Samskara #16 of 16 · Final (Antya)
अन्त्येष्टि
Antyeshti
Antyeṣṭi
Timing: At the time of death — the final sacrament
Purpose
The "final sacrifice" — to consecrate the departed body to the cosmic elements + assist the soul’s onward journey through proper Vedic rites.
The ritual
The body is bathed, anointed with sandal-paste + ghee, wrapped in white cloth, and carried to the cremation ground. The eldest son performs mukhagni (lighting the pyre at the mouth), reciting mantras releasing the five elements back to their source. Ashes are immersed in a sacred river (preferably Ganga). Followed by 13-day shraddha rites.
Key elements
- ●Cremation by Agni (Agni-sannyasa)
- ●Mukhagni by eldest son
- ●Asthi-visarjan in sacred river
- ●13-day shraddha period
- ●Pitru-paksha annual remembrance
Performed by
Eldest son + family priest at cremation ghat
Scriptural reference
Garuda Purana; Yajurveda funeral hymns
Modern relevance
Universally observed across Hindu communities; Varanasi, Haridwar, Allahabad, Gaya remain the principal sites for asthi-visarjan + shraddha.