IN KASHMIR, HARVEST TIME ALSO MEANS A TIME TO GET READY FOR
FACING THE ENSUING WINTER SEASON .
( Photo Autar Mota )
To this photo , I am adding My short story "
THE FINAL SAMASKAARA " . This story appeared in three parts on my Facebook
Page . All the three parts are uploaded for the readers . To be read in
continuity ….
PART I
( THE FINAL SAMASKAARA )
When Shanta ji died of a sudden and massive heart attack ,
there was no one in the house . Pran Nath , her husband had gone for an evening
walk. That day , Jammu was extremely hot and Humid . Walking back to his home ,
Pran Nath kept thinking ,
“ This is August and next month is September . That is the
end of this Hell like season over here . I can withstand that hot and dry
climate of June but not this irritating humidity of August . How many times
shall you go under the shower ? How many times shall you change your sweat
soaked clothes ?This is a real Hell for us .”
On his way back, he had bought two Ice creams for himself
and Shanta ji and these were meant to be relished after the Dinner . Even when
the ice creams showed signs of softening , he was tempted to enter into some
discussion with Ram Krishen President Colony Welfare Association whom he met
just near his house. They probably discussed some procedure for conducting Next
election of the colony Welfare Association . After that he went to Bodh Raj’s
chemist shop nearby and bought two strips of Arbital H for elevated Blood
Pressure . Shanta ji and Pran Nath were diagnosed with mild Hypertension and
had been put on medicine. In fact , It was Shanta ji , who had reminded him
about buying of these tablets as they had no stock for their morning
consumption.
Over with it , he straightway headed towards his house .
Ignorant about the calamity that was waiting for him at
home, he pressed the door bell but there was no response . He pressed it again
for a longer duration but there was again no response . He then dialed his
landline number but no one picked up the receiver from the other side . It was
something unusual as Shanta ji would normally be in lobby watching her
favourite Aastha channel. Now he turned suspicious and called Aashu , his
Neighbour’s son , whom he requested to climb the boundary wall and open his
main gate from inside .
Once inside the house, Pran Nath came to know as to what had
befallen him. For him, Life had taken another turn suddenly and unexpectedly .
. He visualized that this unfortunate development shall permanently affect his
immediate and future life. Suddenly the ice cream , the BP tablets , Dinner ,
evening walks ,Colony elections and even his sleep meant nothing to him . He
thought as if he lay buried under some debris that had suddenly come from a
huge concrete wall .He also thought that he could come out of this debris by
action and courage only. .
Sweating profusely , He sat under the ceiling fan and
telephoned their domestic maid Kaanta , Ram Krishen (Colony president ) , his
sister and brother in law and also Shanta ji’s brother settled in Delhi
informing them about Shanta ji’s sudden Death. Thereafter he dialed Sanjay’s
(his son) mobile number but the back message from the system informed that he
was out of reach . Sanjay lived in Canada. He sent messages through SMS, VIBER
, FACEBOOK and SKYPE to Sanjay asking him to speak back immediately in view of
some grave exigency .
Kaanta and her son arrived first followed by Ram krishen .
His sister and brother in law also joined later.
It was 9.30 PM and a hectic activity started in the house .
While Pran Nath kept waiting for Sanjay’s call , Ram Krishen , Kaanta’s son and
Pran Nath’s brother in law shifted all the furniture from the drawing room and
the Lobby into the lawn. Ram krishen was directing and helping in this work .
They also furnished both the rooms with simple carpets so that maximum number
of Mourners that were expected to visit the house in the morning could sit .
One room they prepared for the ladies and the other for Gents. Shanta ji’s body
was made to lie upon open floor with a white sheet over it . An Earthenware oil
lamp was kept burning near the body . Ram krishen brought a Bhagwat Geeta audio
CD from his house that he inserted into the CD player and switched it on to
Play mode . For Pran Nath , it was an unusual night . Instead of TV News , the
Lobby resonated with SHLOKAS from BHAGWAT GEETA . That was needed to be done
immediately.
Without informing any person , Ram Krishen went to Gian
Singh’s Provision Store nearby and bought 15 Kgs of Potatoes , 5 Kgs of P Mark
Mustard oil ,5Kgs of Pulses , 50 Kg Gunny Bag of Sharbati rice ,5 Bottles of
Rooh Afza , 5 Kgs of sugar , 10 kgs of Atta and some spices . Neither Gian
Singh asked for the money nor Ram krishen paid it as Gian singh had come to
know what had happened . He then telephoned his son sonu and told him,
“ Open our store room . There are 5 filled Gas Cylinders .
Bring one HP cylinder over here and take the empty one from this place . I have
kept the empty gas cylinder near the main gate . “
After that Ramkrishen said to Pran Nath,
“ What about the Cremation now ? It is hot and extremely
humid. You understand . Whatever had to happen has happened , now we have to
send her off in a proper manner enumerated by Shastras . Shall I fix up with a
Guru Ji ? We better go for a contract for all the days . I mean the cremation ,
immersion of Ashes ,10th day , 11th day and 12th day Samaskaara . Did Sanjay ji
call back. ? “
And at that moment , Sanjay called from Canada . Pran Nath
informed him about what had happened so suddenly. He also advised him to fly
immediately for the cremation and other rituals. Sanjay informed his father
that he shall call back after checking up everything.
Sanjay was the lone child of Pran Nath and Shanta ji. He had
been living in Canada for the last 15 years . Initially he had moved out of
India for a job in Singapore But finally he migrated to Canada and settled over
there along with his family. His wife was a teacher in a Canadian Government
school and they had two children .
After so many years , Sanjay was planning to Visit Jammu in
November to celebrate DEEWALI with his parents . He had already booked tickets
for himself and his family who were also travelling with him . He had conveyed
this to his mother in July and since then Shanta Ji had been busy buying
something or the other for the her son or his family .
A Month before her death Shanta ji had told Pran Nath ,
“ Find a day and come with me to Khajuria Jewellers at Jain
Bazar . Nirmala ji told me that he is a reasonable Gold smith. I want to Exchange
some old jewellery . Don’t worry , No fresh buying . I want to give all my gold
to Sanjay’s family in a graceful manner .This GUNUS ( Heavy snake shaped Gold
Karra ), two chains , three rings and two Katchhakars ( Golden Bangles ) that I
have kept in locker are of no use . What for do I need all this . When I die ,
you may not be able to deal with it . I shall keep a small Dejjhur , one chain
that Lakshmi’s parents have gifted to me , one ring and one Katchhakar ( Bangle
) for my use . After my death , handover the Golden chain to Lakshmi and donate
the Rest to the Shamshaan Ghat committee. This president has been collecting
donation every month for Shamshaan Ghaat( Cremation Ground ) . It needs funds .
“
Pran Nath had felt bad with this conversation but had
accompanied Shanta ji to Khajuria jewelers . Shanta ji had exchanged her old
jewellery and bought sleek Earrings for kittu ( her grand daughter ) , a gold
chain for Ranil her grandson and small almond shaped Dejhurr for Lakshmi ( Her
daughter in law ). She had also given her own Pashmeena Saree to Ghulam Nabi
Dar, a shawl trader known to them for the last 30 Years . Ghulam Nabi Dar also
kept visiting them in Jammu after the widespread militancy forced them to move
out from Kashmir valley . Shanta ji trusted Ghulam Nabi like her own brother
who in turn had made two beautiful shawls of her old Pashmeena Saree. These
maroon coloured shawls were embroidered with Tila Thread ( Golden thread ) .
Shanta ji wanted to give both the shawls to Lakshmi. For Sanjay , she had
bought a Gent’s Dussa ( Shawl Type Blanket ) from Ghulam Nabi . She had about
twenty thousand rupees with her that she saved from the money that Pran Nath
gave her for monthly Kitchen expenses . This money she had spent on all on
these purchases .
Apart from that ,she would tell Pran Nath everyday to bring
one thing or the other which she carefully stored in their Refrigerator . This
one thing or the other included , Almond kernels , Varimuth ( Black beans
consumed by Kashmiris ) and even Rice powder .
Just some days before her death , Pran Nath had asked her
“What for have you bought these Pashmeena shawls and
jewellery for children ? What is the use to them at this moment ? . “
To this she had replied ..
“ Who knows I may not live to see Ranil’s Mekhla (
Yageopavit or Sacred Thread ceremony ) or Kittu’s Marriage ? And then what is
the purpose of keeping all this in locker when it is of no use to me . You are
also paying rent for the locker. This is August now only September and October
are left . November they shall be here. I shall keep them in a Box inside this
house only . Where do I go ? . I shall hand over this Amaanat to Lakshmi. And
then You are a pensioner now . How much can you pay during these days of
inflation ? Our medicines , Telephone Bills , Electric Bill , Grocery , Maid’s
salary , Milk Seller’s Monthly Bill, Vegetables , Fruits , Gardener’s salary,
Petrol expenses and so many sudden expenditures. At least let me support you
indirectly. O God! I shall be seeing my grand children after 5 years now.
.Kittu must have grown taller now. And this naughty Ranil , I am told , uses a
Bicycle now ? I am worried for his slim physique that I saw in the photo ? Let
him stay with me for 10 days only, I shall feed him daily with Rogan Josh ,
Yakhni , Fish and tasty dishes. His father too had problems with Eggs and milk
. . I have also told Gh Nabi to bring one Box of special Ambri apples from
Kashmir before Deewali. I shall give them fresh juice every day . Let them be
here and I shall see what best I can cook for them. God ! If they speak to me
in English , how shall I understand what they want . I am sure they must be
conversing in Kashmiri . After all they are the Children of a father who
himself is so rich in Sanaskaars and family values . “
It was 11.30 PM and Pran Nath’s mobile started ringing.
Sanjay was on the line…
( …. continued ……)
( Autar Mota )
PART II
" THE FINAL
SAMASKAARA "
“ Daddy , I have booked my tickets and I shall be leaving by
early morning flight from Ottawa . I should be in India day after tomorrow. I
have a ticket for a 2.30 PM flight from New Delhi to jammu and I am told that
this is the last flight . And thereafter , From New Delhi , there are no
flights to Jammu . Let me see what best can be done to reach Jammu as early as
possible . Sushil Mahajan , My friend who resides at Trikuta Nagar Jammu , is
coming to you . The rest , he shall talk to you in detail . I have sought his
assistance till I join you . Courage Dad , You are a Great Man and I know it.”
The moment Sanjay’s call was over , Pran Nath received a
call from Shanta ji’s brother in Delhi . He informed that he had already
engaged a taxi and was about to Leave along with his wife. This was followed by
a call from Sushil Mahajan (Sanjay’s School friend ). Sushil and his brother
were on their way to Pran Nath’s house. Sushil also informed him .
“ Daddy ji , You may be knowing how distant this Canada is
from Jammu . Last time I had a worst experience when i went to Canada and
stayed with Sanjay. So tiring a journey and then you are not sure about the
arrival time of these flights . We have fifty fifty chances of Sanjay making it
to Jammu day after tomorrow before 4 PM. Let us not take a risk and put all to
inconvenience .As discussed in detail with sanjay , We need to keep Aunty in
Mortuary for the final rites . Jammu is extremely hot and humid and then we are
not sure about exact time of cremation . I am coming with the Mortuary Van and
once Sanjay arrives , we shall bring the body in half an hour . Though this is
very late time to open mortuary but I have already sounded the Mortuary
caretaker .I believe I am clear. “
That was something Pran Nath never expected . But then he
had no time to analyse merits and demerits of this decision. During the periods
of such grave crisis , one tends to go by the natural flow of events . He also
decided to go by Sushil Mahajan’s suggestion that looked practical and
supportive at that moment.
When Ram krishen heard it , he turned serious and said ,
“Is she a stranger suddenly that she cannot be kept in this
house ?That means the poor lady is to be kept in Cold storage like a vegetable
or perishable commodity . This is not our Sanatan Dharma . This is not the
proper way to conduct Final Samaskaara. This is not enumerated in our sacred
Texts and Shastras .We kashmiri Pandits do not go by these short cuts . Who
will keep her on the Grass mat in the Mortuary ? Her body needs to be kept
facing particular directions ? Who shall recite Bhagwat Geeta in the Mortuary
for her ? Who will keep the earthen lamp burning in the mortuary ? We can keep
her on Ice slabs if we have necessarily to wait for Sanjay . You should have
told Sanjay that you are performing the Final Samaskaara tomorrow and he could
have joined us for the 10th day kriya . It is not proper to shift a Dead body
from the house and then again bring it back . After all you are dealing with a
soul that has yet to attain salvation through the Kriya Karma . “
Pran Nath heard every word that Ram krishen spoke. These
words appeared reasonable to him. But he had no desire to convey his agreement
or disagreement on the issue . May be he had stopped applying merits and
demerits to suggestions at that moment . Whatever came first , he would have
agreed . Now that he had already given his consent to Sushil Mahajan , he could
not retract .
To Ram krishen he simply said ,
“ Ram krishen ji I fully agree with you. But Shanta ji was
not my wife alone . She was Sanjay’s mother also. Let Sanjay decide what is
best . I am here to facilitate his decision
. ”
“ I understand . I get it. You are right and this is not the
time for all this discussion. Fine , It is your family decision. I believe
there is a vehicle at the gate . Let me see . It must be the mortuary van” so
saying , Ram krishen came to the main gate of the house .
Sushil Mahajan and his brother had come with the Van. Sushil
Mahajan’s brother , Ram Krishen , kaanta ‘s son and Pran Nath’s brother in law
carefully lifted Shanta Ji’s body and placed it inside the Metallic trolley of
the Morturay van. In the stillness of that night , the Van sped towards
temporary parking place of Shanta ji .
It was 12.30 now. Ramkrishen sought permission to leave and
assured to come in the morning . Pran Nath also asked Kaanta and her son to
take rest and requested them to come in the morning . They lived near by.He
then told his sister and brother in law to take rest inside his bed room. His
sister Insisted that he should have something . She opened the refrigerator and
saw apples and a papaya inside .Pran Nath said ,
“ Bengaashi ( His sister’s name ) , I don’t feel like
eating. Do I need to seek permission? As and when I feel like eating , I shall
have it myself. Please take rest . It shall be a hectic day tomorrow . I shall
sleep here in the Lobby Bed “
After Bengaashi slept, for the first time in his life , Pran
Nath felt something missing in the house . For the first time in his life , he
felt that the house he had built with so much attention and care may prove a
burden now.
“ Should I sell the house and move to Canada to stay with
Sanjay’s family ? Why Not ? Sanjay will be more than happy with this decision.
Children too shall feel happy. May be Lakshmi may not like this decision; But
then she will never express it openly . I think I should not look negatively on
this issue . She has always been nice to me . No! No! I should not sell the
house . That would be the most foolish decision , if, at any point of time , I
decide to come back . where to go then ? The house needs to be protected as a
memorial of Shanta ji and not to be sold even if I stay anywhere . And then
what shall I do over there . Who knows me in Canada ? Even if Lakshmi has no
problem with my presence in her family , I may feel cut off at this stage of
life . Can i ask freely for my repeated Tea cups , Choice dishes and other
things from Lakshmi the way I used to ask from Shanta ji ? A Women may adjust
in a joint family after the death of her husband but a man can not do so after
the death of his wife . I believe everyone has these issues and i can’t be an
exception. O God! Why do I think of these issues at this moment . Time shall
take care of every thing.
And then these New concrete houses that we build , have a
brief life span. Not like our old houses where families lived and flourished
for centuries. At the most, these structures provide time bound utility to the
generation that builds them. This too for a part period of their lives .
Thereafter these structures turn sick even if regularly put to repairs and
renovation. And Once children grow and leave for their professional courses and
subsequent jobs , a whiff of loneliness starts spreading on these walls and
floors . The noise , laughs and prattle that children create suddenly changes
into silence that rules like a dictator . But then the woman in the house keeps
the kitchen fire burning which actively engages the remaining inhabitants. May
be that burning fire wards off loneliness and desperation in one way or the
other. Who shall ask me to bring vegetables now ?
Who shall wait for me at the dining Table ? The feasts and
fasts within this house are over now . Will Kaanta resume her work in this
house ?
This woman Shanta ji , from an unknown family , a total
stranger , came to my life 40 years back and became a major factor for unity
and strength in this household. For me she knitted a compact circle of
relatives and well wishers and nurtured this field with her attention ,
affection and care .
Does a wife become mother finally ? I believe so .
She had been looking after me like my mother Raajrani .
Cooking for me, washing my clothes , looking after me in my sickness and then
standing like a rock to protect me from any Emotional onslaught.
If Sanjay has decided to come all the way from Canada , it
is because of the sanskaars which his mother passed on to him. What lay there
in me for him to get inspired ? I have possibly been careless to my family .
Wasn’t I more bothered about my office and bosses ? O God ! How mean of me . ”
His mind was in a great whirlpool of thoughts. These
thoughts kept flooding his mind . He felt restless but did not feel like
smoking .
“ let this flood wash me fresh . Let this tide sweep my
being .I should not suppress it by smoking .” he thought this as he opened the
door of the refrigerator to drink water .
He then tiptoed to his bed room to close the door that had
been kept open . Bengaashi was snoring while his brother in law was in deep
sleep .
“ Doesn’t he get disturbed ? Does familiar noise work like
soft jingle bells that could lull you to sleep ? He must have slept first and
thereafter Bengaashi must have started snoring . This man is careless about
this sister of mine . I am told that this snoring is medically treatable .
There must be some cause for this condition . O! Why do I think on these issues
at this moment ? For me , there are thousands of issues that shall surface as
more critical now . “
Thinking so ,he felt confused .
Outside his house , nothing but dead silence prevailed . A
stray Dog bark or a distant vehicle horn tore the stillness of this unusual
night for Pran Nath . It was 1 o’clock now. This was the time when Shanta ji
would generally get up from her sleep to have a glass of water. She would
invariably pull up the white sheet over Pran Nath’s body so as to cover it
completely. Pran Nath had a bad habit of changing poses in sleep and
inadvertently throwing the white sheet away from his body. She would also adjust
the Fan regulator keeping it one step below the top speed at that time of the
night. Some times she would say to her husband ..
“ Treish Maa Tcheiyiv ? Would you like to have water ?”
Feeling restless ,Pran Nath went inside the kitchen and saw
that Shanta ji had kept two vegetable Bowls near the Microwave . She had cooked
Bamatchoonth Ta Waangun (Brinjals and Quince fruit ) and Daal Nadur ( Moong Dal
with Lotus stems ) . The knob of the rice cooker had come to warm position
automatically after the rice got well cooked inside . He switched off the power
supply and kept the vegetable bowls inside the refrigerator. He was undecided
as to how he should deal with the cooked rice at that moment .
Thereafter he went to the roof top and found that the water
in the overhead supply tanks was almost at bottom level.
“ We need the water in the house . Many people are likely to
visit wash rooms tomorrow. I must lift it this very moment from the underground
storage tank. This electric supply is also not reliable in Jammu . And then
this Electric Motor is so noiseless and powerful . Just 45 Minutes more and i
shall take some rest ” He said to himself.
As he stood on the roof watching the water filling the upper
supply tank, he looked at the small Chinar tree that shanta ji had planted in
their lawn. The tree had poor growth but looked pretty green and magnificent .
Such trees may survive in alien lands but they grow and flourish in their
native areas only .Shanta Ji knew this simple fact but she was fond of these
Chinar trees. She had paid three hundred rupees to the gardener for this Chinar
sapling. The Guava tree was full of ripe Guavas . The marigolds in the flower
beds below looked sullen in moonlight .Shanta ji would be after the their
Gardener for proper care and of flower beds .Though the Gardener’s salary was
just 200 rupees per month , he took about 600 rupees extra every month from
Shanta ji for the flower saplings , Manures and insect sprays that he got for
the lawn . Every day Shanta ji would pluck three or four Marigold flowers for
her morning Pooja.
“ Shall this chinar , Guava tree and these marigold flowers
Go waste now ?Unlike the wild vegetation, these Garden plants grow under the
care and attention of a human being only ? ”
After coming down from the roof top, Pran Nath opened the
drawer of the Lobby Almirah to look for the family Album for a suitable
photograph of Shanta ji. He also decided to prepare a draft of the Obituary
intimation to be got published in the News paper .As he leafed through the
album pages , every photograph came alive with connected event . Shanta ji as
bride, Birth of sanjay , Sanjay’s Yageopavit , sanjay's marriage , Shanta Ji
Dancing in Sanjay’s Mehndiraat , Shanta Ji with sanjay’s family and So many
marriages of close relations that Shanta ji had attended . This Album leafing
had some relieving effect on him.
When he got up , it was 4.30 AM . Life had just woken up in
Jammu . The vegetable sellers had started carrying their loads to the wholesale
Mandis of the city . Horse driven Carts, Pickup Vans , Auto rickshaws were
speeding through the well lit vacant roads . For him , it was a different
morning. Noiseless and silent . But very shortly , the noise of the Mourners
was about to crack the stillness of his house . He was restless but had to wait
.
( ……. continued … )
( Autar Mota )
PART III
“THE FINAL SAMASKAARA “
At 8 AM Shanta ji’s brother and his wife arrived from Delhi
. They declared their presence by Mournful Shrieks the moment they stepped
inside Pran Nath’s the house . Bengaashi moved forward to console Sheela ( wife
of Shanta Ji’s brother ). Shanta Ji’s Brother also cried ,
“ Ye kossa Traeth Peyyii Aessi ? Why has this lightning
struck us ?”
While Pran Nath was narrating to them how suddenly it all
happened , kaanta and her son arrived and hurried towards the Kitchen.
Bengaashi guided them as to how and what they should do . Bengaashi also
advised Pran Nath to take his bath and sit in the room prepared for the Male
mourners who were expected to pour in shortly . She also gave similar advice to
Shanta ji’s brother and his wife sheela .
Groups of mourners kept visiting Pran Nath right from the
morning to express their condolences . Relatives , Neighbours , Friends and
acquaintances poured into the rooms prepared for mourners . Male Shoes and
ladies sandals kept outside at the room entry directed the mourners to
respective rooms . The mourners would Sit in silence for some time and then
pick up some communication threads .
Ram Krishen also sat close by for the whole day . Many times
, he would give his final Punch lines in these discussions. …
“ Yi Guv Mahraa Mahaa Kaal . Baakaai Gayyii Bahaan’a . Vaenn
Chha Heimatt Heann.Yi Chhuv Na Vuchhaan Raathh Ha Saa ardaah Vuhur Jawaan Guvv
Matadoruss Tal . Garrie draav Tutionuss.Traeth Tchheinin Maaliss ta Maaejji “
“ This is Mahaa-kaal sir .The rest are causes . Now one has
to be courageous. Don’t you know yesterday’s Matador accident that killed a
young boy of 18 years. The poor boy had gone for his Tuition classes . See what
a tragedy befell his parents “
Some times one could misunderstand these mourners . They
behaved more like gossip mongers than real sympathizers .Once a mourner settled
with initial expression of sorrow and sympathy , he would not hesitate to start
a discussion on current Political situation or newspaper headlines .One by one
these mourners would seek permission to leave while others kept entering . Some
went closer to Pran Nath seeking to know if he needed any specific help. Some
sought to know the date and place for performing of 10th Day ritual .
Kaanta”s son kept serving cold water and Rooh Afza drinks to
all .Two Pedestal fans were also placed inside the rooms to keep them airy and
cool.
It was 2 PM now and the mourners had left leaving Pran
Nath’s family alone. Bengaashi immediately asked kaanta to start serving lunch
. She told her ,
“ Balaai lajjiss Baisahabuss (Pran Nath ) Yu Chhu Raata
Pyaathaa Faakaai . Zinda Zuvuss chhaa Kenh Vaataanaavun. Karivv Jal jal. Pakaan
Aasun “
“ It pains me to see Baisahab ( Pran Nath ). He has not eaten
anything since yesterday. To Live something has to be eaten . Finish up with
this lunch business now . People must be coming ’
Reluctantly , everybody ate simple Rice and Daal that Kaanta
had prepared after washing all the utensils and collecting fresh water from the
PHE supply tap.
Ram Krishen also went to his house nearby to have lunch with
his family .After he returned , he found Pran Nath fast asleep in the room.
Pran Nath had probably felt a little comfortable with the food that he had
after almost 24 hours .Ram Krishen did not disturb him but went to lobby where
other family members were taking their meals while Kaanta and her son were
serving them . Ram Krishen then turned towards Bengaashi ,
“ What are the children doing ?”
“ Seema ( Daughter) is married and settled in London while
Abhishek ( Son ) is serving in IBM Bangaluru . Now my worry is only His
marriage and then we plan to go to Haridwar . We have bought a one room Flat
over there. It is exactly on the banks of river Ganga . May be just 2 kms away
from Har Ki Pauri “
“ What are your children doing ?”
“ I have already married my Daughter and she is settled in
Ghaziabad with her husband who is Manager in a Private company . They have a
parental house and he is the only child . Sonu , my son has completed BE from
Pune and was serving with TCS at Mumbai. He resigned from the job and has
appeared in some competitive Examination . These children know better what they
have to do. He says that he has to do some Masters . I do not know what is that
.His mother is so happy to see him around . Left to me , I would like him to
take up some employment in the State Government or go for KAS so that he could
remain nearby .His mother is a sugar patient and I have also retired now . I
would like him to get married as early as possible and settle with his own
family. This house and this New car that I bought can at least be put to some
use if he is around. He does not discuss his future career nor do I insist . I
am happy that he is with us . ”
“ Very Social and affectionate like his father . He has come
three four times since morning for help and support to us “ Added Bengaashi .
Some male mourners then entered the room. Ram krishen rushed
to awaken Pran Nath.It was hot and Humid . Bengaashi asked kaanta to serve the
mourners cold water and Rooh Afza Drinks .Thereafter she advised Kaanta and her
son to eat while she went to the room where lady mourners were expected to
arrive .
The lady mourners had a different method of expressing their
grief. Some wept , others cried loudly some just took out their Handkerchiefs
and started wiping their dry eyes and sighing and making sad facial expressions
. They discussed Lakshmi and her parents who resided in Singapore .
Some ladies said,
“ Lakshmi should have come with her husband . After all
Shanta ji was her mother in law .”
Some women also discussed the mode , method and suitable day
for Chhallun (washing clothes after death in the family ) , Hontch ( Ashotch or
uncleanness created by death ) , Punn-Daav ( Symbolic Thread to be tied to ears
by ladies after death in the family ) , Ritch Vaar ( Good day during mourning
period ), Teel Dyunn ( Deep Daan ritual after death in the family ), Maasvaar (
Monthly ritual after the death ) , Shadd’moss ( six monthly ritual after the death
),
Tarpan Ritual and so many other rituals of Kashmiri
Pandits .
As and when any close relation of the would enter the ladies
room , the women in mourning would start symbolic expression of grief till the
incoming mourner settled down .
The rooms were busy with mourners for the full day . Pran
Nath had no time to go to washroom or toilet. The unending stream of mourners
kept him tied to a place in the room for almost full day .
Next day there was a crowd of mourners . People expected
Sanjay to arrive and Samskaara to be performed . That made everyone to visit
the family. Men had to sit outside open chairs as the room for male mourners
was packed to capacity .
It was at 1 PM next day when Pran Nath received a call from
Sanjay . Sanjay had reached Delhi and was waiting to board his Jammu flight .
After sanjay ‘s call. Pran Nath received a call from Sushil Mahajan . Sushil
probably had a detailed discussion with Sanjay the moment he landed in Delhi .
“ Daddy ji , Sanjay shall be in the house at 4.45 PM maximum.
So you be prepared for that . I am coming at 4.00 PM along with the body and
Shastri Ji . We shall be performing Anteshti ( Cremation ) Samaskaara by Vedic
method as Sanjay shall be here only for five days .I have also talked to
Shastri Ji from Arya Samaj. My brother shall be bringing him to your house at
about 3 PM along with all the requisite SAMAGRI ( items needed for the
Cremation). He shall also bring loose Fresh flowers and some garlands . You
just get the Wooden Bier collected from the Cremation Ground near your house .
Leave the rest to me. I also need to speak to Your neighbor Ram krishen Ji, if
possible.”
Ram krishen also spoke to Sushil Mahajan and carefully
listened to all that he said. The moment he dropped Sushil Mahajan’s call , he
turned to Pran nath ,
“ So we are not performing the final Samskaara by Sanatan
Dharma way or by Our age old customs . He has already decided to conduct the
cremation by Arya Samaj way. Just Four days and all is over . He will do
Cremation today followed by immersion of ashes tomorrow and then a Hawan and
Shanti Paath on fourth day. That is all. No Pind Daan rituals . No Shraada . No
10th day , 11th day and 12th day . What about the Maasvaars and other rituals?
Will her soul get peace and liberation by these short cuts ? How time has
changed for us . Now we are going for the Uthaala and Rasam Pagri . So let me
go to the temple and get the Bier. “
It was sharp 3 PM when Sushil Mahajan’s brother brought
Shastri ji from Arya Samaj along with the requisite Samagri ( items needed for
cremation ) and flowers . Ram krishen had already brought the Bier and out of
sheer curiosity, he opened the SAMAGRI bag. He was surprised to find a Desi
ghee tin of 5 kgs along with about 1 Kg of sandal wood sticks and dry fruits
.Before he could say anything , Shastri Ji from Arya Samaj requested every body present to come closer and listen to him just for five minutes. And
then Shastri ji said,
“ Have you decided to perform Anteshti by Arya Samaj method
? There should be no controversy or doubt over it as most of the kashmiri
Pandits think that the Samaskaara ( Ritual ) performed by Arya Samaj Methd is
not as per Sanatan Dharma and as such have some misgivings about it .I need to
clarify this to all of you so that you understand things in proper perspective.
As per our ancient Texts or Vedas we need to perform 16
Samaskaaras . These arte GARBHDAAN ( performed for the continuation of human
race on the planet ), PUNSAVAN ( performed after Pregnancy for the physical
growth of the child), SIMANTONNAYAN ( performed after 6th months of pregnancy
for the mental growth of the child ), JATKARAM ( performed to welcome the child
to the family), NAMKARAN ( performed to give the child a suitable name ),
NISHAKARMAN( performed when the child is of four months . The child is taken
out Ji of the house and given exposure to nature ) , ANNA PRAASHAN ( offering
first solid food to the child ), MUNDAN ( shaving the head of the child ),
KARNAVEDH (Piercing lower ear lobes of the child ), UPANAYAN ( Yageopavit or
janew or sacred thread ceremony ), VIDYA AARAMBH ( starting the education of
the child ) SAMAVARTAN ( preparing the child to shoulder responsibility
independently ), VIVAAH ( marriage ), VAANPRASTH( passing on family
responsibility to children . this is done after the age of fifty ), SANYAASA (
withdrawing from family life and shifting to self realization and meditation)
and finally ANTESHTI ( The last and final samaskaara performed at death )
ANTESHTI is the last and most important Samaskaara performed
so that the five elements that this Human body is composed of return to their
origin while the soul remains immortal.
Our Vedic Samaj believes in performing the cremation in a
proper way like a HOMA to purify any impurity created by the death . That is
why we use pure Items like GHEE and SANDAL WOOD . Many kashmiri pundits are
surprised when I perform Anteshti by Vedic way. We Arya samajis collect the
ashes next day for immersion in a river . This is followed by a HOMA on fourth
day inside the house wherein VEDIC Mantras are recited . Nothing after the
Shanti-Paath is over. You may feed poor and destitute on that day and start
your normal activity . We do not perform Pinda Daan etc. But Arya Samaj
believes that if some one meant so much to us , We should not forget him
altogether . Accordingly , once in a year , a day is reserved for the ancestors
and a Homa is again performed on that day with recitation of VEDIC Mantras .
Arya samaaj believes in cherishing the memory of the deceased rather than
suffering in his memory both physically and financially . This is how our
saints and sages performed the final Samaskaara . Why are kashmiri Pundits not
accepting it when their society direly needs it. They are scattered all over
within the country and outside it as well. Even one family is scattered .
Children do not live with their parents . Your children rush from various
corners of the globe for this final Samaskaara . Can they leave their work for
15 days ? I am not against the way you do your rituals . After all these are
being done as per SANTAN DHARMA .But this method of performing rituals will
vanish with this generation. So do you agree to my performing the ANTESHTI by Arya samaj way over here ?”
Every one was impressed with this lecture of Shastri ji.
Pran Nath nodded his head in agreement.. Ram Krishen was silent .Ladies started
side talks and then Shastri ji , sushil Mahajan’s brother and Ram krishen
started decorating the funeral Bier with flowers and garlands .
Sushil Mahajan brought Shanta ji’s body from the Mortuary
exactly at 4 PM and left for Air port to receive Sanjay.
Shanta ji’s body lay Stiff , cold and pale .The ladies gave
it a bath with lukewarm water and kept reciting the Sanskrit shloka ..
“ Khshantavyo Meparaadha . Shiv Shiv Shiv Bho , Shri Mahadev
Shambho “
Thereafter the women put the coffin over Shanta ji’s body
after closing all the exit points like ears , nose , mouth , eyes and Urine and
excreta etc .Bengaashi kept one golden finger ring with the body and removed
rest of the gold ornaments delivering them to Pran Nath .
Sanjay and Sushil arrived at 5 PM. The August sun was still
hot and humid . Sanjay was Under jetlag but kept erect and calm. He touched his
mother’s feet and bowed in silence and moved away allowing shastri ji to finish
.That was all he did. Ram krishen expected him weep or burst in emotions. At
that moment ,Pran Nath felt tired and was possibly thinking
“Does death disconnect ? Is human relation linked with mind
and not the Body ? Obviously A mind that no longer exists has no relations or
links whatsoever .To reconnect with body alone is to invite terror and fright
.”
Pran Nath ,Sheela and Bengaashi put a shawl over the Bier
carrying Shanta ji . Pran Nath also put a shawl over the Bier that Ram Krishen
had purchased and handed over confidentially to Bengaashi.
As they decided to lift the Bier ,Ram Krishen intervened and
said ,
“ Shastri ji , Wait for 10 minutes . Let us perform the
final Vishnu Astuti before we depart for cremation “
And then Ram Krishen made every one to recite Vishnu Astuti
in sanskrit. Together they recited
.
“ jai Naryan Jai Purshotam
Jai Vaaman Kanssaare…
Udhar Maamsuresh Vinaashan
Patitoham Sansaare…
Goram Harmum narakiripo
keshav Kalmash Bhaaram
Maan Anukampaya Deenam Anaatham,
………….. Kuru Bhav Saagar Paaram ..
…………..Kuru Bhav Saagar Paaram“
Next day , A Notice in the newspaper informed every relation
and family friends in Jammu about the Shanti Paath on 4th day .After the Shanti
Paath was over , Sanjay had some time to talk to his father .
“ What do you plan daddy Now ? Are you satisfied with this
Arya samaj ritual ? In case not , I have no issue if you go for 10th day and
all other rituals but I have to leave day after tomorrow. I have some official
commitments that need my presence . I shall be immediately transferring about
3000 Canadian Dollars which is about 1.50 Lakh Indian rupees in your account
that you may need .Apart from that ,I would be happy to see you with us in
Canada as soon as you can manage. I shall be worried about your welfare now. I
have also told Sushil Mahajan for a Cashless Medical Insurance policy for you.
He will himself do it and you need not pay him. I shall settle myself. That is
very important. Please stop driving this Scooter now . Drive car only . Your
reflexes are not as sharp as they used to be when we were kids and then this
two wheeler is always risky. You must keep your activity schedule . I believe
this woman Kaanta is ideal support . Let her continue . I shall fix up wither
for cooking your Lunch and breakfast . Even if she charges 4000 rupees per month , we
have to go in for that . I may send you monthly about 400 Canadian dollars
which is about 20000 Indian rupees . I believe that is fine . Bengaashi is also
here and I think things shall get managed for some time . But I want you to
come over to Canada finally.”
Pran Nath felt relieved with these words of affection and
care . For the first time in his life , his son had talked so intimately with
genuine concern . Ram krishen’s eyes were moist He felt like weeping.
He felt
like smoking at that moment . To himself he said ,
“These human Tears are a strange phenomenon. They trickle
down more with sudden happiness than pain or grief . And how strange , this
sudden happiness makes you to weep and smile at the same moment . “
About three months after Sanjay had left for Canada , I
visited Pran Nath’s House with a prospective Tenant who was a Bank officer.
Pran Nath had requested me for getting a suitable tenant ( for his house ) who
would execute a lease agreement and who had a transferable government Job. I
found Ram krishen in the house and he appeared in low spirits . He was perhaps
discussing something serious with Pran Nath . Looking at me , he decided to
leave and sought permission from Pran Nath .
When he left , Pran Nath turned to
me and said ,
“ Don’t you know Autar Ji what has happened ?
“ What has happened ?”I said
“ This poor Ram Krishen also faces my fate now. His son Sonu
left for Sweden in September . Sonu had cleared GRE with a very good rank and
accordingly got admission in Masters course for two years on hundred Percent
scholarship. This sudden development has totally unnerved poor Ram krishen . He
was asking for Telephone Number of Arya Samaj Shastri Ji. He wants to write a
will and mention Shastri ji as executor of the will . He is very serious to
ensure that his FINAL SAMASKAARA is performed by Arya Samaaj Method only . ”
(……….. Concluded … Autar Mota )
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.
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