Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Important Hindu Cremation Site of
Sidhpur
On the road towards Modhera Sun Temple, Niru asked, "Have you ever seen a cremation
in India?" “No.” "Since you have visited Konarak Sun Temple in Orissa, would you like
to visit a very important cremation place in Sidhpur instead?" A big, “Yes.” Please know
upfront that both Steve and I intend to be cremated, were visiting Sidhpur to
learn
, not as
voyeurs, and intended to show proper respect while there.
Sidhpur, considered a holy place for men to cremate women, is located on the Sarawasti
River.
Why
? Because instead of flowing into the
sea
, the river flows into the
desert
. Hindus
believe in reincarnation, and if you are cremated by a river that flows into the
sea
, you will
be reborn again, possibly reincarnated as an insect, and have to go through the endless cycles
of rebirth and death. If cremated on the bank of the Sarawasti River, your soul will go right to
heaven, bypassing the uncertainty of reincarnation. Men want to spare their spouses, moth-
ers, daughters this cycle. Gujarat is heavily populated by "Patels" (the "Smiths" of America),
and they also prefer to be cremated here. A Little Trivia: Niru said that all Patels originally
came from Gujarat. True? Or not?
We walked into the cavernous cremation site with a higher platform where bodies the
actual cremation takes place. Women are not allowed to ascend the platform. Niru explained
about cremation while we stood surrounded by locals, family members, and friends who
were either waiting for their loved one's ashes, or to cremate a family member. When I
moved, they moved in one big wave behind me, sticking like glue, listening intently to my
questions and Niru's answers. I was possibly the first westerner that ever came to the Sidh-
pur.
Sidhpur cremation facts:
Approximately six-10 bodies are cremated each day. The charge to cremate is One Ru-
pee if you live within a 60 km/50 mile radius of Sidhpur. The family makes a small donation,
whatever they can afford. Even if you are rich, the cost still remains One Rupee.
Families can choose cremation by gas/electric or wood. If the corpse is dressed in nylon/
synthetic clothing, it must be removed or the body won't burn well.
Men on the platform are in charge of keeping the fire going. It usually takes 4-5 hours for
total cremation by wood, less if gas/electricity is used.
Priests do not attend the cremation. The family may say prayers over the body.
Cremation always takes place on the banks of a river. Ashes are collected in a jar and
eventually taken to the river of choice where ashes and jar are thrown in. I had mistakenly
thought ashes were immediately thrown into the river. Each river has different attributes:
