The Call of Yama

First Online: March 13, 2002
Page Last Updated: June 15,2010

Introduction

Lord Yama is the God of death in Hindu belief, and it is common to refer to death as The Call of  Yama. 
In this section we explore death and last rites according to Hinduism. 

Many pictures in this section were taken during the funeral of my father, K. L. Kamat, and I have included my own experience of a Hindu funeral.

-Vikas Kamat

Topics on Death and End of Life

• FAQ on Hindu Funerals
• How I Sent Father to Heaven

• Death by Demand -- India perhaps has the longest history of assisted suicides. Different types of suicides including Sati are discussed.
• Antyeshti - The Last Rites

Pictures Depicting Death and Death Rituals

• Antyeshti Proceedings
• The Feeding of the River
• Feeding of the River
• Funeral Rituals at a Waterfall
• Gifting of the Brahmins
• Hindu Death Rites
• Journey of the Dead to Heaven
• The Last Rites for a Dead Man
• Man Slicing his Throat with a Dagger
• Man Weaving a Platform from Bamboo Strips
• The Pinda (Rice Ball) Offerings
• Self Immolation depicted in a Stone Sculpture
• Symbolic Re-burning of the Dead
• Tonsuring of the Head

See Also:

• Hindu Samskaras -- A series of artcles on Hindu religious sacraments by Dr. Jyotsna Kamat, including their symbolism, rituals, and history.