Why Was the Body of S. P. Balasubramaniam Buried?

S. P. Balasubramaniam, a revered singer from India, followed a unique tradition that goes beyond the conventional Hindu practice of cremation. This article delves into the reasons behind his burial, the significance of non-cremation rituals, and how they relate to the broader cultural and religious practices in Hinduism.

The Niyogi Brahmins and SP Balasubramaniam

S. P. Balasubramaniam belonged to the Niyogi Brahmin community, a subgroup within the larger Brahmin caste. The Niyogis are known for their adherence to certain subsect practices, one of which is the practice of burial rather than cremation for their deceased. This tradition is rooted in a belief that the body should be treated with utmost respect and that the soul transitions to higher realms after death.

A Unique Memorial for the Late SP Balasubramaniam

The funeral of SP Balasubramaniam was a poignant example of the unique rituals associated with non-cremation. Upon death, the body of a Brahmin like SP Balasubramaniam is traditionally not cremated. Instead, it is gently placed in a specially dug pit, reflecting a deep respect for the body. A pit is prepared according to the height of the deceased, and the body is lowered into it carefully.

To symbolize the transition and reverence, betel nut leaves are placed near the head of the body, etched with the sacred mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Sandalwood paste and vermillion (kumkum) are then applied to key parts of the body, including the top of the head, forehead, neck, center of the ribcage, and both shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Finally, vibhuti (holy ash) is spread over the body, along with salt soil and vibhuti packets, sealing the tomb.

The SP Balasubramaniam Connection: Personal Experience as an Aradhya Brahmin

As an individual with the surname Mallampalli, which is also an Aradhya Brahmin community, the burial of SP Balasubramaniam holds personal significance. My father, who passed away in 2018 on Shri Ram Navami, was laid to rest in a similar manner. The process of performing these rituals was deeply emotional, with a profound sense of loss that can never be replaced.

Following the tradition, my father was considered to be in union with Lord Shiva upon his death, making him Shiva Putra Upen. This title reflects a sense of spiritual transition, emphasizing a new identity in the afterlife.

The Broader Context: Cultural and Religious Significance of Non-Cremation

It is not uncommon for certain castes or subsects within Hinduism to follow non-cremation rituals. For instance, the Aradhya Brahmins, like the Niyogis, have specific customs that deviate from the norm. This practice is not without its reasoning and symbolism.

Around the world, different cultures have adapted their funeral practices in response to the environment and ethical considerations. Some, like the Jains, choose not to cremate in order to retain the nutrients from the body, which can be returned to the earth through organic means. Others, such as the Parsis, practice a form of sky burial, placing the body in the open for vultures to consume.

The underlying motif in these practices is the idea of a cyclical relationship with nature. Death is seen as a return to the earth, a form of reparation for the nutrients taken from the earth during life. This practice serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death. It also reinforces the importance of living a 'good' life, one that acknowledges the impermanence of physical existence and the value of spiritual and material possessions as borrowed from the world.

However, in today's world, these nuances are often lost, and rituals are followed more out of tradition than reflection. Yet, understanding the reasons behind such practices deepens our appreciation for the rich cultural and religious diversity within Hinduism and across all communities that embrace such traditions.