The body was never found (accident, disaster, missing). How do we do the last rites?

the rites are done with a symbolic body made of kuśa grass or palāśa twigs; they are complete and valid.

Tradition foresaw this sorrow. When the body cannot be recovered — after a flood, fire, accident at sea or a long disappearance — the priest prepares an effigy (putalā) from kuśa grass or palāśa twigs, invokes the departed into it with mantras, and cremates it with the usual rites. All the following rites, from the daily offerings to the 13th day, then proceed as normal.

For a person who is missing, families often wait for some time before doing this; many priests mention a waiting period of several years, but in practice families decide together with the priest, often once legal death is declared. Some families add Nārāyaṇa bali for a sudden or untimely death.

Please do not fear that the departed is “left without rites”. Your sincere offering, done with love, reaches them. If your situation is specific, Ask Chiluka.

Source: Garuḍa Purāṇa; Dharmasindhu (effigy rite)

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