Jain Funeral Procedures

Author(s): Tansukh J Salgia
Publisher: Tansukh J Salgia

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Work out directions to the home of the deceased and the funeral home. Print and send it via e-mails to all Volunteers. Keep one list at home of the deceased and with other members of the volunteer group. People may be calling for time, direction and other advice.
On some occasions, relatives may be flying from other cities and may need a ride from and to an airport. Often times, room and boarding accommodations have to be arranged for relatives and out of town friends.
LEAD PERSON FOR THE EVENT
A lead person makes decisions and deals with the funeral home and other activities. Appoint a leadsperson for the occasion from the committee. On behalf of the family, he/she can deal with the funeral home, doctors, hospitals etc. He/she keeps in contact with the closest relative for decisions and expenses. The lead person could be the Coordinator/MC who would guide the proceeding. The immediate family members (man, woman and children) usually sit together in one row so that they could support each other. It is a common practice that front rows are reserved for the family and close friends.
Ladies and gentlemen may be seated separately, generally right side for ladies and other for gentleman. Mention that children of the very close family relations may attend. Ladies attend the viewing, but may not accompany the dead body at the cremation chamber.
LIST OF DOCTORS OF JAIN FAITH AND/OR INDIAN ORIGIN.
Contact area community doctors and prepare a list of all Jain, and Indian doctors and their affiliated hospitals. Doctors may be needed during complications, accidents etc. for death certificates, expediting post mortem if required by law, referring fellow doctors, helping transfer bodies or even guidance for accommodating Jain religious , practices, observances, etc.
HOW DEATH OCCURRED
1. Accident - Auto, Air, falls or others 2. Sudden - Unexpected, Heart attack, Drowning, Terror attacks etc. 3. Age - Natural causes 4. Sickness - Long term sickness. 5. At Home 6 In Hospital 7. At a public place, health spas, theater, or at a function. 8. In other cities. 9. Visiting friends or relatives from India. 10. Other
Each of above cases possesses a different challenge, efforts, and process. Such considerations may include some or all of the following: a standard death certificate; need for post mortem; handling damaged body; time interval between death and the final cremation.; need for
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