The American actor-director-producer, Sylvester Stallone, is a strong believer of Hinduism and its various rituals. The “Rambo” star was raised in a catholic home and considers himself “Spiritual” but he does not follow any organised institution. Sylvestor was met with his son’s tragic death in 2012 with which he struggled, coming to terms with, for a long time.
Sylvestor was mentally disturbed and used to see his son Sage’s spirit. Sage Stallone, 36, was also an Actor, Director and Producer. Sylvester, on someone’s advice, contacted a Hindu vedic priest who advised him to do the Hindu ritual of “Pind-daan” and “Shraadh” for his deceased son. After consulting the “Panchang” (sacred calendar), a proper date and time was calculated.
The ritual was done by Stallone’s entire family – brother Michael Stallone, his wife Michel, Russian movie star Alexi and his wife Olga, at Sati Ghat in Kankhal, near Haridwar. Michael, later, also performed the ceremony for his sister, Tony Ann who had died at the age of 46.
The Shraadh ritual eases the passing of the deceased soul by helping it sever ties to the material body. It is done by the ‘pitr’ – the immediate blood relatives of the deceased. It provides solace to the family as well as the departed soul.
After this incident, Sylvestor gained greater appreciation for the wisdom and science behind the Hindu rituals. The loss of a child is devastating for a parent. Let us pray for the departed soul and wish that Sylvestor finds peace and solace after performing the Hindu Ritual.
This article is part of the series on Global Celebrities who have been touched by Sanatan Dharma. Read more about the spiritual journey of George Harrison , Hugh Jackman, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.