Jeevkhada: The Mysterious Stone Ritual After Death Explained by Garud Puran

• The 'Jeevkhada' or 'Ashma' is a stone symbolizing the deceased's soul, as per Garud Puran.
• It is tied outside the house for 10 days, believed to house the departed soul during its transition.
• During this period, water and milk offerings are made near the stone to quench the soul's thirst and hunger.
• The soul is believed to stay near its family, hence the stone is hung within the courtyard or under the eaves.
• After the 'Dashkriya' ritual on the 10th day, the Jeevkhada is immersed in a water body, freeing the soul from 'Pret Yoni'.

Why It Matters: The Jeevkhada ritual, based on Garud Puran, symbolizes the soul's journey after death for 10 days.