Hindu Funerals (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalis, Kannadigas)

Home » Hindu Funerals (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalis, Kannadigas)

Funeral Traditions in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

Funerals in different cultures and religions can vary significantly, especially within Hinduism and among specific ethnic communities such as the Malayalee (from Kerala), Telugu (from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), and Celonis. In Malaysia, these diverse traditions are respected and followed with deep reverence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the funeral practices in these communities.

Hindu Funeral

  • Collecting the Body
    1. From Hospital/Home: Arrange transportation to the family home.
    2. Legal Requirements: Obtain a death certificate and necessary permits.
  • Preparing the Body:
    1. Ritual Bathing: Close family members bathe the body, often using holy water from the Ganges River.
    2. Dressing: The body is dressed in traditional attire, often white for men and red or white for women.
    3. Adornments: Sacred ash (vibhuti) and sandalwood paste are applied to the forehead.
  • Wake/Viewing:
    1. Location: Held at the family home.
    2. Rituals: Chanting of prayers and mantras, usually led by a priest. The body is placed with the head facing south.
  • Funeral Service:
    1. Puja and Offerings: Offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense.
    2. Homage: Family and friends pay their respects.
  • Cremation:
    1. Procession: The body is taken to the cremation ground, led by the eldest son or a close male relative.
    2. Rituals: Prayers are said, and the pyre is lit.
    3. Immersion of Ashes: Ashes are collected and immersed in a holy river within 10 days.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:
    1. Mourning Period: Typically lasts 13 days, with daily rituals.
    2. Shraddha: A ceremony on the 10th or 13th day to honor the deceased.
    3. Annual Remembrance: Special prayers and rituals on the death anniversary.

Malayalee Funeral (Kerala Traditions)

  • Collecting the Body:
    1. From Hospital/Home: Transport the body to the family home.
    2. Legal Requirements: Obtain a death certificate and necessary permits.
  • Preparing the Body:
    1. Ritual Bathing: Close family members bathe the body.
    2. Dressing: The deceased is dressed in a white mundu (dhoti) for men and a white saree for women.
    3. Adorning: Application of sandalwood paste and floral decorations.
  • Wake and Rituals:
    1. Location: Home or funeral hall.
    2. Rituals: The body is placed with the head facing north, with an oil lamp near the head.
    3. Priest’s Role: Hymns and prayers are chanted.
    4. Offerings: Flowers, incense, and food offerings.
  • Funeral Procession & Cremation/Burial:
    1. Procession: The body is taken to the cremation or burial site.
    2. Final Rites: If cremated, the eldest son lights the pyre.
    3. Ashes: Collected for immersion in a river or sea.
    4.  
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:
    1. Mourning Period: Typically 16 days, with daily ceremonies.
    2. Sanchayanam: Collection of ashes on the 16th day.
    3. Annual Remembrance: Observance of the death anniversary with prayers and offerings.

Celonis Funeral

  • Collecting the Body:
    1. From Hospital/Home: The deceased is transported to the funeral home or family residence.
    2. Legal Requirements: Death certificate and necessary permits obtained.
  • Preparing the Body:
    1. Ritual Bathing: Conducted by close family members.
    2. Dressing: Traditional or preferred clothing is chosen by the family.
  • Funeral Service:
    1. Rituals: Celonis funeral customs include chanting, lighting candles, and prayers.
    2. Offerings: Floral arrangements, food, and incense.
  • Cremation/Burial:
    1. Final Prayers: Conducted at the cremation or burial site.
    2. Procession: The body is transported in a ceremonial manner.
    3. Ash Immersion: If cremated, ashes are immersed in a sacred location.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:
    1. Mourning Period: Observed for a specific period based on family traditions.

Telugu Funeral (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Traditions)

  • Collecting the Body:
    1. From Hospital/Home: Transport the body to the family home.
    2. Legal Requirements: Obtain a death certificate and necessary permits.
  • Preparing the Body:
    1. Ritual Bathing: The body is washed with turmeric-infused water.
    2. Dressing: Traditional white attire for both men and women.
    3. Adorning: Holy ash and sandalwood paste applied to the forehead.
  • Wake/Viewing:
    1. Location: Family home.
    2. Rituals: Vedic mantras are chanted, led by a priest.
    3. Placement: The body is positioned with the head facing south.
  • Funeral & Cremation:
    1. Procession: The body is carried to the cremation ground.
    2. Rituals: The eldest son lights the pyre.
    3. Ashes: Collected for immersion in a sacred river.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:
    1. Mourning Period: Lasts 11 days.
    2. Peddana Ceremony: Held on the 11th day to conclude mourning.
    3. Annual Remembrance: Special prayers on the death anniversary.

Need Assistance?

Losing a loved one is never easy. At Eternity Funeral Services, we handle the necessary arrangements so that families can focus on mourning and honoring their loved ones.

📞 Call us at: +60179377982 | +60129331462

💙 Rest easy, we’ve got your back.

 

Contact Us
Scroll to Top