There are forty Samskaras to be performed by a Hindu.
Death is an important Samskara,
I will provide some guidelines with Links.
However, the suggestions of the Purohit is to be taken for consideration as some customs vary for each Caste and even in a Caste for a particular Family/Group.
General.
Those who become Untouchable during the period of Mourning-Theetu
The following link is very useful.
http://stotraratna.awardspace.com/sruthi/Samkshepa%20dharma%20sastram/vd4.pdf
Check list.
1.Inform Family priest, Sastrigal.
2.Keep the body lying head facing South.
3.Light an Oil lamp near the Head;apply Vibhuti(basmam, not as a paste)
3.Light some Agarbathis to ward off smell.
4.As one is not to cook at Home till the body is taken out,inform relatives for arrangement of food for the day.
5.Inform people who are to be informed.
6.At best the body can be kept for about 10 hours;under special circumstances, it may be kept for 24 hours in an air-conditioned casket.
7.Those who go to the burning ghat must go the next day for the collection of Ashes.
8.Ensure that a Doctor visits and give you a certificate.
9.In the case of Death in a hospital, make sure that the necessary formalities are complied with and a certificate is obtained.
10.Inform the Crematorium about the expected time of the arrival of the body after consulting the Sastrigal.
11.At the Crematorium show the certificate and get a receipt. Some times it will be issued the next day.
12.Get the Death registered .
Clarifications on some aspects.
1,One can perform the ceremonies for the first twelve days at specified places,
However it is correct to perform all the Rites at Home and it will bring prosperity.
2.The rites for the first ten days may be done from the seventh day , performing the cumulative rites for six days.
3.There is still a custom in the Hindu communities. especially among Brahmins for a Widow.
That of removing the Mangal Sutra or Thaali and breaking of Bangles in Public.
This does not have the sanction of the Sastras.
The wearing of Thaali is a later custom developed and it does not find a place in Vedic Marriage,
The removal of Mangal Sutra may be done some one who is widowed already(preferably elder to the one in question) quietly on the morning of the Eleventh Day,;have the bangles removed and have the Mangal Sutra removed and dropped in a vessel containing milk.
One can perform all functions in the Family including Marriage after the Thirteenth Day, Subasweekara,Gruha Yajnam, except in the case of Spouse. Wife and children.
The Gruha Yajna means you are permitted to do Yajna.
Subasweekaara means you invite Auspiciousness.
Suggestions, questions are welcome.
Additional Link.
http://indiansamourai.hautetfort.com/media/01/02/1850732936.pdf
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