Why Hindu Saints are Buried and Not Cremated

In Hinduism, traditions regarding the disposal of the dead can vary widely depending on the status and beliefs of the deceased. A common practice is the cremation of the deceased, as it is believed that the soul is released from the body during the process, allowing it to move on to its next phase. However, certain individuals, such as saints and children, are often buried rather than cremated. This article delves into the reasons behind this practice and the spiritual significance associated with it.

Understanding the Tradition

The practice of burying certain individuals, particularly spiritual figures like saints and young children, has its roots in the belief that these people have a different mode of connection to their bodies and the physical world. Saints, who have achieved high levels of spiritual enlightenment, are no longer as attached to their physical bodies, nor are they connected to materialistic things. For them, the body is merely a vehicle for their spiritual journey, and upon death, the soul is more easily liberated when the body is buried rather than burned.

Children, on the other hand, are often too young to form strong attachments to their physical bodies, which makes burial an appropriate method for their disposition. The soul of a child is believed to be more pure and less bound to the material world, and burial allows it to transition smoothly.

The Case of Saints

For titled individuals, particularly those who have been recognized as saints in the Hindu tradition, burial replaces cremation based on a different set of beliefs. When someone becomes a saint, they are seen as having transcended the limitations of the physical body and its attachments. Accordingly, their bodies are no longer viewed as holding significant spiritual value. Therefore, the tradition dictates that their bodies be buried rather than cremated, as it is believed to facilitate a smoother transition of their soul.

In certain traditions, the transition from a regular human to a saint involves a formal process that includes sanyasa, or renunciation. This process often involves renouncing all material possessions and relationships, including the association with fire, which is a central element in the funeral rites of many Hindu practices. Sanyasis, having renounced fire, are considered closer to the spiritual realm and their physical bodies are viewed as less important. As such, their bodies are not cremated but rather buried, in a symbolic gesture of their detachment from the physical world.

Conclusion

The burial of saints and young children in Hinduism highlights the nuanced and profound spiritual beliefs held by many in the Hindu tradition. By choosing burial over cremation, these practices reflect a deep understanding of the soul's journey and the great emphasis placed on the concept of detachment in achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Key Points: Saints are often buried rather than cremated due to their high level of spiritual enlightenment and detachment from the physical body. Young children are also buried as their souls are less attached to the physical world and transition more easily through burial. Sanyasis, who have renounced everything, including the use of fire in their funeral rites, are buried to symbolize their complete detachment from worldly attachments.