Asthi Visarjan at Prayagraj FAQs
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.
Where exactly in Prayagraj is Asthi Visarjan performed?
The primary and most sacred location for Asthi Visarjan is the Triveni Sangam itself – the point where the distinct waters of the Ganga and Yamuna meet, and the Saraswati is believed to join from below. Pilgrims typically hire a boat to reach the designated area in the middle of the confluence where the immersion ritual is performed under the guidance of a Pandit.
What is the cost of asthi visarjan in Prayagraj or Allahabad?
The cost of asthi visarjan in Prayagraj can vary depending on the services and the package chosen.
It usually ranges from INR 5,100/- (basic asthi visarjan package including pandit charges and pooja material) to INR 12,000/- (premium package including airport transfers, hotel stay for 2, pandit ji charges, boat ride to sangam, pooja samagri).
The cost typically includes the services of a pandit, pooja materials, boat ride to reach Sangam, and other rituals associated with the ceremony. Some service providers offer customized packages based on the devotee’s requirements and availability.
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).
What should be done with the urn or Kalash and the cloth wrapping after the ashes are immersed?
Once the ashes are immersed in the Sangam:
Urn (Kalash): Traditionally, the earthen pot (if used) is also gently immersed or broken and immersed in the river. If it’s a metal urn, it’s usually washed in the holy water and taken back, perhaps to be reused for auspicious purposes or kept safely. Consult your Pandit or follow family custom. Do not discard it improperly.
Cloth: The cloth used to wrap the urn is typically washed in the Sangam water and then can be disposed of respectfully (some immerse it, others discard it cleanly on the banks, following local guidelines). Avoid leaving it to pollute the area. The Pandit can guide the appropriate action.
What specific etiquette or precautions should be observed during the boat ride and the ritual at the Sangam?
Maintaining reverence is paramount:
- Purity: Ensure you have bathed and are wearing clean, simple clothes before boarding the boat.
- Conduct: Maintain silence or speak softly and respectfully on the boat. Avoid casual chatter, arguments, or using mobile phones excessively during the ritual time. Focus on the solemnity of the occasion.
- Footwear: Remove footwear before stepping onto the ritual platform or performing the rites on the boat, as guided by the Pandit.
- Offerings: Do not throw any non-biodegradable items (like plastic wrappers) into the river. Offer only the prescribed Samagri.
- Instructions: Listen carefully and follow the Pandit’s instructions throughout the ritual.
- Respect the Rivers: Treat the Sangam with utmost reverence. Avoid spitting or any impure actions while on or near the water.
How does Asthi Visarjan in Prayagraj compare to performing it in Varanasi or Haridwar?
All three places – Prayagraj, Varanasi (Kashi), and Haridwar – are extremely sacred for Asthi Visarjan in the Ganga:
- Haridwar: Known as the ‘Gateway to the Gods’, immersion here at Har Ki Pauri is highly auspicious, marking the point where Ganga enters the plains.
- Varanasi (Kashi): The city of Moksha, immersion in Ganga here is believed to grant liberation, aided by the presence of Lord Shiva.
- Prayagraj: The unique significance lies in the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This triple confluence provides unparalleled purifying power, making it exceptionally potent for washing away sins and granting peace (Shanti) and Sadgati to the soul.
While all are excellent, many believe the confluence at Prayagraj holds a special potency due to the meeting of these three powerful divine energies. The choice often depends on family tradition, convenience, or specific spiritual inclination.
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.
Where to do asthi visarjan in Prayagraj or Allahabad?
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a significant location for asthi visarjan due to the presence of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati.
The main places for asthi visarjan in Prayagraj include:
- Triveni Sangam: The most sacred spot where the three rivers meet.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: One of the oldest ghats in Prayagraj.
- Ganga Ghat: A ghat located on the banks of Ganga River.
- Yamuna Ghat: A ghat located on the banks of Yamuna River.
- Triveni Sangam ghat: A ghat near triveni sangam point.
Best place to do asthi visarjan in prayagraj is triveni sangam point.
What is the approximate cost involved in performing Asthi Visarjan in Prayagraj?
The costs can vary, but generally include:
- Pandit Dakshina: This is the primary component and depends on the Pandit.
- Boat Charges: Fare for the boat to take you to the Sangam and back. This can vary depending on the season, duration, and bargaining.
- Samagri Cost: Usually minimal, sometimes included by the Pandit.
A rough estimate for the entire process (Pandit Dakshina, basic Samagri, boat) might range from ₹2000 to ₹5000 or more. It’s crucial to discuss and agree upon all costs (Pandit’s fee, boat charges) clearly beforehand to avoid any confusion.