATTI-365 PCS 49) BRASS KI THALI -12” 50) BRASS KA LOTTA-1 N.B.- NO 49& 50 THIS IS TO BE USED FOR 12TH DAY ALSO

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PIND PUJA-12th DAY This is a VERY VERY IMPORTANT PUJA This puja can be done at home but must be done outside the house in an open area, else on the river bank. This puja facilitates the ASTRAL SPIRIT TO CROSS THE VAITARNI NADI and join its ancestors. If this PIND PUJA is not done the ASTRAL SPIRIT stays STUCK to the EARTH and has a miserable existence. The spirit then makes life difficult for the family left behindas it did not get salvation. 1) Uttam Shodasi Shradh- 16 pind for Devtas 2) Sapindkaran Shradh- 3 pinds e.g.: pita mayi- (mother) for 3 generations of ancestors Par pita mayi- (dadi) female- if woman dies Vridh pita may-i Par dadi) male- if man dies 1 PIND FOR PRET 1 PIND FOR Vishnu Deva (for ancestors) TOTAL 21 PINDS 31

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Puja should begin at 12pm (NOT BEFORE) N.B. - VERY IMPORTANT If SAPINDIKARAN puja is not done then SON carries the SUTAK SIN (PAAP) forever. 5 PANDITS - DO THIS PUJA a) 2 pandits will do KRIYA b) 1 pandit will do Vishnusahastram strota path + Rudra path c) 1 pandit will do Gayatri path for ancestors d) 1 pandit will do Geeta path 3) SHAIYA DAAN is also done today 4) Items of SHAIYA DAAN are enclosed in the name of VISHNU SHAIYA DAAN pages no (41 to44) is given to the BRAHMIN in the name of the DEPARTED SOUL 5) COW DAAN is also done today. List is enclosed in page no 43 6)Before 12a.m. - Water is to be put in the PEEPAL TREE NB- PEEPAL is representative of LORD VISHNU and thousands of Gods & Goddesses Make mixture of gangajal, 1 litre of kacha or unboiled milk and water in bucket. Use a small TAMBA lotta or Tamba glass and pour the mixture 365 times in the Peepal tree. One White flower garland is put on the tree also. 32

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LIST OF ITEMS FOR 12th DAY 1) GANGAJAL/PURE WATER-5BOTTLES 2) RICE -3KG(1 KG TO BE BOILED & 2 KG RAW 3) SHAKKAR 250GM 4) KALE TIL 1/2 KG 5) JAUN 100GM 6) HONEY 250GM 7) SUPARI -25PCS 8) PAN PATTE 20 9) COTTON -1 BIG PKT( of 20Rs) 10) DHOOPBATTI -1 11) COW’S GHEE -500GM 12) TIL OIL 500GM 13) MATTI DIYE VERY SMALL- 35PCS N.B.- IN WHICH 1 TEA SPOON LIQUID CAN BE PUT 14) YELLOW MUSTARD- 50GM 15) KACHA SUT (THREAD) -1GOLA 16) JANUE -2 GADDI(40PCS) 17) MIX SEASONAL FRUITS -25PCS 18) ANY WHITE MITHAI -1/2KG 19) PHOOL MALA (FLOWER GARLANDS)-4 20) LOOSE YELLOW & WHITE FLOWERS -1/2KG 21) TULSI PATRA(LEAVES)-20PCS 33

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22) LAUNG (CLOVES)-20GM 23) ELAICHI -20GM 24) DONE -5PKT 25) ASAN -1 26) YELLOW CHANDAN DRY -1(ASHTAGANDH) 27) CHOTE GHARE -50PCS (1LITRE) 28) MATCH BOX 2 29) CANDLE -2(BIG) 30) BADE MITTI DIYE- 6PCS (SIZE THAT CONTAIN 50 ML) 31) PISA CHAWAL- 3KG (RICE FLOUR) 32) COW MILK- 1LITRE 33) WHITE COTTON CLOTH- 1 METER 34) YELLOW CLOTH -1 METER 35) SHALIGRAM 36) COW’S URINE-1 BOTTLE 37) ALUMINIUM FOIL THALI 12” TO 14”- 20PCS 38) PEEPAL LEAVES-20 39) SAND-7KG 40) ROLI- 1PKT 41) MOLI-1 42) HAWAN SAMAGRI-1KG 43) AAM KI LAKADI-2KG 44) AARTI CAMPHOR-100GM 34

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45) BRASS KI THALI -12” 46) BRASS KA LOTTA-1 NOT TO BE BOUGHT ALREADY PROCURED FOR 11TH DAY (ITEM NO 49 & 50) FOR SAPINDIKARAN PUJA 1) SILVER LADDER-1 OR 12”SILVER WIRE 2) SILVER KNIFE-1 3) GOLD WIRE-1

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13th DAY On this day food is offered in celebration of the ASTRAL BODY breaking its attachment with the GROSS BODY and developing attraction towards GOD The pandit performs 1) Ganesh Puja 2) Navgrah Puja 3) Havan 4) Braham Bhoj- 13 pandits are invited for Brahmin Bhojan 5) All relatives are invited to partake of prasad 6) From the food cooked 5 puris with other food items are kept aside the feed the following: CROW/DOG/COW/ANT and AGNI 7)  DAKSHINA to be given to above 13 pandits is Rs 1000/each, a Tamba Lotta and Gamcha 8) Menu for the day Puri Aloo rasa wale, Gobhi Channa Dahi wada Kheer 37

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Along with this add the food items loved by the deceased and water. Till the 13th DAY family CAN NOT GO TO THE MANDIR as this period is called SUTAK (INAUSPICIOUS) Navgriha Pooja Samagri List -2016 1 Chowki 1 No 2 Kalash 1 No 3 Red Cloth 1/2 Mtr 4 Yellow cloth 1/2 Mtr 5 Rice+ Colours 2 Kg + Colours - Yellow, Black, Red, Green 6 Manog Leaves as per requirement 7 Paan leaves 12 Nos 8 Match Box 1 No 9 Garlands as per requirement 10 Rose Petals(Red)+ Loose Flowers 1 kg 11 Narial 1 No 12 Milk 250 gm 13 Curd 100 gm 14 Rice 100 gm 15 Sugar 100 gm 16 Supari 12 Nos 38

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17 Moli 1 Bundle 18 Roli 1 Pkts 19 Cotton 1 Pkt (Small) 20 Honey (50 gm) 1 Bottle 21 Gangajal 1 bottle 22 Gulabjal

1 Bottle

23 Janaeoo

9 Nos

24 Gulal

1 Pkt

25 Doorva as per requirement 26 Panchmewa 50 gm 27 Laung+Elaichi 1 Pkt each-10 gm 28 Itar (perfume) 10 gm 1 Bottle 29 Yellow Mustered 50 gm 30 Abir 25 gm 31 Agarbatti 1 Pkt 32 Sindoor 50 gm 33 Deshi Ghee 100gm 34 Fruits of five kind + Sweets as per requirement for Prasad 35 Sooji 500 gm 36 Ghee 500 gm 37 Sugar or Sweet 500 gm 39

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13th DAY VISHNU SHAIYA DAAN The following items are put on the bed. These are given as DAAN to the BRAHMIN for the use of ASTRAL SPIRIT 1. CHARPAI- 1Bed 2. GADHA-1Mattress of cotton (one side open) 3. CHADAR- 1Cotton sheet 4. TAKYA-1Pillow cottonwool-1 side open 5. KAMBAL- 1Blanket 6. PANCH VASTRA- 5 clothes IF MALE IF FEMALE a) 1 Pant

a) 1 Saree

b) 1 Shirt

b) 1 Blouse

c) 1Pair of Socks

c) 1 Petticoat

d) 1 Hanky

d) 1 Shawl

e) 1 Towel

e) 1 Towel

7. 5 SEASONAL FRUITS 8. MITHAI-1kg 9. PANCHMEWA-1pkt 41

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10. SHEESHA- 1small mirror 11. 1 COMB 12. 1 Small bottle of coconut oil 13. ITTAR-1 small bottle 14. CHAPPAL-1pair Sleepers 15. CHATA- 1Umbrella 16. WATCH-1small clock 17. PANKHA- 1 small wooden hand fan (Kani ka pankha) 18. TORCH-1 19. PANCH BARTAN five utensils- a) 1Thali b) 1katori c) 1Spoon d) 1Glass e) 1Lotta 20. SUHAG KA SAMAN If a woman dies 1pkt which contains- sindur, bindi , glass bangles etc. N.B.-If the woman who dies is a widow then SUHAG KA SAMAN is not put 21. GOLD ORNAMENTS e.g Bangle /Ring 22. SILVER - any silver article eg Glass/ Katori/Spoon 23. 1 Plastic BUCKET 42

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24. 1 Plastic MUG 25. 1 SOAP 26. ANN DAAN 1) RICE -5Kg 2) ATTA-5KG 3) SUGAR- 5kg 4) DAAL-5KG 5) NAMAK-1KG 6) HALDI-100GM 7) JEERA-100GM 8) GHEE-1 27. GOLD PATRA-TO HAVE AN IMAGE OF VISHNU 28. FOR SAPINDIKARAN PUJA a)CHANDI KI VATARANI SEEDI-1SILVER LADDER OR 12”SILVER WIRE b)SWARN TAR -1GOLD WIRE - 6” c)1 SILVER KNIFE 29.COW DAAN KA SAMAN 1. COW 2. PAAN LEAVES- 25 3. MIX SEASONAL FRUITS- 25 PCS 4. PERA MISHTHAN -1/2KG 5. FLOWER GARLANDAS- 4 6. LOOSE WHITE AND YELLOW FLOWERS- 1/2 KG 43

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7. TULSI PATRA (LEAVES) 8. COW MILK-1KG 9. BED SHEET-1 30.Five pandits who are doing puja are given the following items a)1 Dhoti b) 1Kurta c)1Baniyan d)1Gamcha e) 1 pair of Socks f)Dakshina-Rs 500/-each 31. 13 Pandits have to be fed. Pandit’s food is given in utensils which they take with them later on NB - Food given to the pandit is brought from outside FOOD SHOULD NOT CONTAIN GARLIC & ONION MENU: PURI/ALOO RASA/CHANNA/GOBHI DAHI WADA/ KHEER etc. THIS FOOD -NOT COOKED IN THE HOUSE 32. Before putting Gangajal

items

on

the

bed

sprinkle

33. Before giving the pandit Shaya daan the daughter in law do pranam and put money approximately Rs 200 on the bed

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14th DAY On the 14th Day the family can visit the Mandir to pray. FOR ONE YEAR AKHAND JYOTI WITH TIL OIL IS TO BE LIT. 4 Bottles Til oil to be given to the Mandir Pandit every month to be put in the AKHAND JYOT FOR Janakrani Talwar, Sardarilal Talwar and Suresh Talwar - AKHAND JYOT is still being lit in the Mandir. DAAN TO GIVEN FOR ONE YEAR IN THE NAME OF DECEASED after 14th day. Every month for one year Sankalp of little jau/black til/ and rice is done on the MOKSH TITHI and PAKSH TITHI of the departed soul. This is very important as whatever is given is received by the departed soul and it stays satisfied while in the spirit state. JAL (WATER ) and ANN DAAN are to be given every month. 1) JAL DAAN (WATER) is done on the MASIK KUMBH – every month. One lotta of water after sankalp is poured into the PEEPAL TREE. Any kind of lotta (1 litre) can be used – Matti/ Brass/ Copper/Stainless steel. The lotta is given by the Brahmin to take home. 45

2) Every month ANN DAAN is to be done on the same MOKSHA TITHI and PAKSH TITHI. For example first month the following can be given – 1 KG RICE 1KG DAL 1KG GUR NEXT MONTH – 5KG ATTA can be given Every month GRAINS are to be given - DAAN And every month a SWEET which the deceased enjoyed is to be given. AGNI DAAN- First month ONLY a BRASS DIYA with wicks and 1kg ghee to be given. Significance: The departed spirit always has light and does not dwell in darkness. Every month – Summer Clothes in Summer months and Winter Clothes in winter months are to be given. e.g. - May- given Kurta /Dhoti June- Gamcha/ Towel etc. Every month something is given. Seasonal fruits liked by the deceased is to be given Umbrella - during rainy season Torch- Once in the year.

IN THE NAME of the deceased after Sankalp to give whatever the deceased liked to the Brahmin. First month JAL/ANN/AGNI DAAN must.

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SIGNIFICANCE AND EXPLANATIONS OF DIFFERENT RITUALS AFTER DEATH WHY IS A DEAD BODY PLACED IN NORTH-SOUTH DIRECTION? Death signifies cessation of activities of the five vital energies in the body and sub-vital energies related to the gross body. When an individual loses life the transmission of various waves within the body almost come to a standstill and the body gets converted to a state known as“kalevar” meaning the factor which shows inability to spread any waves related to the physical body. In this state the release of SUBTLE putrefying gases is on the rise when the dead body is placed in the NORTHSOUTH direction. The YAMA (Diety Yama) waves that move in that direction are attracted to the corpse. These YAMA WAVES form a sheath around the corpse which facilitates quick disintegration of the SUBTLE putrefying gases within. Likewise, a part of the subtle putrefying gases are released into the outer environment through the nostrils and excretory openings of the corpse. This frees the dead body of the putrefying gases contaminated with Rajasic and Tamasic attributes, 49

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simultaneously making it very difficult for the negative energies to take control of the corpse. This is the sole reason for keeping a dead body in the NORTH-SOUTH direction IN THE HOUSE- the dead body is placed with the feet in the south direction. The reasons for feet being in the south are as follows: 1) The putrefying waves emitting from the dead body are attracted more towards the southern direction. South is the direction of Diety YAMA When the PRAN (Vital Energy) of a person is leaving the body it is pulled towards the direction of YAMA. Once the pran leaves the body, other putrefying gases are released from the body. The velocity of the emitted waves as well as their natural attraction is greater only in south direction. Hence before the body is put on the pyre, it is emptied of these gases 2) If the direction of the dead body is not kept as mentioned above, these gases will remain converged in the house for a long period. WHY IS DEAD BODY PLACED ON PYRE WITH THE FEET TOWARDS SOUTH? NORTH is the abode of DIETY SHIV. The distressing vibrations emitting from the region below the waist are disintegrated to a maximum extent instantly. This facilitates union of the individual with SHIV. 1) The dead body gets protected from the attack of negative energies. The dead body placed on the pyre in the crematorium is cremated with the help of “MANTRAGNI”- (Fire reinforced with the power 50

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of mantras) In this process with the help of energy of mantras the rites is performed free from the attack of negative energies. FEET IN THE SOUTH IS VERY IMPORTANT. 2) Due to the fire mantra (Tej-Tattva) in the mantragni waves of inferior Dieties and several other favourable Dieties which are in the north are awakened. These waves from NORTH provide protection to the dead from the EARTH and assist in getting further momentum. 3) The ritual of offering dead body to fire (Agni Devta) is to facilitate giving the custody of the deceased to the DIETIES. All deities of worship arrive from the NORTH -hence feet of an individual in SOUTH is symbolic of walking a path- and going into the CUSTODY OF DIETIES. WHY IS GANGAJAL/TULSI ETC. PUT IN THE MOUTH? 1) Often when the PRAN (Vital energy) leaves the gross body, the mouth remains open, and through this open mouth, putrefying waves from the dead body spread into the environment. By pouring Gangajal + placing Tulsi leaves in the mouth- Sattva waves from the UNIVERSE get attracted to these Sattvic objects placed in the mouth. This brings about disintegration of putrefying waves released from the mouth into environment. Thus keeping the environment clean and pure, also gangajal + tulsi leaves help in retaining the purity of the inner sheaths of the deceased and in preventing entry of negative energies through the mouth. Hence this is treated as one of the prime rituals after death.

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WHY ARE TULSI LEAVES PLACED IN THE NOSTRILS AND EARS OF THE DEAD BODY? This prevents subtle putrefying gases from spreading into the environment through the ears and nose and the environment is purified also. WHENEVER THERE IS A DEATH IN THE FAMILY WHY IS AN EARTHEN LAMP LIT IN THE HOUSE AND WHAT SHOULD ITS DIRECTION BE? When the vital energy (Pran) leaves the physical bodysub-vital energies and other subtle putrefying gases are released into the environment and the person gets confined to that place with the physical body becoming lifeless. As a result Rajas and Tamas predominant waves associated with the sheath of desire of the deceased move rapidly in a circular manner at the place of death. There is every likelihood that any Jivas / individuals entering the area encircled by these waves will suffer distress. To prevent this an earthen lamp is lit at the precise spot. The flame of the lamp is kept facing south, since that is the abode of YAMA (Diety of Death). After lighting the lamp- one should pray to Diety Yama “O God let the Tej-Tattva (Absolute Fire Principle) predominant waves emanating from you be attracted to the flame of this Lamp. Let the waves emitted by this flame restrict and disintegrate all the Rajas- Tamas predominant waves associated with the dead body that are moving in the premises.” A prayer made thus activates the flame and expels Rajas-Tamas predominant waves moving in a circular manner from the place. It is due to this reason

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there is considerable amount of flickering of the flame for the first 5 days. This flickering signifies its activated state. From the 7th day flame becomes steady. The steadiness of the flame is an indicator of reduction in movement of Rajas- Tamas predominant waves in the premises due to their disintegration. Understanding the science behind rituals of after death such as this helps in increasing faith in spiritual sciences WHY IS A LIT EARTHEN LAMP PLACED ON WHEAT FLOUR KNEADED WITH WATER? 4) An earthen lamp is lit on a mound of wheat flour kneaded with water. Due to the wheat flour mound- The Tej- Tattva predominant waves attracted to the flame are held for a longer period and then they are gradually emitted far and wide as per the need. This helps in formation of a subtle layer of Tej- Tattva predominant waves on the floor, which in turn helps in reducing the obstruction of negative energies from the PATAL LOK (HELL REGION), in disintegration of Rajas-Tamas predominant waves and the process is completed without any obstacles. Complete destruction of RajasTamas predominant waves reduces the chances of deceased getting trapped in EARTH region WHY IS ONLY ONE WICK USED IN THE EARTHEN LAMP? Once a person dies his body which is made up of 5 Cosmic Principles becomes lifeless-then it is only the soul that glows. A single wick used in the earthen lamp is a symbol of the glow of the soul.

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WHY IS THE DEAD BODY BATHED AND THEN DRESSED IN NEW CLOTHES? Bathing the body with gangajal releases the sattvikc waves which destroy the Rajas-Tamas particles on the dead body and in releasing the putrefying gases trapped in the body - thus purifying externally and internally. New clothes should be sprinkled with gangajal on the deceased body. Through the medium of new clothes a protective sheath is formed around the deceased. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RITUAL WHY SHOULD DEAD BODY BE CREMATED DURING THE DAY TIME PREFERABLY? The dead body should preferably be cremated during the daytime because cremation is a TAMAS predominant act Since night is related to TAMAS component - the proportion of negative energies which themselves are TAMAS- predominant are high during this period. This period is conducive to the attacks of negative energies and therefore if cremation is done during night it can cause hindrance to attaining of momentum by the SUBTLE BODY of the deceased. Besides the negative energies attack on subtle body can overpower it. Therefore it is considered inappropriate to cremate after sunset. RITUALS-WHY ARE ONLY BAMBOO STICKS USED FOR MAKING A BIER? The hollow of the bamboo stick has sound energy which moves in a circular manner. The sound waves emitted by this sound energy create subtle flames of fire in the 54

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atmosphere. Keeping the dead body on the bier is in effect, keeping it in formation of a protective sheath around the dead body. The bier is placed on the floor so a subtle covering is formed on the floor as well; thus protecting the dead body from distressing waves emitting from the HELL REGION. Thus using bamboo sticks for making the bier helps in restricting negative energies that try to come close to the dead body. WHAT IS THE SCIENCE UNDERLYING THE ACT OF LAYING THE DECEASED ON HIS BACK AND TYING HIS BIG TOES TOGETHER BEFORE TAKING TO THE CREMATORIUM? Before taking the dead body to the crematorium the dead body is laid horizontally and the big toes are tied together. This helps in conjoining of the right and left energy channels leading to movement of the waves from the body in a circular manner within the body itself. This effects complete restriction on the emission of waves that is based on the residual subtle energy present in the body at the time of death and the process of spreading of the waves is enhanced. In this state the flow of waves from both the sides left and right of the dead body is equal. Hence pressure is exerted on the centre navel point of the human body and the subtle putrefying gases that remain trapped in the voids of the body are forcefully pushed in an upward direction and are expelled through the mouth or nose or stabilize in the hollow of skull and expelled in the process of breaking of skull during cremation.

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WHAT IS THE SCIENCE UNDERLYING CONSIGNING THE DEAD BODY TO THE FLAMES ? FIRE is related to TEJ TATTVA chanting of mantras generates sound energy. Sound is related to AKASH TATTVA (Ether Principle) on the strength of which waves emitting from fire gains greater momentum. The combined waves that are generated as a result of the union of TEJ TATTVA with AKASH TATTVA creates a subtle impenetrable sheath around the dead body. This sheath helps protect the subtle body which is wandering in the atmosphere from negative energies. Also combined waves generate subtle heat due to which the SUBTLE BODY is able to break the barrier of the atmospheric sheath of earth region and move into other regions in a very short time. Thus the lighting of the pyre amidst chanting specific mantras for disposable of dead body has tremendous importance. On the other hand the subtle body (JIVA) which does not have the fortune to benefit from such a strong sheath around its subtle body suffers the misfortune of falling into the clutches of sorcerers and becomes their slave. Such an unfortunate jiva may remain trapped for years together enslaved to the sorcerers. AFTER CREMATION OF THE BODY ON THE FUNERAL PYRE WHY SHOULD THE PERFORMER OF THE RITES CIRCUMAMBULATE AROUND THE PYRE THRICE HOLDING A PITCHER CONTAINING WATER ON THE SHOULDER AND LETTING WATER FLOW FROM IT WHILE CIRCUMAMBULATING?

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Holding the pitcher on the shoulder symbolizes shouldering the responsibility of repaying debts of the deceased. The pitcher symbolizes gross body of the embodied soul. Making a hole in the pitcher is akin to making an opening in the body in the final stage for expulsion of putrefying gases and the Rajas and Tamas waves in desire form. When water flows from the hole in the pitcher the waves in this water gain momentum and generate frictional heat that disintegrates the RajasTamas particles thereby purifying the surrounding area. Circumbulating the pyre thrice when letting water flow from the pitcher amounts to making a subtle sheath around the pyre at 3 different levels-an attempt to liberate the SUBTLE BODY from 3 major desires 1) Liberation from bondage 2) Liberation from unfulfilled duties 3) Liberation from fruits of fulfilled duties This action of letting water flow out thrice represents elimination of all desires and the attempt to prevent it from getting trapped in these bondages again. This ritual performed by the son is also to free him from debts to ancestors. This is done to help the deceased to gain momentum in his further journey.

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GARUDA PURAN SAAR GARUDA PURAN Of the 18 MAHA-PURANAS, GARUDA-PURAN holds a peculiar belief and status. It is the only PURAN that is supposed to be chanted after the demise of a person; and especially in the 13-Day mourning period that follows the demise. WHAT IS GARUDA-PURAN + ITS ORIGIN 1) It is a description of the journey of the departed soul over the 13 days it takes after death from PRETA LOK TO PITRA LOK GARUDA-PURAN is the dialogue that took place between GARUDA (Eagle-King bird) and Lord Vishnu. GARUDA is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The series of questions asked by GARUDA and answered by Lord Vishnu is GARUDAPURAN 1) GARUDA - How does death occur? Vishnu- The energy that drives the human body is called PRAN-SHAKTI - The GOD force energy. When this energy leaves the human body, then all cells come to a 59

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stand still. This state is called death. This is when the soul finds its answer to the eternal question. WHO AM I?I am not the body; I am not the mind; I am not the intellect; I am not ego; I am simply PRANA-SHAKTI- the GOD force energy, the GOD particle. 2) GARUDA- What energy does the soul identify with? VISHNU- When PRANA-SHAKTI is incarnate form the soul identifies with body energy, mind energy, its earthy intellect and its ego. But when Prana Shakti detaches itself from incarnate form, then it identifies with only GOD energy 3) GARUDA- When the earthly form is vibrating with PRAN-SHAKTI then the soul identifies with everything else except THAT-but when bodily form is bereft of Pran-Shakti, then the identification happens .Why this contradiction? VISHNU- But isn’t THAT what is called Vishnu MAYA - The great Cosmic - Illusion The challenge of every bodily incarnation is to overcome the urge to identify with every other energy except the true GODforce- energy, PRANA SHAKTI. Souls will continue to be born and reborn till they can conquer this illusion.

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4) GARUDA- If the soul is GOD- force energy, the GODparticle, PRANA SHAKTI - then how can it be touched with good karma or bad karma? How can it feel pain and pleasure? How can it enjoy or suffer? VISHNU- PRANA SHAKTI is untouched by karma, pain, pleasure enjoyment or suffering. But Prana Shakti becomes entrapped and encased in a web of emotional energies collected through earthly incarnation. When a person dies, his 3 body, mind and earthly intellect are consumed by 5 elements- the body is placed on Earth; and then bathed with WATER, then FIRE is offered; then fumes merge with AIR; and then the soul becomes one with COSMIC SPACE, but EGO remains. EGO cannot be consumed by the 5 elements. EGO has to be voluntarily released by the SOUL; if this does not happen then Soul energies continue to identify with I, me, mine, you, yours etc. So when Prana-Shakti leaves the body, EGO travels with it. EGO creates emotional identification and emotional energies. These energies travel with the soul encasing the SOUL in a web. Karma, pain, pleasure, enjoyment, suffering etc. are emotions that arise from EGO. As these emotions are still attached to the 61

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soul, the soul feeds them and is affected by them 5) GARUDA- How can soul rid itself of the trappings of EGO and EMOTIONS? VISHNU- What has been gathered on earth must be left on earth only. Hence the process of rebirth. The Soul goes back with its emotional baggage and with the objective of clearing them. Both good and bad emotions have to be cleared with help of earthly deeds. This action again forms new karma and sometimes new emotions. Some souls succeed and some come back with even yet more. It is not EASY. Emotions of love and affection are very difficult to let go; they are very comforting; but very binding. 6) GARUDA- What happens after death? After PRANA - SHAKTI detaches itself from the body? VISHNU- The soul is free but remains attached to its earthly possessions and near, dear ones through emotions. Either through its own emotions or by the emotions of those who are left behind on earth. The ones who are grieving for the departed have detached themselves from the body, mind, intellect and ego of the dead person - but they still hold on the memories. Churning of memories creates emotions 62

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either negative or positive. These bind the soul. The stronger the emotional energies the harder it is for the soul to leave. At this point in time -the soul enters a middle dimension of neither earth nor heaven. It is neither earthly nor divine. This mid dimension is called PRETA LOK and the soul assumes the energies of PRET ATMA 7) GARUDA-  What does a soul experience in PRET LOK? VISHNU-  The Soul is restless. It wants to begin its journey upwards. It wants to go home. 8) GARUDA- What should be done to help the soul begin its upward journey? VISHNU- Emotions of the departed soul and emotions of those on earth - still attached to the soul - must be brought under control. This will create an upward passage for the PRET - ATMA 9) GARUDA- How can emotions of the departed soul and those on earth attached to it be brought under control? VISHNU- By engaging in a series of symbolic ceremonies on earth that will create energies of emotional detachment. This soul is asked “TO GO” “TO LEAVE” “TO PROCEED UPWARDS” through these symbolic ceremonies. This process creates detachment between those on earth and 63

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their departed. The departed receives the subtle emotional energies contained in those offerings. That is what it partakes. Hence these ceremonies are MUST to be performed 10) GARUDA - What is the next destination for souls from PRETA LOK? VISHNU- They have to make the journey to PITRALOK. That is the dimension, where departed souls gather and it falls in the Southern direction. 11) GARUDA - Where do souls go from PITRA - LOK? VISHNU- Partial energy of every soul remains in PITRA LOK for a certain amount of time. This energy becomes the guiding force of those left behind on earth. Souls never incarnate with their full energy field. Part energy either goes back to earth for rebirth/ recarnation - or it may travel to other heavens (divine dimensions) to rest for a while- or it may even travel to lower dimensions, to experience some pain and suffering. It all depends on the souls previous Karma- and the web of emotional energies it has collected. 12) GARUDA- H  ow long does it take for the soul to travel from PRETA LOK to PITRA LOK? VISHNU- 12 earthly nights and 13 earthly days

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13) GARUDA- What is the significance of the period ? VISHNU- The soul disentangles itself from the emotional shackles of its previous body and begins to accept its new subtle body. The earthly body is composed of 5 elements -the PANCH MAHABHUTASEARTH, FIRE, WATER, AIR, SPACE The subtle body is composed of only 2 elements -AIR and SPACE. Hence it can exist only in a different dimension. The Soul takes time to understand and accept this because of emotional attachment to its previous body and everything and everyone associated with that body. This disentanglement process is completed within a time frame of 12 nights 14) GARUDA- What is to be done on earth during these 12nights & 13 days? VISHNU-  Symbolic ceremonies have to be performed on earth during these 12 nights and 13 days to make this disentanglement process easier for the soul. 15) GARUDA- Will the soul of the departed be able to receive these earthly offerings? VISHNU- The departed soul cannot receive earthly offerings in their gross form. But it will receive the Intentions and the ESSENCE of these offerings in subtle form. Prayers and chanting will offer solace to the 65

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departed soul. The intentions behind other gross offerings will also reach the soul. 16) GARUDA-  What are the symbolic ceremonies on earth that will make the disentanglement process for the departed soul? VISHNU- Day 1- The lifeless body has to be destroyed by the fire element. The person performing the cremation rites offers fire to the head while facing away from the dead body. It is symbolic way of saying” We are not looking back, you also don’t. Proceed on your journey. At this point the unindentification process for the soul begins. The formation of the Preta body in the ether above will commence.

The 1st symbolic Pindam (Rice Ball) offered on this day will form the Preta’s head.

VISHNU- D  ay 2- The ashes of the cremated earthly body are gathered and collected. This convey to the soul that change is a natural process. The soul is unable to finds its original self in the remains .This strengthens the unidentification process 66

The 2nd symbolic Pindam (Rice Ball) offered on this day will form the Pretas eyes, ears and nose.

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VISHNU- Day 3- The collected bones and ashes are immersed into the water element. Here the soul observes the detachment of its earthly relatives. How easily they flowed the remains into the water. The un-identification process is now strongly set into motion. The 3rd symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day, will form the Preta’s neck and chest. VISHNU-  Day 4- The soul now devoid of the mortal remains to identify with hovers around its earthly home and hearth, and around its earthly near and dear ones. It is in an OBSERVATION MODE. The difference between real and false now becomes very clear. It acquires a clear perspective of things and people as they really were; it does a silent review of its own life; it observes the emotions of those left behind on earth; it feels the pleasure and pain of emotions - its own lingering emotions and those on earth.

The 4th symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day - will form the Preta’s stomach and abdomen.

VISHNU- D  ay 5- The soul continues the observation activities of the day 4; but restlessness sets in. The soul now starts getting restless 67

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about its neither - here- nor there status. Now it strongly seeks liberation

The 5th symbolic PINDAM ( Rice Ball) offered on this day will form the Preta’s limb (arms, hands, legs ,feet)

VISHNU-  Day 6- soul is now getting ready for liberation. The Un- identification process is now more or less in place.

The 6th symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day will form the Preta’s vital organs

VISHNU- Day 7- The soul starts looking forward to its upward journey.

The 7th symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day will form the Preta’s bones, marrow, veins and arteries

VISHNU- Day 8- The soul that was till now feeling the absence of its earthly body -now begins to feel complete in its newly formed ethereal body. The soul understands and realizes that it has acquired a new form.

The 8th day symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day will form the Preta’s hair and nails.

VISHNU-  Day 9- The soul gains acceptance of its transition from earthly plane to ethereal plane. The 9th symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day will complete the 68

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body to perfection and vitality is induced into the Preta form. VISHNU-  Day 10- The soul feels energy and the totality of its ethereal form- The PRETA form it observes the absence of earthly deficiencies and deformities that were part of its earthly incarnation. It feels rejuvenated, energized and complete. It is now rearing to make the journey upward. It waits for the final good bye before it begins its journey

The 10th symbolic and important PINDAM (Rice Ball) offered on this day allows the soul to taste one last time the sensations of hunger and thirst.

ON DAY 10- 5 symbolic PINDAMS (Rice Balls) and water are offered on a TRIANGULAR STONE. The TRIANGLE faces South; this is the direction of Yama (God of death) The first PINDAM at the head of the triangle represents YAMA; he will lead the way to PITRA LOK. The 2nd PINDAM in the middle of the triangle represents the departed soul; he will follow Yama to PITRA LOK. The remaining 3 Pindams at the bottom of triangle are offered for Bhur - Bhuvaha - Swaha (Earth-Pret lokPitru Lok) The 3 dimensions of the departed soul’s 69

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final journey.3 ancestors of the departed soul are revoked for guidance lineage father of the departed soul, grandfather of the departed great grandfather of the departed. The invoked souls along with the departed soul, accept the gross offerings through the element of AIR. with the offering of this last meal, the soul is now instructed “TO GO” onward on its journey. The PRANA SHAKTI in PRETA form is now air borne (OM VAYU ‘HU PRAND’HA) VISHNU- I t is on the 10th day that the souls journey from PRETA to PITRA LOK commences This transition will take 2 nights and 1 day. The soul must now not LOOK BACK to facilitate this, the near and dear ones on earth of the departed soul, must now symbolically detach themselves. By doing so they allow the departed soul to gain speed on its journey. VISHNU-  Day 11- Led by YAMA and guided by the ancestors, the soul is now presumed to have transited from Preta Lok and entered higher dimensions of Pitru Lok. The departed soul is now no longer a PRET; it has now assumed the form of PITRU (ancestor) Hence on 11th day the 1st formal PITRU PIND DAAN (offering of the 11th symbolic PINDAM (Rice Ball) is performed 70

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VISHNU- D  ay 12- This is the MOST IMPORTANT DAY of the ritualistic ceremonies. The departed soul must now be anointed and declared as an ancestor. Soul will now replace the 3rd ancestor in the lineage.  At any given point there will be only 3 PITRUS (ancestors) in hierarchy who will serve as guiding lights for their lineage. On the 10th day the departed soul was guided upwards into Pitru Lok by his departed father, departed grandfather and departed great grandfather. The great grandfather has now earned the right to move upwards into higher heavens; the departed soul will now join his father and grandfather to form the PITRU -TRIO for the lineage. This merger and realignment is called SAPINDIKARAN- which means to become one with others. The12th day PIND DAAN TO PITRUS involves making 4 symbolic PINDAM (Rice Balls). These are 1)for the departed soul + 3 for the Pitrus (Ancestors) above it. The Pindam for the departed soul is merged with the remaining 3 PINDAMS- and the new trio of ancestors is formed. This is the official declaration of the departed soul’s successful transit from PRET LOK TO PITRU LOK 71

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VISHNU-  Day 13- A religious closing ceremony is performed; where fire is allowed to be lit and Gods are worshipped again. This marks the closure of the impure period (SUTAK) of the departed soul and The second symbolic journey through thoughts and emotions by those on earth. 16) GARUDA- My Lord what happens to Soul after the 13th day? What awaits it? VISHNU- It’s life and work on earth is reviewed. Thoughts, words and actions are assessed And in accordance with Laws of Karmathe soul will ready itself for the process of rebirth. GARUDA- And the cycle continues. VISHNUMAYA- The great ILLUSION

That is COSMIC

A special thanks to Dr Shashi Bala for her invaluable support without her support I would not be able to put this book together.

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12th Day Puja