Posted by
What are the rituals must be followed when someone passed away
In Jain Dharma, when someone passes away, the family should observe peaceful, sober, and non-violent conduct. The exact customs may differ between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, but the core spirit is the same: ahimsa, detachment, prayer, and purity.
Main Jain rituals and conduct after death
- Maintain calm and simplicity
- Keep the atmosphere शांत and respectful. - Avoid loud crying, dramatic expressions, or violence in action or speech. - The focus should be on samyak smaran and detachment, not on ritual show.
- Recite prayers and stotras
- Commonly recited prayers include: - Navakar Mantra - Stavan / Stotras - Prayers for the soul’s progress - The intention is to wish that the departed soul attains a better gati according to its karma.
- Observe purity and non-attachment
- Family members may keep a simple, restrained routine. - Some people observe fasting, ekasana, or austerity as a form of spiritual remembrance. - Charity and good deeds are often done in the name of the departed soul.
- Handle the body with respect and minimal harm
- Jainism strongly emphasizes non-violence. - In many Jain communities, care is taken to avoid unnecessary harm to living beings during funeral arrangements. - Traditional practices may vary by region and sect.
- Cre mation / final disposal
- Many Jains prefer cremation. - The process is carried out with dignity, simplicity, and minimal ritual violence. - Some sects or local traditions may differ in details.
- Post-death remembrance
- Families may observe: - Prarthana - Punya smaran - Dana / charity - Temple visits - The aim is to cultivate detachment and merit.
- Avoid superstitious fear
- Jainism does not emphasize fear of the dead. - Death is viewed as a transition of the soul, governed by karma.
Important Jain understanding
- The soul does not perish with the body.
- After death, the soul takes a new birth according to its karma.
- So the best remembrance is:
Simple Jain way to honor the departed
A very proper Jain response is:- Recite Navakar Mantra
- Remain शांत and संयमित
- Do charity or spiritual practice
- Wish for the soul’s good गति
If you want, I can also give the Jain funeral procedure step by step in a simple list.
