Indian man, 95, comes back to life during his funeral rites

A 95-year-old had been declared dead and was half way through his last rites when he astonished family members by coming back to life.

The Times of India reports Budh Ram Gujjar of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, had fainted on November 3, and a doctor was called.

He was not breathing at this time, relatives said.

The doctor declared him dead soon afterwards, and called a priest to begin the last rites.

Many of his family members had already shaved their heads and the body was being prepared for a funeral, but when relatives poured water on Budh Ram's chest to begin a customary bath, he opened his eyes.

Soon afterwards, he began breathing again and sat up on the bed.

Relatives told the Times of India that when they asked him what happened, he said he had suffered chest pain and believed he had fallen asleep.

Budh Ram's son, Ranjit, said it was a joy for the family, as they would not have celebrated Diwali following a death, but now, "the celebrations are going to be grand".