Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Orthodox Priest Arranges Hindu Funeral for Lifelong Family Member
Parvathy was an 88-year-old Hindu woman who had lived with a priest’s family for 25 years.
The family lovingly called her Payamma.
She first came to help care for the priest’s young daughter, Merin.
Over time, she became like a grandmother and an important member of the family.
When Parvathy became very ill, she was taken to Tata Hospital.
She died on Sunday night.
The priest, Father O J Jacob, brought her body home.
He made sure her funeral was conducted using Hindu traditions, including rituals performed by her relative Sajeev.
Her story showed how family love can cross religious differences.
Father O J Jacob brought 88-year-old Parvathy’s body to his home after her death.
Parvathy, known as Payamma, had lived with Jacob’s family in Kerala for 25 years.
She joined the household in 2000 to care for Jacob’s six-year-old daughter, Merin.
Jacob arranged for her funeral rites to follow Hindu customs.
Her relative Sajeev performed the rituals before her cremation at Eruveli crematorium.
- Who
- Father O J Jacob arranged funeral rites for Parvathy, also known as Payamma, with rituals performed by her relative Sajeev.
- What
- An Orthodox priest arranged a Hindu funeral for an elderly woman who had lived with his family for 25 years.
- When
- Parvathy died on Sunday night after her health worsened.
- Where
- The rituals took place at Jacob’s home in Chottanikkara, Kerala, and she was cremated at Eruveli crematorium.
- Why
- Jacob regarded Parvathy as a member of his family and wanted her final rites to follow her Hindu faith.
- Woman who died
- Parvathy, affectionately known as Payamma
- Age
- 88
- Time with family
- 25 years
- Joined household
- 2000
- Family connection
- She initially cared for Jacob’s six-year-old daughter, Merin
- Hospital
- Tata Hospital in Chottanikkara
- Cremation site
- Eruveli crematorium