Jain Funeral Procedures

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

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embalming: (draining blood out of body and injecting with chemicals), transporting body from one city to the other by air, auto etc., arranging to fly the body to India (if applicable), or incurring the expense of cremating an unknown Jain visitor from India, etc.
Death must be pronounced by a coroner, medical examiner, attending physician, or physician on call. A death certificate must be signed in the county or district in which the death occurs. It also must be filled out as to the exact location where a body is found, including in a public place or vehicle. Death certificate must be filled out correctly and cause of death is spelled out. Just one simple error can create a lot of confusion; therefore the certificate has to be filled out correctly and signed by the appropriate officer as mentioned above.
If death occurs out side the country or state of the deceases immediately contact a local funeral home director who knows the required procedures in order to eliminate duplicating funeral costs. If a body is to be moved from one state to another, an additional permit may be required. He should able to assist you in bringing the body of your loved one to your home town.
If the services of a funeral director are used, request that he order ten- twelve (10-12) death certificates at one time. Ordering copies at a later date takes long time. You will need them filing for Life Insurance benefits, Social Security benefits, Bank matters, IRS, Veteran's benefits and other state matters. Therefore go to your nearest State or county Bureau of Vital Statistics to obtain death certificate and to file the Death Certificate itself. Generally funeral home director can assist you in this matter.
Autopsies are usually required when the cause of death is suicide, unexpected, violent, unusual or uncertain. In these situations, a police officer may need to be called.
What is the time frame for cremation? Three things must take place before cremation can be performed: 1. the attending physician must complete the medical information portion of the death certificate; 2. next of kin or appointed authorizing agent must issue his/her authorization; 3. a cremation permit must be issued by the local registrar in the area where death occurred.
DEATH NOTICE IN NEWSPAPER
It is customary to put a death notice in the obituary section of the local newspapers. After consulting with members of the deceased's family, the lead community person should prepare a short biography along with details of the funeral arrangements. This, accompanied by a photograph of the deceased, should be submitted to the newspaper. There is a cost associated with this; therefore, immediate family member should be consulted. This task could be accomplished through the funeral home. However, generally funeral home adds their service charge. If the family member places the announcement directly, it is much less costly.
DONATION OF REMAINS
Once you have agreed to donate all or part of your body to science or medical facilities, you have the right to cancel at any given time either in writing or verbally. Make sure your decision is known to a family member, friend or doctor. Most organ donations are kept private without revealing the donor or recipient's name
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