Death Flashcards
Bhairava
The horrific
Lord of cremation gods, unruly spirits
Similar to god Shiva
Preta
Ghosts
Virabhadra
Ghosts of dead infants
Longs for mother, jealous of living
Possesses + haunts family
Become protectors via worship
Churel
A woman who died during pregnancy or childbirth. Drinks the blood of her male relatives. Most well known for backwards feet
Maya
Clouds of illusion
Rakshasas
Shapeshifter demon
Shows up as animals, monsters, etc.
Powerful during new moon
Associated with waning moon
Lunar Phases
Specific lunar phases associated with demonic and deified dead
More auspicious times to hold funerals
Cremation
Most bodies are cremated, often within 24 hours
Cremains immersed in sacred body of water
After death rites
Puja, worship, for the dead
Pindas, rice balls are given by family
Lighting of funeral pyre
Mourning period of up to 13 days
Anthills and Termite Mounds
Anthills and termite mounds are believed to connect our world to the world of spirits
Food
Pinda offered for the dead’s journey
What is the purpose of the rice balls?
The rice balls is to sustain the spirits so they do not remain a ghost forever, making up their new body for the travel to the spirit world
What are the responsibilities of the eldest son?
The eldest son is responsible for cracking open the skull to release the soul and for lighting the funeral pyre
