Garuda Purana Explained: The Hidden Reason Behind the Hindu Belief of Not Looking Back After a Funeral

In Hindu philosophy, life and death are not viewed as beginnings and endings but as parts of an eternal cycle — the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Among the sixteen samskaras or sacred rites that mark different stages of human life, the Antyeshti Sanskar — or the last rites — holds a place of deep spiritual importance. The Garuda Purana, one of Hinduism’s major Puranic texts, offers profound insights into the mysteries surrounding death and the journey of the soul. One particular tradition mentioned in this scripture often raises curiosity — why are mourners advised not to look back after performing a funeral?

Symbolism of the Funeral in Hinduism

According to Hindu belief, a funeral is not merely a ritual of farewell but a sacred passage that enables the departed soul to transition from the earthly realm to the spiritual one. The cremation marks the body’s return to nature — to the five elements: earth (prithvi), water (jal), fire (agni), air (vayu), and space (akash). The Garuda Purana explains that when the body is consigned to the flames, the soul detaches itself and begins its journey toward the next world, guided by the deeds of its past life (karma).

The purpose of every funeral ritual — from lighting the pyre to offering pind daan — is to ensure the peaceful release of the soul and to help it progress toward liberation (moksha). However, ancient texts caution that certain human actions, even those made unconsciously, can create obstacles in the soul’s path. One such act is turning back to look at the cremation ground after leaving it.

The Spiritual Meaning of Not Looking Back

The Garuda Purana explains that after cremation, the soul of the deceased remains close to the cremation site for a short time. It observes its relatives and loved ones, often lingering out of attachment and emotional connection. When mourners, while leaving the site, look back, the soul may interpret this as a sign that they are calling it back or not ready to let go.

This attachment, known in Hindu philosophy as moh, prevents the soul from moving forward on its spiritual journey. It binds the spirit to the material world and delays its passage to the next realm. Therefore, the custom of not turning back serves a deep symbolic and spiritual purpose — it signifies the act of letting go, allowing the soul to find peace and freedom.

A Psychological and Cultural Perspective

Beyond its religious meaning, this tradition also has a psychological aspect. Death is a moment of intense emotion and grief, and the act of walking away without looking back represents acceptance. It helps family members begin the process of emotional detachment, symbolizing their trust that the departed has now moved on to a better existence.

Moreover, in ancient times, practical reasons were also linked to this practice. Cremation grounds were considered places of powerful energies — both spiritual and negative. Looking back or lingering there was thought to attract those energies or disturb the balance of the mind during a vulnerable moment.

A Lesson in Detachment and Faith

In essence, the Garuda Purana teaches that the practice of not looking back after a funeral is not about superstition, but about compassion — both for the living and for the dead. It is a spiritual reminder that while love and memories endure, attachment must end so that both the soul of the deceased and the hearts of the mourners can find peace.

By walking away without turning back, the living express their final act of love — releasing the soul from worldly ties. This ritual reflects one of the deepest truths of Hindu philosophy: that everything in this universe is temporary, and the soul’s ultimate journey is toward liberation, beyond the cycle of birth and death.