Upon dying at home — or in a hospital

When a person is close to death the family members should inform the family priest (purohit) or find and appoint a purohit who will direct and conduct the final rites. Begin the chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram or continuously play a CD of the same within the hearing the of dying one. If the Vishnu sahasranama Stotra cannot be recited then any other text or name of God should be recited or played. Other types of prayers or bhajans can also be sung but without emotion. Most hospices and hospitals in Australia will accomodate this practice in some way — don't be hesitant to discuss it with the palliative care nurse.

When it is seen that death is very near — the dying person should be transferred to a new grass mat on the floor if the death occurs at home. They should not be allowed to die on a bed for 2 reasons (1) death should take place in the arms of Mother Earth and the dying person should remain conscious for as long as possible listening to the recitation of the name of God. (2) the bed needs to be discarded afterwards as no ne will sleep in it.

Pour a few spoons of Ganges water/Tulasi water into the mouth either at the time of death or soon after a person is dead.

An sesame oil lamp (with one wick only) and a single agarbathi are lit and kept near the head of the corpse. A photograph of deceased family's favourite deity may also be placed at the head side. Outside the house prepare a fire in an earthen pot using a few pieces of wood, charcoal and camphor. This fire should be kept alive all the time.