Death is an inevitable truth that we all must face, and it's a universal phenomenon that affects everyone, regardless of their social status or wealth. While the grieving process is a natural response to loss, have you ever wondered what happens to the physical body after cremation? In Hinduism, the traditional method of disposing of the dead is through cremation, also known as dahan sanskar. But have you ever wondered how much ash is left behind after the body is reduced to ashes?
According to Hindu rituals, the ashes are collected and immersed in the Ganges River. However, the question remains, what is the weight of these ashes in relation to the weight of the deceased person? The answer lies in the scientific process of cremation.
When a body is cremated, it is not completely reduced to ashes. Even with modern machinery, some parts of the body remain unburnt. These unburnt remains are then collected and immersed in the Ganges River as asthi, or ashes. But what is the weight of these ashes in comparison to the weight of the deceased person?
Scientists explain that the weight of the ashes is approximately 1-3.5% of the weight of the deceased person. To put it simply, if the weight of the deceased person is 80 kg, the weight of the ashes would be around 2.8 kg. This is because when the body is cremated, the water and other substances in the body are evaporated, leaving behind only the remains, which are then reduced to ashes.
In modern times, electric cremation is becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas, as it is seen as a more environmentally friendly option. However, the question remains, do electric cremations also produce ashes? According to a doctor, the answer is no. The machine used in electric cremations does not reduce the body to ashes, but instead, the flesh is vaporized, leaving behind only the bones. These bones are then ground into a fine powder, which is what is collected as ashes.
In Hinduism, the ashes are considered sacred and are collected in an urn, known as an asthi kalash. However, in electric cremations, the powder collected is not the same as the ashes collected from traditional cremations. While the traditional method of cremation reduces the body to ashes, electric cremation reduces the body to a fine powder.
In conclusion, the weight of the ashes after cremation is a fraction of the weight of the deceased person, and the method of cremation also plays a significant role in the remains that are left behind. Whether it's traditional cremation or electric cremation, the ashes or powder collected are a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cycle of death and rebirth.
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