Narayanpet's modern, revamped crematorium offers dignity to the dead

Narayanpet: Crematoriums are usually gloomy places with broken benches, unkempt burning platforms, and few facilities such as water and power. However, a crematorium in the Kosgi municipality in Telangana's Narayanpet district has been revamped so that the last rites of the dead can be conducted with dignity.

Vaikunta Dhamam is a modern crematorium that is an integral part of Telangana government's Pattana Pragati (urban development program) and Palle Pragati (village development program) initiatives.

"Many crematoriums do not have basic facilities. This crematorium is created with all amenities to serve the needs for the people who accompany the dead," says Harichandana, the Narayanpet district collector.

The crematorium was revamped at a cost of Rs 1.2 crores and is spread on eight acres. Keeping in mind the safety of the people, it is located 3 km away from the main town of Kosgi.

The entrance is a big, dark grey arch-like structure with carvings. It would perhaps be difficult for people to believe that the arch is not the entrance to a temple but a modern crematorium.

A little ahead is the statue of Shiva with his Trishul where people can offer their prayers. "We have also planted 12,000 plants based on the Miyawaki model of a dense plantation. There is also a peaceful garden where people can sit," the collector adds.

The crematorium has waiting rooms for family members, separate shower and bath areas for men and women, rooms for caretakers, and lockers for ashes. There are burning platforms, smoke dispensers, and separate spaces for conducting rituals.

The entire property is equipped with a solar facility for sustainable power.

"We are planning to revamp all other crematoriums in a similar way in other parts of the district," Ms. Harichandana says and adds, "A crematorium does not necessarily have to be a sad and gloomy place. We are trying to create a good space for the last journey."