7 SIGNS OF DEATH

7 Signs of Death: Early Indicators of Approaching Demise in Hindu Scriptures

In Hindu mythology, the Mahabharata, Brahmanda Purana, and Uma Samhita of Shiva Purana offer a wealth of insights into life, death, and the signs that indicate the approach of one’s final moments. These ancient texts describe various omens, dreams, physical symptoms, and behavioral changes that can serve as warnings of impending death. Below is a comprehensive guide to these early signs, carefully compiled and categorized for easier reference.

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Dreaming Signs

1. Dream-Related Signs

Dreams have long been considered powerful messengers in Hindu philosophy, often revealing hidden truths or future events.

1. Dreaming of Vomiting Gold/Silver

   • Implication: Death within ten months.

2. Dreaming of Owls or Vacant, Destroyed Villages

   • Implication: Death may be near.

3. Dreaming of Dirty Feet

   • Implication: Likely to die within a year.

4. Dreaming of Being Dragged South by Bears or Monkeys

   • Implication: Sudden demise.

5. Dreaming of Becoming Deaf, Wearing Black Clothes, or Being Buried in Coal/Ashes

   • Implication: Death is imminent.

6. Dreaming of Falling from a High Mountain or Being Naked While Traveling South Across a Desert

   • Implication: Life-threatening events soon.

7. Dreaming of Dead People Surrounding You

   • Implication: Near-death warning.

Vision Signs

2. Vision and Perception Signs

According to the Mahabharata and other scriptures, vision changes can foreshadow death.

1. Inability to See the Star Arundhati or the Pole Star

   • Implication: Death within one year.

2. Inability to See Sunlight, Moonlight, or Firelight

   • Implication: Likely to die in eleven months.

3. Seeing the Sun as a Red Blob Without Rays

   • Implication: Death may occur within fifteen days.

4. Seeing the Moon or Sun with Spider-Web-Like Holes

   • Implication: Immediate danger.

5. Not Seeing One’s Own Shadow or Seeing a Headless Shadow

   • Implication: Death within one month.

6. Seeing a Crow Crying or a Dove Landing on One’s Head

   • Implication: Death in six months.

7. No Reflection in Water, Oil, Mirror, or Eyes of Others

   • Implication: Death in one to six months.

8. Seeing Everything as Black

   • Implication: Near-death sign.

9. Observing a Rainbow at Night or Falling Stars at Midday

   • Implication: Death within six months.

10. Being Surrounded by Crows

• Implication: Death in five months.

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Smell-Related Signs

3. Smell-Related Omens

Changes in body odor or olfactory perceptions can be significant.

1. Smelling Like a Corpse

   • Implication: Death in fifteen days.

2. Smelling Fragrant Scents in Temples as Corpse Odor

   • Implication: Only one week left to live.

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Hearing-Related Signs

4. Hearing-Related Signs

Auditory anomalies can also be harbingers of approaching death.

1. Inability to Hear Loud Noises or Terrific Uproars

   • Implication: Sudden demise.

2. No Buzzing Sound When Blocking Ears

   • Implication: Death is imminent.

3. Hearing Wolves Howling in Early Morning

   • Implication: Life-threatening events soon.

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Mouth and Tongue Signs

5. Mouth and Tongue Signs

The mouth and tongue can reveal significant clues about declining health and nearing death.

1. Tongue Swelling & Teeth Secreting Pus

   • Implication: Death is very near.

2. Tongue Thickens, Teeth Coated in Greasy Substance

   • Implication: Likely death within six months.

3. Mouth, Tongue, Ears, Eyes, Nose Becoming Stone-Like

   • Implication: Fatal condition approaching.

4. Upper Mouth Feels Permanently Dry

   • Implication: Possible demise in one month.

5. Involuntary Tears Flowing from Left Eye & Vapor Emitting from Head

   • Implication: Death before day’s end.

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Body and Temperament Signs

6. Body Signs and Symptoms

Physical changes in the body often precede critical health declines.

1. Left Hand Shaking for Seven Consecutive Days

   • Implication: Death within one month.

2. Body Turning Pale Yellow or White with a Tinge of Red

   • Implication: Death in about six months.

3. Severe Loss of Appetite Without Medical Cause

   • Implication: Nearing death.

4. Abnormal Sweating (Not heart-attack-related)

   • Implication: Imminent danger.

5. No Quick Blood Return When Pressing Fingernails, Exhaled Breath Feels Cold

   • Implication: Death within one year.

6. Continuous Hiccup, Inability to Taste or Smell

   • Implication: Death approaching soon.

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Major behavioral or mental changes 

7. Temperament Changes and Psychological Shifts

Major behavioral or mental changes can signal impending demise.

1. Sudden Personality Reversal

   • A gentle person becoming aggressive or vice versa.

2. Forgetting Close Family While Remembering Distant Childhood Friends

   • Implication: Memory regression indicative of end-stage decline.

3. Loss of Wisdom or Luster

   • Drastic drop in intelligence or clarity for no apparent reason.

4. Difficulty Recognizing People and Places

   • Potential sign of mental disorientation before death.

5. Staring Into Space Without Reason

   • Implication: Detached from surroundings.

6. Developing Sudden Dislike for Familiar Environments and Attachments

   • Implication: Emotional withdrawal before death.

7. Reduced Wisdom and Intelligence

   • Implication: The final phase of life is near.

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Conclusion: Interpreting These Ancient Omens

These early signs of death, as outlined in the Mahabharata, Brahmanda Purana, and Uma Samhita of Shiva Purana, offer a mythological and cultural perspective on the final stages of life. While modern medicine uses scientific methods to determine health status, these ancient texts provide spiritual and symbolic guidelines for recognizing approaching death.

Note: It’s crucial to remember that these signs are rooted in ancient beliefs and should not replace medical advice or scientific diagnosis. However, they underscore the cultural and religious significance placed on death and the transitional process in Hindu philosophy.

FAQ: Early Signs of Death in Hindu Scriptures

Q1: What are the main categories of signs that indicate approaching death?
A: The signs are broadly grouped into:

• Dreaming Signs: Unusual dreams (e.g., vomiting gold/silver, dreaming of owls or being dragged by animals).
• Vision Signs: Changes in perception such as not seeing stars, distorted reflections, or unusual colors in celestial bodies.
• Smelling Signs: Unnatural body odors resembling that of a corpse.
• Hearing Signs: Auditory anomalies like inability to hear normal sounds or hearing ominous noises (e.g., wolves howling).
• Mouth and Tongue Signs: Physical changes such as swelling of the tongue, coated teeth, or dryness of the mouth.
• Body Signs & Symptoms: Shaking, pale skin, abnormal sweating, and reduced blood circulation in extremities.
• Temperament Changes: Sudden shifts in personality, memory loss, or emotional withdrawal.

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Q2: Where do these early signs of death come from?
A: These signs are described in ancient Hindu texts like the Santi Parva of the Mahabharata, Brahmanda Purana, and Uma Samhita of the Shiva Purana. They were part of a broader cultural belief system that saw life and death as intertwined with cosmic and spiritual laws.

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Q3: How are these signs interpreted in the context of Hindu philosophy?
A: In Hindu thought, these signs are seen as omens that not only indicate the approaching end of life but also serve as a reminder of the transient nature of material existence. They emphasize the importance of preparing for the final transition and focusing on spiritual growth.

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Q4: Can these signs be used as a substitute for modern medical diagnosis?
A: No. While these signs hold cultural and spiritual significance, they are part of ancient belief systems and should not replace modern medical advice. They are meant for spiritual reflection rather than clinical diagnosis.

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Q5: How should these ancient omens be understood in today’s context?
A: They serve as symbolic guidelines that remind us of the inevitable nature of life’s end and the importance of living a life guided by dharma (righteousness). Modern readers can appreciate these omens as part of a rich cultural heritage that blends philosophy, spirituality, and an intuitive understanding of human nature.

Related Blog Posts:

• The Spiritual Significance of Hindu Festivals
• How the Mahabharata Illuminates Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

Further Reading:

• Books on the Mahabharata and Hindu philosophy.
• Research articles on Vedic texts and their cultural significance.
• Studies on the role of omens in ancient literature.