Why 'Ram Naam Satya Hai' Is Chanted During The Final Journey Of A Dead Person
Each culture has its rituals for the final journey, and in Hindu tradition, the chanting of "Ram Naam Satya Hai" accompanies the deceased during cremation.
The profound reality of life lies in the inevitability that birth is accompanied by death. While some accept this fact, others remain indifferent, and there are those who fear the concept of death. Regardless of one's stance, the undeniable truth is that everyone will face mortality at some point. Each culture has its rituals for the final journey, and in Hindu tradition, the chanting of "Ram Naam Satya Hai" accompanies the deceased during cremation.
Interestingly, this practice is rooted in our scriptures. According to the Upanishads, only Parmatma (the Supreme Soul) is the ultimate truth, and everything else is deemed false.
Quoting the Rudrayamal Tantra:
"शिवे शिवे न संचारों भवत प्रेतस्य कस्यचित। अतसिद्दाहपर्यंतम राम नाम जपो वरम।।"
This verse suggests that chanting "Ram Naam Satya Hai" safeguards the departed soul from negative entities during the cremation process.
The Pret Sadhan Tantra explains that the avoidance of saying 'Ram' during cremation is intentional. This is because uttering the name 'Ram' drives away ghosts, Pret (departed spirits), Pishach (evil spirits), Dakinis, Shakinis, Brahmarakshasas, etc. To prevent interference from these entities, people invoke "Ram Naam Satya Hai" while transporting the deceased.
As per Anand Ramayan:
"श्रीशब्धमाद्य जयशब्दमध्यंजयद्वेयेनापि पुनःप्रयुक्तम्। अनेनैव च मन्त्रेण जपः कार्यः सुमेधसा।"
This suggests that intelligent individuals should recite the mantra "Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram."
Furthermore, the Yam-Sukta can be chanted during the final journey, as per Garud Puran Pret kalpa chapter 4. This ritual involves carrying Sesame Seeds, Kush grass, Ghee, and Fire, while also paying respects to Yamraj.
Despite numerous Vedic mantras addressing these topics, people commonly express "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" upon hearing about someone's death. This mantra signifies the surrender of the Pran to Vayu and the eventual transformation of the body into ashes through Agni. It reflects a desire for a divine realm.
While modern culture uses phrases like "Rest in peace" (RIP), the true essence is captured in the chanting of "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti." At this critical juncture, the Pran transitions into Vayu, and the body surrenders to Agni, signifying the cycle of life and death.
While reciting Vedic mantras may be challenging for some, chanting "Ram Naam Satya Hai" is easy. After all, Ram represents the ultimate truth, and reciting his name holds significance in purifying not just the individual but also the surroundings.
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