Garuda Purana by Devdutt Pattanaik
Garuda Purana by Devdutt Pattanaik explores Hindu post-death rituals, ancestor worship, and the cycle of rebirth without being a rigid, literal translation of the original text. Instead, it serves as an introductory and sociological overview rather than an academic translation. The book answers cultural questions, such as why bodies are cremated, and explains terms like preta, bhuta, and vetala.
As the title suggests, the focus is on the Garuda Purana, which describes the journey of the spirit after it leaves the body and explains why complex funeral rituals are considered necessary.
According to the Garuda Purana, these rituals are essential because the preta (departed spirit) must leave the earthly realm, cross the Vaitarni River, and eventually become a pitr (ancestor). Unless a Brahmin performs the antyeshti (last rites) and shraddha ceremonies, the preta is believed to remain in the world of the living. This is considered undesirable because it may become a bhuta (ghost) and torment the living. The Purana also states that those who die while traveling, in accidents, or during epidemics and famines wait in cremation grounds, hoping that their families will remember them and perform the requisite rituals. Until this is done, they cannot reach the land of the dead. Most ghosts are believed to be temporary residents who eventually make their way to Yama's realm, but some are said to remain behind and trouble the living.
This is why the funeral rituals prescribed in the Garuda Purana are meant to calm the preta and help it move on. Public ceremonies for the dead are encouraged so that even strangers, the forgotten and nameless dead, beggars, orphans, widows, and those whose rites have not been performed may also find peace. All is considered well only after the preta reaches the land of the dead and becomes a pitr.
The book further discusses numerous mythological stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and other religious traditions to explore the philosophy of death in greater depth.
Pattanaik also draws parallels between the tales of the vetala in India and the djinn in Arabia, noting that many scholars believe such stories spread through ancient trade routes. Ultimately, the stories surrounding death are not so much for those who have departed as they are for the living, helping them accept the cycle of life.
As Pattanaik concludes: "We also need to accept that different cultures have different stories. Conflict takes place when one story is privileged over others, when RIP (Rest in Peace) is assumed to be more real than TIP (Travel in Peace). No scientist, mystic, or philosopher knows what really happens after we die. But to live enthusiastically, we need a story about death. And to be at peace, we must accept that others may not agree with our story because they have a story of their own."
The only downside of the book is that some sections feel repetitive. Once I finished reading it, I felt that certain ideas had been repeated several times, and the book could easily have been condensed into a more concise read of around 100 pages. Nevertheless, I would still give this book a 5-star rating.