HMEC
2009
Vittal Venkataraman Kumar Dave
The NEED
A book that explains procedure
(Antyeshti Samskar) to cremate the
body of the deceased person in
accordance with Hindu tradition in
the United States or at other places
outside of Bharat.
Scope - As Proposed in HMEC 2007
Prepare brief documentation on various Vedic
samskars based on the need of Hindu Community
in the United States. This documentation should
also be available in electronic form for ready and
easy reference.
1. Document Pre-birth Samskar
Covering advice and guidance to expecting mothers from Hindu perspective.
2. Document Antyeshti Samskar
Prepare a procedure for Antyeshti rites for the benefit of Hindus in America.
SCOPE
Information GATHERING
Through emails, conference calls,
and personal meetings TEAM
HMEC gathered relevant
information from various resources;
texts, scholars and priests in USA.
Team received blessings of Swami Dayananda ji for
the project.
CONTENTS• Anteyshti Samskar
– The Basic Steps
– Explanation of Rites and their significance
• Antyeshti Observance in the USA – Challenges
– Fewer family members available for assistance
– Limited knowledge and Guidance
– Difference in traditions across India
– Limited resources and necessity of early cremation
• Preparation (Social and Legal)
– Death Certificate, Preservation of Body
and Cost
CONTENTS• Prior to Cremation Activities
– Washing the Body
– Placing the Body on the Casket
– AlankAram of the Dead Body
• Cremation– Detailed procedures for cremation of deceased
father, mother and others
– Mantras with swara notations provided
– Detailed and easy to follow instructions and pictures provided.
– List of materials required for rites explained
in detail
CONTENTS• Sanchayana SamskAr: (Immersion of Ashes)
– Immersion in the USA
– Immersion in India
• Burial/Cremation of Body of Deceased Child– Child less than 24 months old
– Child more than 24 months old
• Cremation of Body of Woman who was Pregnant • Godaan or Donation to Cow Sanctuary
– List of Cow sanctuaries with contact information
• Description of Rites till the 13th Day
Book is Complete !!!
• Books are available for sale at this Conference.
• Books can be purchased from
Website http://www.vhp-america.org
By Phone Tel: 732-744-0851
By email: [email protected]
Cost $12
Publication TEAM
•Kumar Dave, Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, IN•Pandit G. Krishnamachar, Ashburn, VA•Vittal Venkataraman, Durga Temple, VA•Bhargav Desai, Mangal Mandir, MD•Rajani Shah, President, VHPA Chapter, FL•Abhaya Asthana, Gen Secretary, VHPA•Pt.Suresh Joshi, Hindu Jain Temple,Monroeville,PA •Sanjay Mehta, Hindu Jain Temple, Monroeville, PA•Pandita Indrani, Trinidad