isha Kayantha Sthanam Project - (Crematoriums operated and maintained by Isha Outreach)

• Over the last century, certain significant rituals pertaining to the ‘journey beyond’ have lost their fundamental essence
•  The process of death is not simply an abrupt ceasing of an individual’s existence; rather, a process that begins when a body is declared medically dead and continues afterwards for a minimum of 14 days
• Understanding this, earlier generations took great care in creating the necessary situations to ensure a peaceful exit for their loved ones.   Only in the last 100-150 years have these traditions become largely dormant, while what is left is generally corrupt and commercialized
• Moreover, lakhs of trees are felled annually to cremate bodies resulting in environmental pollution owing to carbon emissions from the cremations.
• Additionally, the sacred spaces of crematoriums across the country are in a state of utter neglect lacking in hygiene and basic infrastructure like lights and water for carrying out a decent cremation. In some cases, they have become a haven for anti-social elements.
• There is a strong need for reform in this much neglected but crucial aspect of our society

In 2010, Coimbatore Municipal Corporation requested Isha Outreach (IO) to adopt and maintain crematoriums in Coimbatore owing to its track record of successful implementation of large scale and high impact social welfare projects. Since then, IO has been maintaining 16 crematoriums (eleven in Coimbatore, four in Chennai and one in Neyveli) for the welfare of the public, particularly the under-privileged sections of society. So far, IO has carried out over 75000 cremations.

At Isha Kayantha Sthanams (crematoriums operated and maintained by Isha Outreach), Isha revives ancient traditions and death rituals with a powerful energy basis, conducting them in the spirit of service rather than as a commercial venture. In addition, these are eco-friendly crematoriums that use environmentally friendly methods for cremations and maintenance - like LPG fired furnaces, wastewater treatment systems, etc. to avoid environment pollution and conserve natural resources like water.

To run these crematoriums efficiently without any hassle, there is a critical need for funding over the next three (3) years. Key direct project expenses include operational costs (staff salary, LPG costs, etc) especially for the crematoriums in rural areas besides maintenance costs for all the 16 crematoriums. Isha also wants to upgrade these crematoriums with installation of effluent treatment plants to treat the wastewater from the cremation processes much more efficiently although the current process to dispose of wastewater is in line with all the safety/ pollution control protocols.

• To bring back the sanctity of death rituals and ensure the dead are given a dignified retreat from the world. Ensure that grieving relatives are allowed a peaceful and well managed cremation with the right ambience and traditions.
• Ensure that the cremation is done in an eco-friendly way, following laid down processes and techniques to ensure a safe and clean environment
• Provide employment and livelihood to youth, train them to maintain the crematorium facilities and conduct themselves with care, grace and dignity
• Provide mortuary van services at a nominal cost. Levy a standard fee for each cremation (as agreed with the municipal government) thus not allowing any kind of exploitation.  
• Maintaining the place (clean, green surroundings) with an aesthetic eye towards hygiene and sanctity. 
• Serving the underprivileged sections of society irrespective of caste, creed, religion, etc