Hindu funeral rites: Why cotton is placed in nostrils and ears

Hindu funeral traditions prescribe several strict rituals and practices associated with last rites, with one of the most significant being the placement of cotton in the nostrils, ears and mouth of the deceased immediately after the soul departs the body.

According to the Garuda Purana, a key Hindu scriptural text dealing with funeral rites and the afterlife, this practice serves important spiritual and practical purposes. The text outlines detailed procedures for handling the deceased to ensure proper transition to the next phase of existence.

Beyond religious tradition, practitioners and scholars point to scientific rationale behind the custom. The placement of cotton is believed to prevent bodily fluids from seeping out of the body's natural openings during the funeral process and cremation. This serves both hygienic and dignified purposes during the handling and transportation of the deceased.

The practice reflects the intersection of spiritual beliefs and practical considerations that characterize many Hindu funeral customs. These rituals, some dating back thousands of years, continue to be observed by Hindu families across India and the diaspora as essential elements of the final farewell and the deceased's spiritual journey.