What Happens When Death Rites Are Neglected?

The scriptures describe the severe consequences of not performing the death rites (antyeshti) properly, which deeply move the heart upon understanding. Therefore, it is essential to understand the importance of death rites and perform it properly. It is clear that a departed soul cannot carry their gross body on their final journey; how then would they take food and water? In such a case, the food and water offered through death rites by their family members reach them.

The scriptures prescribe the ritual of offering Pindadaana (sacred food balls) after death. Initially, six pindas are offered during the funeral procession, which invoke the blessings of the deities of the earth and remove the sufferings caused by spirits and ghosts. Subsequently, the ten pindas offered during the Dashagatra ritual provide the departed soul with a subtle body (ativahika sharira), which is essential for the commencement of their final journey.

For the journey ahead, the departed soul requires food and water, which are provided through Pindadaana under the Uttama Shodashi ritual. If the son, grandson, or other relatives fail to make this offering, the departed soul suffers greatly from hunger and thirst. Therefore, understanding the importance of death rites and performing it at the appropriate time is the duty of every individual.

Not performing death ites not only causes suffering to the departed souls but also brings severe consequences to the family members who neglect it. According to the Brahma Purana, the departed souls take revenge on their negligent family members by drinking their blood:
'Shraddham na kurute mohat tasya raktam pibanti te.'

Additionally, they curse their family members, as mentioned in the Nagarkhanda:
'Pitarastasya shapam dattva prayanti cha.'

As a result of such curses, such families remain surrounded by sorrow and obstacles throughout their lives. They suffer from lack of progeny, poor health, short lifespans, and absence of prosperity. After death, such individuals face the torment of hell.

The Upanishads also emphasize that humans must not neglect their duties towards deities and ancestors:
'Devapitrikaryabhyam na pramaditavyam.' (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.1)

Neglect, or actions against scriptural injunctions, leads to suffering and adverse consequences. Thus, performing Shraddha is not only necessary for the ancestors but also for the well-being of the family and society.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi