What is Akal Mrityu and why is it spiritually significant?

Akal Mrityu (अकाल मृत्यु) means untimely or premature death — any death that occurs before the natural completion of a person’s lifespan. According to the Garuda Purana, a soul that departs prematurely has not completed its karmic journey and is at risk of entering Preta Yoni, a state of spiritual restlessness. This is spiritually significant because the soul requires active intervention from the living — through specific rituals — to be released from this condition and guided toward Pitra Loka and eventual moksha.