Is cremation in an electric or gas crematorium acceptable?

yes — the rites are done with mantras and a symbolic fire; the method of burning does not reduce their value.

The heart of antyeṣṭi is offering the body to Agni with prayer. A wooden pyre is the traditional way, but in cities, abroad and during monsoons, electric and gas crematoriums are now common, and many priests support them. They also save wood and reduce smoke.

What is usually done: the priest performs the preparatory rites, piṇḍa offerings and prayers before the body enters the chamber. The kartā touches a lit camphor, lamp or small torch to the mouth area or offers it symbolically at the chamber door — this is the mukhāgni. Some crematoriums allow the family to press the start button as part of the rite.

Ask the crematorium beforehand how much time you will have for rituals, whether ghee and camphor are allowed, and when the ashes can be collected. The later rites — asthi, the 10th, 12th and 13th day — remain the same.

Source: common practice; accepted by most priests today

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