Vedic Afterlife Unveiled Webinar

The Rigveda stands as one of the most ancient and revered scriptures in the world, forming the bedrock of Hindu philosophy. Rich in the spiritual and intellectual heritage of ancient India, it delves into diverse themes such as cosmology, philosophy, rituals, social structure and ethics.

The Suktas grouped under ‘Yama and the Ancestors’ reflect a Vedic worldview marked by positivity and acceptance. These hymns underscore the certainty of death, yet without fear. Instead, death is portrayed with dignity, as the departed are said to be received and cared for by Yama, the Lord of the departed and upholder of Dharma. Life is seen as continuing beyond this world, affirming the belief in an afterlife.

Webinar Highlights

Explore Six Suktas related to Yama, Death and ancestors

• Agni Sukta (RV 10.16) – Addressed to the funeral fire while the body is burnt
• Mrityu Sukta (RV 10.18) – A Vedic hymn traditionally chanted during Pitrmedha (funeral rites) acknowledges the inevitability of death. Yet, in this Sukta, Mrityu (Death) is earnestly invoked to spare the young children of the sage.
• Pitr Sukta (RV 10.15) – Chanted during the Ashtaka-shraddha ritual, this hymn calls upon the ancestors, not to cause harm, but to seek blessings and protection for future generations. They are venerated with offerings of Soma and other oblations to avert untimely death and ensure well-being.
• Three Yama Suktas (RV 10.154, 14, 135) – Three Suktas that focus on Yama and the realm of Yamaloka, offering vivid depictions of Yama’s two divine dogs. These hymns describe how the departed soul attains a celestial body and experiences the other world—a realm established by Yama, the son of Vivasvan.

Delve into hymns that throw light on the very positive concept of death, Yama, Yamaloka and the ancestors

• Etymology, word by word meaning, and translations of selected suktas
• Various interpretations of the hymns offered by scholars.
• All the presentations will be shared with participants

Schedule & Details

Dates: 15 to 20 September 2025
Time: 7:15 to 8:15 PM IST
Language: English
Webinar Fees: ₹1500, US$40
Mode: Online via Zoom

Webinar Format

• 6 sessions streamed on Zoom.
• Those who miss the session can listen to the recordings available in the dashboard.
• Recordings will be available in the dashboard for a period of 6 months post the completion of the webinar.
• Access to all presentations shared during the webinar for continued learning and reflection.

Prerequisite

• Availability of a computer with audio -video internet conferencing facility.
• Access to Zoom

Facilitator

Prof. Gauri Mahulikar is the Academic Director at CIF. As the Gurudev Tagore Chair of Comparative Literature Professor, she headed the Department of Sanskrit at the University of Mumbai. She also served as a former Dean of Faculty at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth.

To know more about Prof. Gauri Mahulikar, please click here.

Contact Details

For further information or clarification
Contact: +91 92077 11467
Email: cifwebinars@chinfo.org