Neither burnt nor buried… How is the last rites of Naga Sadhus performed, seeing them in the darkness of the night will make your soul tremble
The life of Naga Sadhus in Hinduism is a symbol of mystery and austerity. These sadhus are famous for their rigorous sadhanas and asceticism, and every aspect of their life is associated with a special purpose and deep meaning. Notably, their funeral process is also different and highly distinctive from other Hindu traditions. Let's know the life of Naga Sadhus, their funeral method, and how it differs from various Hindu traditions.
Life of a Naga Sadhu
To become a Naga Sadhu, a person has to do rigorous penance for 12 years. During this period, the sadhus practice to completely control the body and mind. Once they become Naga Sadhus, they move away from the hustle and bustle of villages or cities and settle in the mountains or forests. Their life is full of simplicity and austerity, and they live in places where it is difficult for any outsider to visit. Naga Sadhus live their lives in an effort to purify the soul through yoga, meditation and samadhi.
Last rites of Naga sadhus
In Hinduism, after the death of a person, he is usually cremated with fire, which not only destroys the body but also shows the path of liberation to the soul. However, in the case of Naga Sadhus, this tradition is different. Their last rites are not performed with fire like other Hindus.
Method of Bhu-Samadhi
After the death of Naga Sadhus, their bodies are given Bhumi Samadhi instead of cremating them. This process is in accordance with their lifestyle and penance. Earlier they were given Jal Samadhi, but now due to pollution of rivers, they are given Bhumi Samadhi.
In Bhu-Samadhi, the Naga Sadhu is buried in a pit while sitting in the Siddhasana posture. During this, he is bathed and dressed in clean clothes, and then he is slowly covered with soil while chanting mantras. This method is meant to provide him peace and salvation, and it is believed that this process prevents his soul from needing to be born again.
Attainment of salvation of the soul
It is believed that giving Bhu-Samadhi in the last rites of a Naga Sadhu gives peace to his soul and he attains salvation. In a way, it is considered to be the culmination of the deep yoga and meditation of the Sadhu, in which he is in a state of Samadhi. This liberates his soul from the bonds of the world.
Why does one not get salvation through cremation?
Naga Sadhus believe that cremation does not liberate the soul. They have a deep respect and love for nature, and believe that cremation by fire causes harm to nature. That is why they prefer Bhu-Samadhi after their death, which is in line with their faith and principles.
Funeral rites of other religions
It is worth noting here that different religions have different ways of cremating a dead body. In Hinduism, cremation is usually done by fire, while in Parsi religion, the dead body is hung on a tree so that animals and birds can eat it and get satisfied. In Muslim religion, the dead body is buried, and the last rites of Naga Sadhus are done by Bhu-Samadhi.
The life of Naga Sadhus is full of penance and meditation, and their last rites are also by their religious beliefs and lifestyle. They believe that fire rites do not liberate the soul, while Bhu-Samadhi provides them peace and salvation. This is the result of their deep understanding of nature and soul, which is reflected in every aspect of sadhana.
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