Zoroastrian Funeral Ritual Objects: Divo, Sandalwood, Rose Water, and Karasyo

A Zoroastrian funeral requires specific physical objects at precise moments. Knowing what each item is, what it does, and where to get it — especially outside India — prevents last-minute scrambles during the most time-pressured hours of the bereavement process.

The Divo: Sacred Oil Lamp

The divo is a glass oil lamp that burns continuously from the moment of death through the first three days (and ideally through the dawn of the fourth day). Its flame represents the divine fire energy that comforts and guides the departing soul.

Specifications:

• Two clear glass cups or votive holders — you rotate between them so the flame never extinguishes
• Filled completely with ghee (clarified butter from cow's milk) or pure coconut/palm oil — no water should ever be mixed with the oil
• A cotton wick trimmed to sit just above the oil surface
• Placed on a clean shelf or table in the home, away from high-traffic areas

The rotation protocol: When the current glass burns low, dip a slim sandalwood stick into its oil, light it from the existing flame, and use that burning stick to light the wick of the second, fully filled glass. Recite the Diva no Namaskar prayer upon lighting. Never use chemical matchsticks — their sulfur odor is considered impure.

Screening the flame: If non-Zoroastrians or family members in a state of temporary ritual impurity (such as during menstruation) are in the home, a folding screen, shutter, or upright card with a religious image should be placed in front of the divo to shield the sacred flame from unauthorized gaze.

Sourcing in the diaspora: Any clear glass votive holder works. Indian grocery stores carry ghee. If ghee is unavailable, pure coconut oil is the accepted substitute. The key is having two glasses and sufficient fuel for 72+ hours of continuous burning.

Sandalwood (Sukhad) and Loban

Sandalwood chips (sukhad or tacho) and frankincense (loban) are burned throughout the funeral in a small fire vessel called an afarganyu. The fragrant smoke serves two purposes: purifying the air around the body and creating a sensory anchor for the hovering soul.

When they are used:

• At the deathbed, lit immediately alongside the divo
• During the Sachkar (body preparation)
• During the Geh Sarna liturgy
• At the Uthamna ceremony
• At every subsequent memorial ceremony (Dasma, Seeom, Varsi)

Quantities: The amount depends on the local ritual arrangement. Ask the officiating mobed or funeral provider how much is needed for the funeral and later ceremonies.

Sourcing: In Mumbai, sandalwood and loban are readily available from suppliers near fire temples and at the Doongerwadi. In the diaspora, Indian religious supply stores, online Zoroastrian community shops, or Amazon/specialty retailers carry both. Verify that the sandalwood is genuine — synthetic sandalwood oil or chips do not carry the same spiritual significance.

The Afarganyu: Fire Vessel

The afarganyu is a small metal fire vase, traditionally made of brass or copper, in which the sandalwood and loban are burned. It sits near the head of the deceased (or near the prayer altar in the home) alongside the divo.

In the diaspora, ask the local mobed and facility what fire-safe vessel and any permitted substitute may be used, and follow applicable health and fire rules.

Rose Water

Rose water appears at specific ceremonial moments:

• At the Uthamna (third day): Rose water is sprinkled on the hands of attendees as a closing gesture of the ceremony. Follow local ritual guidance for its use.
• During certain prayer ceremonies: Rose water may be used to purify the prayer space.

Sourcing: Use the rose water specified or supplied by the family or fire temple; guests should not assume that a particular type is accepted.

The Karasyo

The karasyo is a ritual fire stand or tripod used in conjunction with the afarganyu. During memorial ceremonies, the karasyo holds the fire vessel at the proper height near the prayer space. The exact form varies — in Mumbai, traditional brass karasyo stands are available from religious suppliers; in the diaspora, ask the local mobed what stand or heat-safe platform is accepted and follow facility rules.

Copper and Silver Vessels

At the Chaharum (fourth-day ceremony), the family provides new, unused copper or silver vessels that are consecrated during the Baj of Ardafravash prayers. These vessels are blessed alongside the shiav (new clothes) and subsequently gifted to the officiating mobed or donated.

Additional copper vessels are required at the Chamsi (six-month) and Varsi (one-year) ceremonies. Ask the officiating mobed how many new vessels are needed for each ceremony; they are consecrated fresh for that ceremony.

Sourcing: Indian kitchen supply stores carry copper vessels (lota, small pots). In the diaspora, Indian grocery stores, online retailers, or community shops that serve Zoroastrian customers stock them. Ask the officiating mobed whether a particular vessel or finish is accepted; use new copper or silver vessels as required.

The Complete Materials List

For immediate funeral preparation, gather:

• Two clear glass divo holders
• Ghee or pure coconut oil (enough for 72+ hours of continuous burning)
• Cotton wicks
• Slim sandalwood sticks (for flame transfer)
• Sandalwood chips (sukhad)
• Frankincense (loban)
• Afarganyu or fire-safe vessel approved by the local mobed and facility
• Worn, clean white sudreh and pyjama for the deceased
• Clean kusti cord
• White cotton sheets for wrapping the body
• Iron nail (for drawing the kash circles)
• White handkerchiefs or cloth strips (for paiwands)
• Rose water, if requested by the family or local ceremony
• Fresh flowers, only if requested by the family or local ritual authority
• Fresh fruits and whole milk (for the Stum offering at subsequent ceremonies)

The Zoroastrian Funeral Guide includes a printable materials packing list organized by ceremony, with sourcing notes for families in India, North America, the UK, and Australia.