Scientic Article

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

this research article explores The Garuda Purana,

one of the eighteen Maha Puranas of Hinduism,

focusing on its prescriptions for death rituals and

their psychological impact. The Garuda Purana

oers detailed guidance on the conduct of funeral

rites and the journey of the soul post-mortem.

This study examines the psychological functions

of these rituals, investigating how they assist

individuals in navigating the grieving process,

fostering emotional resilience, and maintaining

mental equilibrium during bereavement.

Objectives:

The objective of this research is to explore how

rituals prescribed in The Garuda Purana inuence

psychological well-being during the mourning

process.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was employed,

comprising textual analysis of the Garuda Purana

Autor

Ramesh Prasad Adhikary

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9889-3825

Universidad de Tribhuvan, Katmandú, Nepal.

Correspondencia

rameshadhikary29@gmail.com

Presentado

25/09/2024 Febrero

2023

Aceptado

7/11/2024

Artículo Cientíco

The garuda purana and hindu death rituals: exploring

psychological dimensions through contemporary

practices

El garuda purana y los rituales funerarios hindúes: explorando dimensiones

psicológicas a través de prácticas contemporáneas

VOL. 1, NUM. 2, JULIO - DICIEMBRE 2024 PERSPECTIVA CIENTIFICA

ISSN: 3007-9500 EISSN:3007-9497

https://biblioteca.utla.edu.sv/perspectiva/

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

and thematic analysis of interviews with Hindu

priests and bereaved family members. The textual

analysis revealed the Purana’s emphasis on rituals

for purifying the soul, mitigating sins, and fostering

communal support, providing a structured

framework for navigating grief. Thematic analysis

of interviews underscored the psychological

benets of ritual participation, highlighting themes

of solace, control, and communal support among

participants.

Results: ndings indicate that engaging in these

rituals oers a sense of purpose and empowerment

to the bereaved, aiding in the acceptance of loss

and mitigating existential anxieties. The communal

nature of these rituals was found to play a crucial

role in providing emotional support and solidarity

within the grieving community.

Keywords:

death rituals, Hinduism, psychological

impact, emoonal resilience

RESUMEN

Introducción:

Este artículo de investigación explora el Garuda

Pu Eana, uno de los dieciocho Mahapuranas

del hinduismo, centrando su atención en sus

prescripciones para los rituales funerarios y su

impacto psicológico. El Garuda Purana ofrece una

guía detallada sobre la realización de los ritos

funerarios y el viaje del alma después de la muerte.

Este estudio examina las funciones psicológicas

de estos rituales, investigando cómo asisten a

las personas en el proceso de duelo, fomentan

la resiliencia emocional y mantienen el equilibrio

mental durante el luto.

Objetivos:

El objetivo de esta investigación es explorar cómo los

rituales prescritos en el Garuda Purana inuyen en

el bienestar psicológico durante el proceso de duelo.

Métodos: se empleó un enfoque de métodos mixtos,

que incluyó el análisis textual del Garuda Purana y

el análisis temático de entrevistas con sacerdotes

hindúes y familiares en duelo. El análisis textual

reveló el énfasis del Purana en los rituales para

puricar el alma, mitigar los pecados y fomentar

el apoyo comunitario, proporcionando un marco

estructurado para afrontar el duelo. El análisis

temático de las entrevistas subrayó los benecios

psicológicos de la participación en rituales,

destacando temas como el consuelo, el control y

el apoyo comunitario entre los participantes.

Resultados:

Los hallazgos indican que participar en estos rituales

ofrece un sentido de propósito y empoderamiento

a los dolientes, ayudando en la aceptación de la

pérdida y mitigando las ansiedades existenciales.

Se encontró que la naturaleza comunitaria de

estos rituales juega un papel crucial en la provisión

de apoyo emocional y solidaridad dentro de la

comunidad en duelo.

Palabras clave: rituales funerarios, hinduismo,

impacto psicológico, resiliencia emocional

INTRODUCTION

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a universal

human experience that manifests in various

cultural rituals and practices. These rituals serve

not only as a means to honor the deceased but also

to provide comfort and structure to the bereaved,

helping them navigate the emotional complexities

of loss (Bonanno & Kaltman, 2001). Across

dierent cultures, death rituals are imbued with

profound symbolic meanings and serve multiple

psychological and social functions.Hinduism,

one of the oldest religions in the world, is rich in

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

mythology and tradition. It encompasses a wide

array of beliefs and practices centered around

the concepts of Dharma (duty/righteousness),

Karma (action and subsequent reaction), and

Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and

death) (Fowler, 1997). Hindu mythology, with its

pantheon of gods and goddesses, narratives of

cosmic battles, and philosophical discourses,

provides a deep reservoir of wisdom that guides

the adherents in their spiritual and everyday lives

(Kinsley, 1987).

The Puranas are a genre of important Hindu

religious texts that play a crucial role in preserving

and propagating the religious traditions of

Hinduism. There are eighteen major Puranas, each

encompassing a wide range of topics including

cosmology, legends of gods and heroes, rituals,

and moral teachings (Rocher, 1986). These texts

are not just theological or philosophical discourses

but are also practical guides for living a righteous

life in accordance with Hindu principles.

In Hinduism, death is viewed as a signicant

transition rather than an end. The rituals

surrounding death, collectively known as Antyesti

or the last rites, are elaborate and are intended to

ensure the proper departure of the soul from the

earthly realm and its journey towards the afterlife

(Parry, 1994). These rites include preparation of

the body, cremation, and subsequent rituals like

Shraddha, which involves oerings to ancestors

to ensure the peace of the departed soul (Goyal,

2001).

The Garuda Purana and Cultural Practice of

Reading at Home

The Garuda Purana, one of the eighteen Maha

Puranas, holds a special place in Hindu funerary

rites. It is a comprehensive text that provides

detailed instructions on death rituals and the

metaphysical journey of the soul after death. The

text is divided into two main sections: the Purva

Khanda and the Uttara Khanda, with the latter

being particularly concerned with death and

the afterlife (Bryant, 2007). It is believed to oer

guidance on how to conduct oneself during and

after the death of a loved one, ensuring that the

soul is properly guided to its next destination.

In many Hindu households, it is customary to

read The Garuda Purana when someone dies. This

practice is rooted in the belief that the recitation of

the text helps in purifying the environment, guiding

the soul of the deceased, and providing solace to

the grieving family (Fowler, 1997). The reading of

The Garuda Purana is seen as a way to mitigate the

sins of the deceased and to ensure their smooth

transition to the afterlife, thereby reducing their

suering in the subsequent births (Das, 2003).

The concept of sin (Pap) in Hinduism is closely

tied to the law of Karma, where actions in one’s

life determine their fate in future incarnations.

The rituals and the reading of The Garuda Purana

are believed to help in absolving the sins of the

deceased, ensuring a better rebirth or ultimate

liberation (Mukherjee, 2001). Psychologically,

these rituals provide a framework for the bereaved

to process their grief, oering a sense of control

and participation in ensuring the well-being of the

deceased (Corr & Doka, 2001).

The psychological framework of the ve stages

of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression,

and acceptance – as proposed by Kübler-Ross

(1969), nds a parallel in the structured rituals

of Hindu death ceremonies. These rituals oer

a path through which the bereaved can navigate

these stages, providing a cultural context for their

emotions and a means to express and eventually

accept their loss (Stroebe & Schut, 1999).

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

Objective of the Research

The primary objective of this research is to explore

the psychological ramications of the death rituals

prescribed in The Garuda Purana. This investigation

seeks to elucidate how these rituals facilitate the

bereaved in managing their grief, processing their

emotions, and nding solace amidst their loss. By

examining these rituals through a psychological

framework, the study aims to reveal their role in

promoting emotional healing and psychological

resilience.

Research Questions

• How do the death rituals prescribed in The

Garuda Purana impact the psychological well-

being of the bereaved?

• What are the specic psychological benets of

performing these rituals as perceived by those

who have recently experienced a loss?

• How does the communal and structured nature

of these rituals contribute to the grieving

process?

• In what ways do these rituals align with the ve

stages of grief, and how do they facilitate the

transition through these stages?

What role does the belief in the ecacy of these

rituals in absolving sin and ensuring a favorable

afterlife play in providing psychological comfort to

the bereaved?

Review of Some Previous Studies

The Garuda Purana, one of the Maha Puranas,

is a pivotal text in Hindu religious literature. It is

traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa and is

composed as a dialogue between Lord Vishnu

and Garuda, his divine mount. The Garuda Purana

is divided into two main sections: the Purva

Khanda and the Uttara Khanda. The Purva Khanda

covers cosmology, mythology, and ethics, while

the Uttara Khanda is specically concerned with

death rituals and the metaphysical journey of the

soul after death (Rocher, 1986). This text provides

a comprehensive guide to the various stages of

death rituals, emphasizing their importance in

ensuring the peaceful transition of the soul and

mitigating the eects of karma.

Death rituals in Hinduism, collectively known

as Antyesti, are among the most elaborate and

symbolically rich ceremonies in the religion. These

rituals are designed to facilitate the soul’s journey

from the earthly realm to the afterlife, adhering to

the principles of Dharma and Karma (Parry, 1994).

The stages of these rituals include the preparation

of the body, cremation, and post-cremation

ceremonies such as Shraddha, where food and

prayers are oered to the ancestors to ensure

their peace and well-being. These rites are imbued

with profound symbolic meanings, reecting the

Hindu belief in the cyclical nature of life, death,

and rebirth (Brockington, 2003).

Rituals play a critical role in human societies by

providing structure and meaning during times

of transition. Psychological research suggests

that rituals help individuals manage complex

emotional landscapes, oering a sense of control

and predictability (Parkes, 1972). In the context of

grief, rituals allow for the expression of emotions,

communal support, and the process of nding

closure. They help mitigate feelings of chaos

and disorientation that often accompany loss,

promoting emotional stability and resilience

(Bonanno & Kaltman, 2001). The structured nature

of rituals provides a framework for the bereaved

to navigate their grief, aligning with theories of

cognitive dissonance reduction and social support.

In many Hindu households, reading The Garuda

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

Purana is a customary practice following a death.

This tradition is rooted in the belief that the

recitation of the text puries the environment,

guides the soul of the deceased, and provides

solace to the grieving family (Fowler, 1997). The

reading is believed to absolve the sins of the

deceased, facilitating a smoother transition to

the afterlife. This practice underscores the deep

cultural and religious signicance of the text,

highlighting its role in maintaining spiritual and

emotional equilibrium during periods of mourning

(Das, 2003).

The Garuda Purana emphasizes the concept of

sin (Pap) and its consequences in the afterlife.

In Hinduism, the law of Karma dictates that

actions in one’s life determine their fate in future

incarnations. The rituals prescribed in The Garuda

Purana are believed to help in absolving the sins

of the deceased, ensuring a favorable rebirth or

ultimate liberation (Mukherjee, 2001). This belief

system provides a psychological framework for

the bereaved, oering a sense of agency and

participation in ensuring the well-being of the

deceased’s soul.

The psychological impact of performing death

rituals extends beyond the immediate process of

grieving. These rituals oer long-term emotional

benets by providing a structured way to process

grief and by reinforcing a sense of community and

continuity (Stroebe & Schut, 1999). The belief in the

ecacy of these rituals in aiding the deceased’s

journey and mitigating their suering provides

signicant comfort to the bereaved, reducing

existential anxiety and fostering emotional

resilience (Bonanno & Kaltman, 2001). This aligns

with the psychological understanding of how

rituals can help individuals cope with loss by

providing a framework for making sense of their

emotions and experiences.

The ve stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining,

depression, and acceptance – as proposed by

Kübler-Ross (1969), oer a useful framework for

understanding the psychological impact of Hindu

death rituals. The structured nature of these

rituals provides a pathway through which the

bereaved can navigate these stages. For example,

the initial rituals may help in overcoming denial by

confronting the reality of death, while communal

ceremonies can provide support during stages

of anger and depression (Corr & Doka, 2001).

The rituals culminate in actions that symbolize

acceptance and closure, facilitating a holistic

process of emotional healing.

The communal nature of Hindu death rituals

plays a crucial role in their psychological ecacy.

These rituals are typically conducted with the

involvement of extended family and community

members, providing a support network for the

bereaved (Goyal, 2001). The shared experience

of grief and collective participation in the rituals

fosters a sense of solidarity and belonging, helping

individuals feel less isolated in their mourning.

This communal support is critical in buering the

impacts of loss and promoting psychological well-

being, aligning with social support theories (Parry,

1994).

Long-term studies on the psychological impact of

Hindu death rituals suggest that participation in

these rituals can lead to lasting emotional benets.

The structured process of mourning, combined

with the belief in the rituals’ spiritual ecacy, helps

individuals integrate their loss into their broader

life narrative (Bonanno, 2004). This integration is

crucial for achieving a sense of closure and moving

forward. The rituals also reinforce cultural and

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religious identity, providing a sense of continuity

and stability in the face of change (Bryant, 2007).

Despite the rich exploration of Hindu death rituals

in existing literature, there remains a signicant

gap in understanding the psychological nuances

and long-term eects of these practices as

prescribed in The Garuda Purana. While numerous

studies have documented the cultural and

religious aspects of Hindu funerary customs, there

is a paucity of research specically focusing on

the psychological impact of reading The Garuda

Purana during the mourning period. Additionally,

the interplay between these rituals and the ve

stages of grief, as well as the role of communal

support and structured ritualistic processes in

fostering psychological resilience, has not been

thoroughly examined. Addressing this gap could

provide a more holistic understanding of how

these ancient practices continue to inuence

modern bereavement and mental health within

Hindu communities.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study employs a qualitative research design,

integrating textual analysis of The Garuda Purana

with in-depth interviews of Hindu priests and

individuals who have recently participated

in Hindu death ceremonies. The qualitative

approach is particularly suitable for exploring

the intricate cultural, religious, and psychological

dimensions of the rituals prescribed in The Garuda

Purana, providing rich, contextualized insights into

participants’ experiences and perceptions.

Sampling Strategy

Purposive Sampling

Purposive sampling was used to select participants

who have direct experience with Hindu death

rituals, ensuring that the sample is relevant and

informative. The participants included Hindu

priests (purohits) who regularly conduct these

rituals and individuals who have recently lost a

family member and participated in the reading of

The Garuda Purana.

1. Hindu Priests: Five Hindu priests from

dierent regions were selected to provide a

diverse range of perspectives on the rituals.

These priests have extensive experience in

conducting death rituals and guiding families

through the grieving process.

2. Bereaved Family Members: Fifteen

individuals who have recently experienced the

death of a close family member were selected.

These participants were chosen to represent

various demographics, including age, gender,

and socioeconomic background, to capture a

broad spectrum of experiences.

Textual Analysis

A comprehensive textual analysis of The Garuda

Purana was conducted, focusing on the sections

related to death rituals and the metaphysical

journey of the soul. This involved a detailed

examination of the prescribed rites, their symbolic

meanings, and the underlying theological

principles. The analysis aimed to elucidate how

these rituals are intended to inuence the grieving

process and the spiritual journey of the deceased.

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In-depth Interviews

Semi-structured interviews were conducted

with the selected participants. The interviews

were designed to explore participants’ personal

experiences and perceptions of the death rituals,

particularly the reading of The Garuda Purana.

The semi-structured format allowed for exibility,

enabling participants to express their thoughts

and feelings in their own words while ensuring

that key topics were covered.

1. Interview Guide for Priests:

1. Can you describe the signicance of The

Garuda Purana in Hindu death rituals?

2. How do you believe the rituals help the

deceased and the bereaved family?

3. What psychological benets do you observe

in families who follow these rituals?

2. Interview Guide for Bereaved Family Mem-

bers:

1. Can you describe your experience with

the death rituals prescribed in the Garuda

Purana?

2. How did the reading of The Garuda Purana

aect your grieving process?

3. Did you nd any psychological or emotional

benets from participating in these rituals?

Thematic analysis was used to analyze the

interview data. This method involves coding the

data to identify recurring themes and patterns,

which were then interpreted to understand the

psychological impact of the rituals.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations were meticulously adhered

to throughout the study. Informed consent was

obtained from all participants, ensuring that

they were fully aware of the study’s purpose and

their rights as participants. Condentiality was

maintained by anonymizing the data and ensuring

that personal information was not disclosed.

The study was conducted in accordance with

ethical guidelines for research involving human

participants, ensuring respect and sensitivity

towards the participants’ cultural and emotional

contexts.

Limitations

The study on the psychological impacts of Hindu

death rituals, specically those in the Garuda

Purana, encountered several contextual limitations.

The variability of rituals across dierent regions

and communities made it challenging to generalize

ndings, as local customs and interpretations

inuenced practices. Participant availability also

limited the diversity of perspectives, as only those

prepared to discuss personal loss could partake.

Additionally, modern adaptations of rituals,

often abbreviated in urban areas, impacted the

depth of traditional psychological outcomes.

Language barriers aected some participants’

understanding of the Garuda Purana, as they

depended on translations, potentially altering the

intended impact of the text. Observing only short-

term eects also restricted insight into the long-

term psychological benets of these rituals, while

family dynamics occasionally diluted the rituals’

comforting eects. These limitations emphasize

the need for further research to capture the

long-term and diverse impacts of these ancient

practices in modern contexts.

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The discussion below connects the study’s

ndings with the objectives and underlying

theoretical framework. Specically, this study

aimed to elucidate the psychological role of Hindu

death rituals as described in The Garuda Purana,

examining how these rituals support emotional

resilience, structured grieving, and communal

support.

The results of this study are presented in two main

sections: ndings from the textual analysis of The

Garuda Purana and thematic analysis of the in-

depth interviews with Hindu priests and bereaved

family members. The integration of these two data

sources provides a comprehensive understanding

of the psychological impact of Hindu death rituals

and the specic role of The Garuda Purana in the

grieving process.

Textual Analysis of The Garuda Purana

The Garuda Purana oers extensive guidance on

the conduct of death rituals, emphasizing their

importance in ensuring the proper transition of

the soul and providing comfort to the bereaved.

Key excerpts from the text illustrate its emphasis

on the metaphysical journey of the soul and the

rituals designed to support this journey.

Purication and Guidance for the Soul

The Garuda Purana states, “The soul, when it leaves

the body, is led by the messengers of Yama, the god

of death, through various realms. The performance

of the prescribed rites ensures that the soul is not

tormented in its journey” (Garuda Purana, Uttara

Khanda, Chapter 5). This highlights the text’s

focus on the soul’s post-mortem journey and the

signicance of rituals in aiding this process. The

purication rites, such as the oering of Pinda (rice

balls) and the chanting of mantras, are intended to

mitigate the eects of the deceased’s past karma

and ensure a smoother transition.

Alleviation of Sins

The text repeatedly emphasizes the alleviation

of sins through rituals: “By the performance of

the Shraddha rites, and the oering of water and

sesame seeds, the departed soul is freed from

its sins and attains peace” (The Garuda Purana,

Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10). This underscores the

belief that the proper execution of these rituals

can reduce the burden of the deceased’s sins,

facilitating their peaceful journey to the afterlife

and providing psychological relief to the bereaved,

who feel that they are aiding their loved one’s soul.

Psychological Support and Community

Involvement

The Garuda Purana also stresses the importance

of communal participation in death rituals: “The

family and the community must come together

to perform the last rites, for in unity there is

strength, and together they can provide solace

and support to the grieving” (The Garuda Purana,

Uttara Khanda, Chapter 15). This reinforces the

role of community in supporting the bereaved and

emphasizes the collective nature of Hindu death

rituals, which can alleviate feelings of isolation and

provide emotional support.

The key ndings can be integrated as in the

following table 1.

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

Thematic Analysis of Interviews

The thematic analysis of the interviews with Hindu

priests and bereaved family members revealed

several recurring themes that align with the

principles outlined in The Garuda Purana. These

themes include the psychological impact of ritual

participation, the alleviation of grief through

structured processes, the role of communal

support, and the personal beliefs in the ecacy

of the rituals. These ndings reect both the

objectives and theoretical perspectives on

structured grief processes (Kübler-Ross, 1969)

and communal mourning.

Psychological Impact of Ritual Participation

The participants consistently reported that

engaging in the prescribed death rituals provided

them with a sense of structure and control during

a tumultuous time. One bereaved family member

noted, “The rituals gave me something to focus

on. They provided a clear path to follow, which

helped me manage my grief” (Participant 3). This

sentiment was echoed by other participants who

felt that the rituals oered a concrete set of actions

that helped mitigate the overwhelming emotions

associated with loss. Another participant shared,

“Each step of the ritual made me feel closer to my

loved one and more at peace with their passing”

(Participant 9).

Alleviation of Grief through Structured

Processes

The structured nature of the rituals, as outlined in

The Garuda Purana, was found to be particularly

benecial in helping participants navigate their

grief. “Performing the rites step-by-step, from the

preparation of the body to the nal Shraddha,

allowed me to gradually accept the reality of my

loved one’s death,” explained another participant

(Participant 7). This gradual progression through

the rituals aligns with the psychological stages

of grief, providing a cultural framework for

processing loss. As one priest mentioned, “The

systematic approach of these rituals helps the

family to process their grief in a manageable way,

giving them time to come to terms with their loss”

(Priest 2).

Table 1

Key themes from textual analysis of the Garuda Purana

Theme Description Supporting Excerpt

Purication and Guidance

Rituals are designed to guide the

soul’s journey and protect it from

suering.

"The soul... is led by the messengers

of Yama... through various realms.

The performance of the prescribed

rites ensures that the soul is not

tormented..."

Alleviation of Sins

Rituals, like Shraddha rites, cleanse

sins and help the soul attain peace.

"By the performance of the Shraddha

rites... the departed soul is freed from

its sins and attains peace."

Community Involvement

Emphasizes the importance of family

and community in providing comfort

to the bereaved.

"The family and the community must

come together to perform the last

rites... providing solace and support

to the grieving."

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Role of Communal Support

The communal aspect of the rituals was highlighted

as a crucial factor in providing emotional support.

“Having the community come together for the

rituals was incredibly comforting. It showed

me that I was not alone in my grief,” stated a

participant (Participant 12). The presence of

family and community members during the rituals

helped alleviate feelings of isolation and provided a

supportive environment for expressing grief. One

participant elaborated, “The collective mourning

and shared experience made the burden of grief

more bearable” (Participant 14).

Belief in the Ecacy of the Rituals

Belief in the ecacy of the rituals prescribed

in The Garuda Purana was a signicant factor in

providing psychological comfort to the bereaved.

One participant remarked, “Knowing that these

rituals help my loved one’s soul and reduce their

sins gave me peace of mind” (Participant 5). This

belief in the spiritual benets of the rituals helped

participants feel that they were contributing to

their loved one’s well-being, which in turn provided

them with a sense of purpose and consolation.

A priest noted, “The faith in the rituals’ ability to

absolve sins and aid the soul’s journey is deeply

ingrained and oers immense psychological relief

to the bereaved” (Priest 3).

The key ndings can be integrated as in the

following table 2.

Table 2

Key ndings from thematic analysis of interviews

Theme Description Sample Participant Quotes

Psychological Impact of Rituals

Rituals provide structure and control

during grief.

"The rituals gave me something to

focus on. They provided a clear path

to follow, which helped me manage

my grief."

Structured Grief Processing

The sequential steps of rituals align

with psychological stages of grief,

helping bereaved individuals accept

their loss gradually.

"Performing the rites step-by-step...

allowed me to gradually accept the

reality of my loved one’s death."

Role of Community Support

The presence of community provides

emotional support, reduces isolation,

and helps the bereaved express grief

collectively.

"Having the community come

together... was incredibly comforting.

It showed me that I was not alone in

my grief."

Belief in Ritual Ecacy

Participants felt psychological

comfort from believing that the

rituals aid the soul’s journey and

reduce its sins, providing a sense of

purpose.

"Knowing that these rituals help my

loved one’s soul... gave me peace of

mind."

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Integration of Textual and Interview Findings

In line with the research objectives and theoretical

grounding, the integrated ndings underscore

the signicance of rituals in providing structure

and comfort during bereavement, aligning with

the Garuda Purana’s prescriptive guidance on the

soul’s journey.

The integration of the textual analysis of The

Garuda Purana with the thematic analysis of the

interviews reveals a cohesive understanding of

the psychological impact of Hindu death rituals.

The rituals, as prescribed in The Garuda Purana,

oer a structured framework for managing grief,

emphasizing the purication of the soul, alleviation

of sins, and communal support. The experiences

of the participants corroborate these principles,

highlighting the rituals’ eectiveness in providing

psychological comfort and aiding the grieving

process.

Rituals as a Means of Psychological Consolation

The rituals described in The Garuda Purana serve as

a means of psychological consolation by providing

a structured approach to grief. The step-by-step

process of the rituals helps the bereaved gradually

come to terms with their loss, aligning with

Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief (Kübler-Ross, 1969).

Participants reported that the rituals provided

them with a sense of purpose and control, which

helped mitigate the chaos and disorientation often

associated with grief. One participant observed,

“The rituals acted as a guide through my grief,

giving me something tangible to focus on during a

very dicult time” (Participant 10).

Alleviation of Sins and the Concept of Karma

The belief in the alleviation of sins through rituals,

as emphasized in The Garuda Purana, provides

signicant psychological comfort to the bereaved.

This belief is deeply rooted in the Hindu concept of

Karma, where the actions performed during one’s

life determine their fate in the afterlife. The rituals

are seen as a means to rectify past wrongs and

ensure a favorable rebirth or ultimate liberation.

Participants expressed a strong belief in the

ecacy of these rituals, which helped them feel

that they were actively contributing to their loved

one’s spiritual well-being. As one participant put it,

“Performing these rituals gave me solace because I

believed I was helping my father’s soul nd peace”

(Participant 8).

Community and Social Support

The communal nature of Hindu death rituals, as

outlined in The Garuda Purana, plays a crucial role

in providing emotional support to the bereaved.

The involvement of family and community

members in the rituals creates a supportive

network that helps individuals cope with their

grief. Participants reported feeling less isolated

and more supported during the mourning period,

highlighting the importance of community in the

grieving process. A participant commented, “The

presence of friends and relatives during the rituals

made me feel supported and less alone in my

sorrow” (Participant 11).

Psychological Benets of Rituals

The psychological benets of the rituals

prescribed in The Garuda Purana were evident in

the participants’ narratives. The structured nature

of the rituals helped them navigate the complex

emotional landscape of grief, providing a sense of

control and predictability. The belief in the spiritual

ecacy of the rituals alleviated existential anxiety

and provided comfort, while the communal support

oered by family and community members helped

mitigate feelings of isolation.

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

The key ndings can be integrated as in the following table 3.

CONCLUSION

This research has claried the psychological

benets of Hindu death rituals as prescribed in

The Garuda Purana, particularly in how they aect

the bereave d’s mental well-being. Addressing

the research questions, the study revealed

that these rituals provide specic psychological

benets, oering comfort and a structured

process that aligns with the stages of grief.

Participants indicated that rituals helped them

experience a sense of control and progression

through grief, answering the rst two research

questions regarding the impact on well-being and

perceived psychological benets. Additionally, the

communal and structured nature of these rituals

was identied as a vital component in facilitating

the grieving process, giving participants collective

support and a sense of belonging.

This connection aligns with the third research

question and highlights the supportive role of

community in managing grief.

Furthermore, the study found that the rituals in The

Garuda Purana mirror the stages of grief, providing

a transition framework that allows the bereaved

to navigate their loss gradually. The belief in the

ecacy of these rituals to absolve sins and secure

a favorable afterlife also provides signicant

psychological comfort, addressing the fourth and

fth research questions by oering the bereaved

a sense of contribution to their loved one’s peace.

This study thus enhances our understanding of

ancient Hindu practices as eective cultural tools

for psychological resilience and emotional healing.

Future research could examine regional variations

and the long-term psychological impacts of ritual

participation.

Table 3

Integration of ndings from textual and interview analysis

Aspect The Garuda Purana Insights Interview Insights

Ritual Structure

Prescribed steps oer guidance and

focus for the grieving family.

Rituals provide a clear process

that helps participants manage

overwhelming emotions.

Alleviation of Sins

Rituals reduce the deceased’s karmic

burden, aiding in spiritual peace.

Belief in the soul’s purication

through rituals gives family members

a sense of contribution and comfort.

Community Role

Collective mourning is essential for

providing emotional strength.

The involvement of family and friends

during rituals helps reduce feelings of

isolation in the bereaved.

Psychological Benet

Rituals are a tool for navigating grief,

aligning with cultural beliefs.

Structure in rituals provides a

tangible way to cope, making the

loss manageable and oering

psychological relief.

https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665

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https://doi.org/10.64385/OLBB2665