Garuda Puran: The Thirteen Days, Pinda Daan, Shraddha and Narayan Bali

This part is the most practical for families: what to do after losing someone. Customs differ somewhat by region and family; here the essential spirit of the Garuda Puran is given, and for the exact procedure consult your family priest.

The funeral

After death the body is bathed, dressed in new clothes, adorned with sandal paste and flowers, and carried to the cremation ground with the Lord's name. Usually the eldest son, or another family member, lights the pyre. The Garuda Puran says that through cremation the body returns to its five elements.

The first ten days (dashgatra)

As described earlier, the pindas of the ten days form the subtle body of the departed. During these days:

• A pinda with water and sesame is offered daily.
• A lamp is kept burning at home, often facing south or at the place where life departed.
• The family lives simply, eats sattvic food and mourns.
• The Garuda Puran, Gita or Ramayana is read at home with bhajans.
• On the tenth day there is a purifying bath and a special pinda offering.

The eleventh and twelfth days

On the eleventh day (ekadashah) a special shraddha, feeding of Brahmins and charity are prescribed. On the twelfth day comes sapindikarana: the pinda of the departed is joined with those of the ancestors (father, grandfather, great-grandfather), meaning they have passed from "preta" to "pitri" and joined their forebears.

The thirteenth day (terahvi)

On the thirteenth day the family rises from mourning. Brahmins, relatives and the needy are fed, gifts are given, and the home turns back towards normal life. The hearing of the Garuda Puran is also completed on this day.

The importance of charity

Gifts during these days are described in detail: food, a pot of water, clothing, shoes, an umbrella, a bed, a lamp, sesame, a cow and land, according to one's means. The spirit is to help someone in need in the name of the departed. The greatest gift is one that reaches someone truly in need.

Monthly and yearly shraddha

In the first year a shraddha is held monthly, and thereafter yearly on the tithi of death. In Pitru Paksha, from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashvin Amavasya, shraddha is done for all the ancestors. Those who do not know the tithi may do it on Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Narayan Bali

For an untimely death (accident, suicide, drowning, snakebite and the like), the Garuda Puran prescribes Narayan Bali, in which Lord Narayana is worshipped and special pindas are offered, praying for the peace of the departed.

Faith is shraddha

Most important of all: shraddha means faith. One who has no means can satisfy the ancestors with water, sesame and a prayer, by feeding grass to a cow, or by feeding someone hungry.

What this part teaches

• The rites are a tribute to the departed and a path out of grief for the family.
• A gift to someone truly in need is worth more than a lavish feast for show.
• Remembering the ancestors is remembering the family's roots.
• Procedures may differ; the feeling should not.