The 95-year-old Mariyamma breathed her last on August 17 after being bedridden for a year.
Soon after a family photo emerged inviting catcalls on social media.
The family photograph from the day shows her extended family gathered about the glass coffin with smiles.
It appeared like the family from Mallapally in Pathanamthitta was disrespectful to the nonagenarian's mortal remains.
The family was criticised for being callous by posing for photo by the coffin beamingly smiling.
Many asked how they could smile when someone dear to them was lying dead in the coffin.
Finally, the family members came forth explaining the reasons for the smile.
They said the family had given Mariyamma a happy farewell after she had lived a happy life, giving and receiving a lot of love.
Ailing Mariyamma was taken care of well by her children and the photograph was taken intentionally, according to reports.
It was clicked before the funeral after the entire family sat together praying for Mariyamma for about 24 hours.