A family member died by suicide. Are the rites different, and how do we cope?

the rites are done with full love and dignity — often with an added Nārāyaṇa bali; the person deserves compassion, not judgement.

Losing someone to suicide brings a heavy, complicated grief — shock, guilt, anger and endless “what ifs”. Please know that it was not your failure. Suicide is most often the result of overwhelming pain or illness, and the person deserves compassion, not blame. Some old texts discouraged rites in such cases, but in practice families and priests today perform the full last rites, śrāddha and tarpaṇa, often adding Nārāyaṇa bali for an untimely death as an extra prayer for peace. Your loved one is not excluded from God's grace.

Do not hide the death in shame, and do not let relatives speak harshly. Lean on those who love you, and consider a support group or counsellor for those who are left behind.

If you yourself are struggling or having thoughts of ending your life, please reach out now — in India, call Tele-MANAS at 14416, or speak to someone you trust. You are not alone.

Help in India: Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24×7) · Source: Garuḍa Purāṇa (Nārāyaṇa bali); present-day practice

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