• Source:JND

In Hinduism, whenever a person dies, he/she is cremated. This ritual has been practised for many centuries now. It is believed that the human body is composed of the five elements of nature, and through cremation, these elements return to their true form. This process is believed to free them from worldly attachments and help them move towards moksha(freedom). However, this is not the case with babies or infants. According to the Hindu religion, instead of being cremated, they are buried. Let's understand the reason behind it.

fire being pure

By burning the body, impurities are destroyed, and the soul is free from worldly possessions, thus attaining freedom (Image: Pexels)

Why Babies Are Buried And Not Cremated?

In Hinduism, fire plays a significant spiritual role. According to the Vedas, Agni (fire) consumes the body, not in a destructive way but in a sacred ritual. By burning the body, impurities are destroyed, and the soul is free from worldly possessions, thus attaining freedom(moksha).

However, in the case of babies, the Garuda Purana, one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, states that the infants who have not undergone the four stages of life are not to be cremated, as their souls are pure and untainted. Since fire symbolises purification, it is considered necessary for those people who have experienced worldly attachments.

So, instead of cremation, their body is buried in the earth, not in the form of destruction, but of continuation. Earth here symbolises the mother to whom the child has returned and perhaps will be reborn.

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Apart from this, the bodies of sadhus (the holy men), pregnant women, snakebite victims and patients with skin diseases are also cremated. The reason behind this is:

  • The bodies of sadhus are not cremated because it is believed that by doing sadhana, they have already attained moksha and have connected with their higher self. So instead of being cremated, their bodies are given samadhi, or they are immersed in the holy rivers.
  • Pregnant women are also not cremated because it is said the unborn child is a pure soul who should not be exposed to fire.
  • Snakebite victims are not cremated; their bodies are instead immersed in the holy water because it is believed that if someone sees them, they will treat them. This practice stems from old age beliefs stating that the body of a snakebite victim remains alive for 21 days, and those who have the knowledge to cure the victim, through this process, will find and cure them.
  • A person suffering from a skin disease is also prohibited because it is believed that their body will release disease-causing bacteria into the air, potentially infecting others too.
The bodies of sadhus

The bodies of sadhus are not cremated because it is believed that by doing sadhana, they have already attained moksha (Image: Pexels)

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The ancient practice of burying the infant in the Earth rather than cremating them showcases the deep spiritual understanding of life and death. It shows that the innocent soul, untouched by worldly attachments, should not be treated the same way as a mature adult who has experienced life.


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