Sikh funerals and Book of Remembrance
However, by contrast, the soul itself is not subject to the cycle of
birth and death.[citation needed] Death is only the progression of the
soul on its journey from God, through the created universe and back to
God again. In life, a Sikh always tries to constantly remember death so
that he or she may be sufficiently prayerful, detached and righteous to
break the cycle of birth and death and return to God.
The public display of grief at the funeral or Antam Sanskar as it is
called in the Sikh culture, such as wailing or crying out loud is
discouraged and should be kept to a minimum. Cremation is the preferred
method of disposal, although if this is not possible any other methods
such as burial or submergence at sea are acceptable. Worship of the dead
with gravestones, etc. is discouraged, because the body is considered to
be only the shell and the person's soul is their real essence.
On the day of the cremation, the body is taken to the Gurdwara or home
where hymns (Shabads) from the SGGS, the Sikh Scriptures are recited by
the congregation, which induce feeling of consolation and courage.
Kirtan may also be performed by Ragis while the relatives of the
deceased recite "Waheguru" sitting near the coffin. This service
normally takes from 30 to 60 minutes. At the conclusion of the service,
an Ardas is said before the coffin is taken to the cremation site.
At the point of cremation, a few more Shabads may be sung and final
speeches are made about the deceased person. Then the Kirtan Sohila,
night time prayer is recited and finally Ardas called the "Antim Ardas"
("Final Prayer") is offered. The eldest son or a close relative
generally starts the cremation process – light the fire or press the
button for the burning to begin. This service usually lasts about 30 to
60 minutes.
The ashes are later collected and disposed by immersing them in the
nearest river. Sikhs do not erect monuments over the remains of the
dead.[citation needed]
After the cremation ceremony, there may be another service at the
Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, call the Sahaj Paath Bhog Ceremony
but this is optional.
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