Asthi Visarjan at Varanasi FAQs
Answers to all of your Asthi Visarjan at Varanasi related Questions
What rules to follow for asthi visarjan in Varanasi?
- View our asthi visarjan in varanasi package here.
- Store the Ashes Properly: Keep the ashes in a mud pot (Kalash) covered with a red cloth.
- Transportation: While traveling to the ghat, do not place the Kalash on the ground.
- Dress Code: Males should wear a white dhoti during the poojan.
- Select an Experienced Pandit: Choose a pandit who is well-versed in the rituals and can perform the poojan correctly. Contact us to know more.
- Community-Specific Rituals: Be aware that each community may have slightly different rituals for asthi visarjan. Ensure your pandit is familiar with your community’s traditions.
- Environmental Consideration: Perform the ritual in an environmentally conscious manner, respecting the sanctity of the river and the city.
Is there a specific best time or auspicious day for Asthi Visarjan in Varanasi?
- Unlike annual Shradh, Asthi Visarjan in the holy Ganga at Kashi can be performed on any day and at almost any time during daylight hours. The act itself is supremely purifying.
- It is generally advised to perform the immersion without unnecessary delay after the ashes are collected.
- While any day is good, performing it during religiously significant periods like Pitru Paksha, Ekadashi, Purnima, or Amavasya might be considered to add further merit, but waiting is not required. Avoid performing the immersion after sunset.
What is the estimated cost involved for Asthi Visarjan in Varanasi?
- The cost is not fixed and depends mainly on:
- Pandit’s Dakshina: This is the main component and varies based on the Pandit.
- Samagri Cost: Usually quite minimal.
- Boat Charges: Applicable only if you hire a boat for immersion in the mid-stream (can range from ₹500 to ₹1500 or more depending on duration and boat type).
- A very approximate range for a simple Asthi Visarjan at the Ghat including Pandit Dakshina and basic Samagri could be ₹1500 to ₹4000. For rituals involving a boat ride, the cost would be higher.
- It is essential to have a clear conversation about all expected costs (Pandit fee, Samagri, boat if applicable)
What Samagri are needed for the ritual and where can I get them?
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- The required items are usually simple:
- The urn (Kalash) with ashes, wrapped in a clean cloth.
- Fresh flowers (preferably white).
- Black sesame seeds (kala til).
- A small quantity of raw milk.
- Incense sticks, a lamp (diya).
- A water pot (Lota).
- All these Samagri items are readily and affordably available in numerous shops lining the paths to the Ghats in Varanasi. Your chosen Pandit might also arrange these for you as part of their service.
How should the ashes be transported legally and respectfully while travelling to Varanasi?
Transporting ashes requires sensitivity and adherence to regulations:
- Respectful Handling: Always treat the urn containing ashes with utmost respect. Keep it securely wrapped and avoid placing it on the floor or in impure places.
- Air Travel: Airlines generally permit carrying cremated remains (ashes). You usually need to carry them in a security-friendly container (like wood, biodegradable material, or sometimes plastic, not metal, usually, as it needs to pass X-ray). Check specifically with your airline beforehand regarding their policy, documentation needed (usually a Death Certificate, Cremation Certificate), and packaging requirements. Often, they must be carried as cabin baggage.
- Train/Road Travel: Keep the urn securely packed and carry necessary documents (Death Certificate, Cremation Certificate) in case of any checks. Maintain its sanctity during the journey.
What safety precautions should be taken while performing the ritual at the ghats or in the river?
Safety is important amidst devotion:
- Ghat Steps: Be very careful on the ghat steps, which can be steep, uneven, and slippery, especially during or after rains or near the water’s edge. Hold onto railings if available, or take assistance.
- River Currents: Maa Ganga’s currents can be strong, even near the banks. Do not venture deep into the water unless you are a strong swimmer and familiar with the conditions. For the ritual bath (Snan), stay in shallow areas or use the safety chains often installed at major ghats.
- Boat Safety: If taking a boat for mid-stream immersion, ensure it is not overloaded and follow the boatman’s instructions. Life jackets might be available or advisable, especially for children/non-swimmers.
- Crowds: Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, especially at crowded ghats like Dashashwamedh or Manikarnika.
- Health: Stay hydrated, especially in summer. Be cautious about hygiene.
What is the cost of asthi visarjan in Varanasi?
The cost of asthi visarjan in Varanasi can vary widely based on several factors, including the services chosen, the pandit’s fees, and any additional rituals performed alongside the visarjan. Basic packages might start from around Rs. 3,100 and can go up to Rs. 7,100 or more for comprehensive services that include puja ceremonies, boat services, and offerings. It’s advisable to discuss the details and costs with service providers or pandits beforehand to understand what is included in the package. Prayag Pandits offer a complete package which covers everything and is available at nominal price. Click here to check it.
What is the typical procedure followed for Asthi Visarjan at the Ghats of Varanasi?
The process is performed with reverence and simplicity:
- Sankalpa: With the guidance of a Pandit, the Karta (performer) takes a vow mentioning the deceased’s name and lineage.
- Purification: The ashes in the urn are purified with Ganga Jal, milk, and sometimes other sacred offerings like Tulsi leaves.
- Brief Puja: Prayers are offered to Ganga Maiya, Lord Shiva, and the Pitrus for the peace of the departed soul. Flowers and sesame seeds may be offered.
- Immersion (Visarjan): Facing south (usually), the Karta gently immerses the ashes into the holy Ganga while the Pandit chants appropriate mantras.
- Tarpan: Offering Ganga water with sesame seeds (Tarpan) is often done immediately after for the satisfaction of the soul.
- Ganga Snan & Daan: The Karta takes a purifying dip in the Ganga, and offers Dakshina to the Pandit and sometimes Daan (charity) to the needy.
Can Asthi Visarjan be combined with other rituals like Shradh or Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja in the same trip to Varanasi?
Yes, it is quite common for families, especially those travelling long distances, to combine Asthi Visarjan with other related rituals during the same visit to Kashi:
- Tarpan/Simple Pind Daan: Often performed immediately after Asthi Visarjan.
- Annual Shradh: If the visit coincides with the death anniversary, Tithi or Pitru Paksha.
- Tripindi Shradh/Narayan Bali: If required for ancestors with unnatural deaths or for whom rites were missed (often performed at Pishach Mochan Kund, requiring separate arrangements).
- Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja: Specific pujas to alleviate ancestral afflictions.
Discuss your requirements with the Pandit in advance to plan the schedule and logistics, as different rituals may require different locations (ghats, specific temples like Pishach Mochan) and preparations.
Are there specific things one should not wear or bring to the Asthi Visarjan ritual?
Simplicity and purity are key:
- Clothing: Avoid black clothing, as it’s often considered inauspicious for such rites. Also avoid overly bright, flashy, or revealing attire. Stick to simple, clean clothes, preferably white, off-white, or light, sober colors. Leather items (belts, wallets, shoes) are often discouraged during the core ritual; remove them if possible.
- Items: Avoid bringing unnecessary distractions like excessive electronics, food items (unless for offering/Daan), or valuables that might cause anxiety. Focus should be on the ritual. Maintain physical and mental purity – avoid alcohol or non-vegetarian food before the ritual.