Why Do Hindus Say Sadgati When A Person Dies And Not RIP? Meaning and Significance

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Hindu rituals carry specific significance during the birth, life and death of an individual. There are numerous Hindu rituals associated with the death of a Hindu. Of the Hindu death rituals, saying or using the term 'Sadgati' when a person dies is of paramount importance. Alternatively, Hindus use the word 'Om Shanthi' as well.

The meaning of Sadgati

Sadgati is a Sanskrit term, using the words 'Sat' and 'gati'. The meaning of the word 'Sadgati' in English would be 'a good or a happy state.'

Significance of saying Sadgati when a Hindu dies

The meaning of 'Sadgati' would be 'a good or a happy state.' In this context, using it when a Hindu dies would mean to attain 'Moksha' or 'liberation'. Hinduism believes in the cycle of birth and death. The 'Jeevatma' (the Individual Self) undergoes numerous births and deaths before attaining Moksha or liberation with its mergence with the (Universal self), the 'Paramatma.' As per one's Karma, the deceased person attains a different body and lives a good life or suffers. So it may be taken that when one says 'Sadgati' or 'Sadgati Praptirastu' when a Hindu dies, it is meant to say that may the departed soul attain a good or a happy state in his forthcoming birth. One also means that the deceased attains moksha so that he may be liberated from the repeated cycle of birth and death.

Why Sadgati And not RIP?

The Hindus, furthermore cremate the dead body in order to sever the attachment of the soul with the present body and progress towards attaining Moksha or liberation. Until then there is no rest for the individual self as it is caught within the flux of birth and death cycle. Hence the term 'Sadgati' is used in Hinduism instead of RIP, which is not the appropriate term to say when a person dies.

Saying Om Shanthi when a Hindu dies

Apart from saying 'Sadgati Praptirastu,' 'Om Shanti' can also be said when a Hindu dies. It is the way to comfort the bereaved family and also wish the deceased to attain Moksha or liberation.