The expression Antam is derived from the words Ant and Tamaan and means death, or the completion of life.
- Ant - The last or final moment, completion, the end of life, death.
- Taman - To finish, to come to an end.
Antam Sanskaar is the term used for a funeral or cremation ceremony in Sikhism. Cremation is the recommended method for disposal of the body of a deceased Sikh. If circumstances do not allow for cremation, any other practical method deemed necessary is permissible. Funeral services may be held:
- At the site of an open funeral pyre.
- At a mortuary or crematory.
- During the scattering of ashes of the loved one at a location chosen by relatives.
Funeral services include:
- Recitation of Kirtan Sohila, the final prayer of the day in Sikhism which is performed before just prior to sleeping.
- Offering of Ardas, the Sikh prayer of petition.
Customarily a full reading of Guru Granth Sahib is conducted performed on behalf of a departed soul by family and friends. If help is needed, proficient readers may be employed. Ideally the reading is to be completed within ten days, but may be extended for convenience sake. However after ten days the mourning period formally comes to a close.
"Ant kaal naaraainn simrai aisee chintaa meh jae marai||
At the last moment, one who remembers the divine Lord dies in such thoughts.
Badat Tilochan tae nar muktaa peetanbar vaa kae ridai basai ||5||2||
Trilochan declares that one shall be liberated and the Lord’s light shall abide in his heart." ||5||2|| SGGS||526
