My parent died in hospital, not at home — can we still do the rites properly?

yes, completely — the place of death does not spoil the rites; begin with prayer wherever you are.

Many families feel guilty that a loved one died in an ICU, away from the floor, the lamp and the Gaṅgā water of tradition. Please let go of that guilt. The texts describe ideals, but the rites that follow are what carry the departed forward, and they can be done fully.

In the hospital room, if allowed, you can softly chant God's name, place a tulsī leaf or a drop of Gaṅgā water on the lips, and sit quietly for a few minutes. Then finish the paperwork — the death certificate and body release — calmly.

The body can be brought home for a short while for the family's farewell, or taken directly to the cremation ground if that is easier; both are accepted. Many priests do the bathing and dressing at the cremation ground itself. If the body must stay overnight in a hospital mortuary, that is also fine.

Source: common family practice

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