Asthi Visarjan at Prayagraj FAQs
What services are included in the Asthi Visarjan package in Prayagraj?
Asthi Visarjan packages in Prayagraj typically include the services of a knowledgeable pandit, pooja materials, a private boat ride (usually a hand boat) to reach Sangam, and rituals like Asthi Pooja, Ganga Pooja. It sometimes also includes pind daan, tarpan, gau daan and 84 daan but comes at an extra price. These packages aim to ensure that the ritual is performed with due respect and adherence to Vedic traditions.
What should be done after the Asthi Visarjan is completed?
After the immersion and offering Dakshina/Daan:
- Holy Dip: It is customary for the Karta and accompanying family members to take a purifying bath (Snan) at the Sangam.
- Change Clothes: Change into fresh clothes after the bath.
- Temple Visits: Visiting nearby temples like Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir or Alopi Devi Mandir to seek blessings is common.
- Simple Meal: Have a simple, Sattvic meal afterwards.
- The primary duty towards the departed concerning their physical remnants is considered fulfilled with the immersion at a holy place like Prayagraj. Subsequently, performing annual Shradh rituals remains important.
Should Shradh rituals be performed immediately after Asthi Visarjan in Prayagraj?
- It is not mandatory to perform a full Shradh immediately after Asthi Visarjan. The primary focus of the Asthi Visarjan trip is the immersion itself.
- However, it is common and considered meritorious to perform Tarpan (water offering) right after the immersion at the Sangam.
- Some families choose to perform a simple Pind Daan or a brief Shradh ritual on the banks after the immersion, especially if they have traveled from far and wish to combine the rites. You can discuss this possibility with your Pandit. The main, detailed Shradh rituals are typically performed during Pitru Paksha or on the annual death anniversary (Tithi).
How long does the Asthi Visarjan ritual typically take at the Sangam?
The entire process includes:
- Travel to the Ghat.
- Hiring a boat and traveling to the Sangam spot.
- Performing the Puja and immersion ritual guided by the Pandit.
- Returning to the Ghat.
The ritual itself on the boat or platform usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Including boat travel, the total duration might be around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the crowd and distance
What is Asthi Visarjan?
Asthi Visarjan is a Hindu ritual that involves the immersion of the ashes (asthis) of a deceased person into a holy river. In Prayagraj, this ritual holds significant importance due to the confluence (Sangam) of three sacred rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. This ritual is helps to provide moksha or liberation to the departed soul, allowing it to merge with the divine.
Why is Prayagraj considered significant for Asthi Visarjan?
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is considered one of the holiest cities for performing Asthi Visarjan due to the presence of Triveni Sangam. It is also known as Teerthraj. The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers is believed to have purifying powers, making it an ideal place for the ritual. The act of immersing ashes here is thought to help the soul attain peace and liberation.
What rules to follow for asthi visarjan in Prayagraj or Allahabad?
Certain rules and customs are traditionally followed during asthi visarjan in Prayagraj:
- The asthis should not be placed on the ground while traveling to the tirthsthal (holy place).
- A white dhoti should be carried for the male family members performing the ritual.
- The kalash containing the ashes should not touch the ground.
- The ritual should be performed with reverence and as per the guidance of a knowledgeable pandit.
- It is important to perform the ceremony with devotion and to follow the prescribed Vedic rituals to ensure the peace of the departed soul.
These rules are meant to show respect to the departed soul and ensure the proper completion of the ritual as per Hindu traditions.
Can Asthi Visarjan be performed if the death occurred long ago?
Yes, If, for some reason, the ashes could not be immersed shortly after death, Asthi Visarjan can still be performed even years later. The sanctity of Prayagraj and the power of the Triveni Sangam are such that the ritual remains highly beneficial whenever performed with faith and devotion. It provides peace to the soul regardless of when the immersion takes place.
Best pandit to do asthi visarjan in Prayagraj or Allahabad?
Finding the best pandit for asthi visarjan in Prayagraj involves looking for someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about the Vedic rituals and traditions.
Websites like Prayag Pandits & Prayag Samagam offer services of qualified pandits for conducting asthi visarjan. Since they are based in Prayagraj, they have joined the best pandits for asthi visarjan in prayagraj.
It is advisable to choose pandits who can guide the family through each step of the ceremony and who are recognized for their genuine services.
Are there specific important Mantras chanted during Asthi Visarjan?
Yes, the Pandit chants specific Vedic mantras appropriate for the occasion. While the Karta may not chant complex mantras, they will repeat prayers and intentions as guided by the Pandit. Some key elements involve:
- Mantras invoking Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and the Triveni Sangam.
- Prayers to Lord Vishnu, Lord Yama, and Agni (who consumed the body).
- Mantras seeking peace and liberation for the departed soul (e.g., mentioning their name and Gotra).
- Specific mantras during the act of immersion for purification and safe passage of the soul.
- Mantras for Tarpan.
Trust the Pandit to chant the appropriate mantras; your role is to participate with faith and devotion.