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Death Rituals
Among the Hindus in Kerala, the practice of the cremation and preserving
the ashes of the deceased in the southern courtyard of the house within
a specially constructed stone plat form was common. The place was worshipped
and a lamp lighted there daily at the onset of the dusk. The space was
concreted around the area and a tulasi plant was grown. The last
rites are performed for the dead person, in a thatched shed constructed
in the courtyard in front of the house. This rites were performed
for sixteen days after death by the descendants of the deceased for
his salvation. This was for the purpose of preventing the dead man's spirit
from turning malicious. They were aimed further at saving the spirit from
falling into degeneration. On the fifth day of cremation, the ashes are
collected from the grave and preserved in the thatched shed in front of
the courtyard where sacrificial rites for the dead person are conducted.
When the rites are over the heir of the deceased remains celibate
and observes penance for one full year. Such year long-penance is
known as 'Samavatsara Diksha'.
During this period, he grows his hair and beard,
takes ritual bath every morning, performs sacrificial rites before taking
food and keeps his body and mind clean and devout. In the performance
of the rites he is aided by a priest who tells him the mantras. It is
believed that these rites have the power of liberating the departed soul
from the sinking state and providing it with sustenance and apparel in
its voyage to the eternal life beyond. Offering of water with sandal paste,
gingly seeds and basil leaves on the bed of durba grass prepared in front
of a lighted bell metal lamp in which the departed soul is supposed
to be dwelling are common part of the rites performed.
 Many
Hindu religious practices have been adopted by other communities with
the traditionally accepted form of such practices remolded to accommodate
their own concept. The brass lamp (nilavilakku), an inevitable item in
every Hindu ritual. It has been accepted by Christians for their functions.
Tying a tali (mangalyasutra), a piece of gold ornament on the neck of
the bride by the bridegroom as one of the rituals which consummates a
marriage. This practice has been accepted by Christians as an important
ritual. It can be seen that the general faith in astrological calculations
based on the influence of planets on human destinies is shared by all
communities.
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