Asthi Visarjan at Prayagraj FAQs
Is there a specific procedure for Asthi Visarjan at the Triveni Sangam?
Yes, there is a reverent procedure typically followed:
- Sankalpa: The Karta (usually the son or close relative performing the ritual) takes a vow (Sankalpa) guided by the Pandit, stating the name of the deceased, their Gotra, and the purpose of the ritual.
- Purification: The ashes (asthi), usually kept in a holy cloth within an urn (Kalash), are purified with Ganga Jal (water from the Ganga), milk, and sometimes other sacred items like honey or ghee.
- Puja: A brief Puja is performed, often involving prayers to Lord Vishnu, Lord Yama (God of Death), and the Pitrus (ancestors). Offerings like flowers, Tulsi leaves, and black sesame seeds might be made.
- Immersion: Guided by the Pandit’s mantras, the Karta reverently immerses the ashes into the waters of the Triveni Sangam.
- Tarpan: Often, Tarpan (offering water with sesame seeds) is performed immediately after for the peace of the departed soul and other ancestors.
- Daan: Giving Dakshina to the Pandit and Daan (charity) to the needy or boatmen is customary.
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.
Can ashes of more than one person be immersed together during the same ritual?
Generally, it is recommended to perform the Asthi Visarjan ritual separately for each individual, with a distinct Sankalpa (vow) mentioning their specific name and Gotra. This ensures the prayers and merits are directed appropriately to each soul.
However, if circumstances necessitate (e.g., ashes of both parents collected together, or logistical constraints), a knowledgeable Pandit can guide you on how to perform the immersion during the same trip, possibly with slightly modified procedures or separate Sankalpas within the same session. It is best to consult the performing Pandit about this specific situation beforehand.
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.
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.
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.
When is the best time or day to perform Asthi Visarjan in Prayagraj?
- Unlike Shradh, which has specific periods like Pitru Paksha, Asthi Visarjan can generally be performed on any day. There is no strict requirement for an auspicious Muhurta, as the act itself is considered purifying.
- However, it’s often advised to perform it as soon as reasonably possible after collecting the ashes post-cremation.
- Performing it during daylight hours is standard practice. Avoid immersion after sunset.
- Some periods, like Pitru Paksha, Magh Mela, or Amavasya day, are considered highly potent due to the increased spiritual energy at the Sangam, but it is not mandatory to wait for these times.
Who is eligible to perform the Asthi Visarjan ritual or can women perform it?
- Traditionally, the eldest son is the primary Karta (performer) for Asthi Visarjan, just as for funeral rites. In his absence, a younger son, grandson (son’s son), or even a daughter’s son can perform the ritual.
- Yes, women can definitely perform Asthi Visarjan. If there are no male descendants, or if they are unable to travel or perform the rites, a daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, or other close female relative can perform the immersion with full rights and reverence. The key is the bond of love and the faithful completion of the duty. We see many daughters and wives performing this sacred act here at Prayagraj
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).