Asia's Three Paths of Departure

Preceding the swift burial is the profound ritual of washing (Ghusl in Islam, Tahara in Judaism) and shrouding. This rite is conducted by designated family or community members of the same gender as the deceased, meticulously purifying the body in an odd number of washings. This act is both physically cleansing and symbolically preparatory, ensuring the deceased is presented in a state of absolute purity before their Maker.