Why did God take them so young? How do we make sense of an untimely death?

there is no easy answer; the tradition offers karma, the soul's longer journey and God's presence in grief — not blame.

When a child, a young spouse or a friend in their prime dies, “why?” has no answer that removes the pain. Be wary of anyone who explains it too neatly, especially as punishment for someone's sins. The law of karma is real in Hindu thought, but it works across many lives and is beyond our judgement; it is never a reason to blame the person or the family.

The tradition offers other lights. The Gītā teaches that the self is eternal and its journey is longer than one life. The Mahābhārata tells of Yudhiṣṭhira at the lake, asked what is most astonishing, who answers that people see others die every day yet live as if they will not — a call to cherish each other now.

It is also okay to be angry with God; devotees have always argued with Him. Let your grief be honest, accept care from others, and seek counselling if it becomes too heavy.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā ch. 2; Mahābhārata (Yakṣa-praśna)

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