Asthi Visarjan at Varanasi FAQs
Where to do asthi visarjan in Varanasi?
Varanasi, a city on the banks of the Ganges, offers several ghats for performing asthi visarjan. Some of the most prominent ghats for this ritual include Harishchandra Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Raja Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Raj Ghat. Each of these ghats has its own significance and is considered equally important for the ritual. The choice of ghat may depend on personal preference, the advice of a pandit, or logistical considerations. It is advisable to perform as per instructed by pandit ji. It’s essential to ensure that the ritual is performed in a respectful and environmentally conscious manner.
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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.
My relative passed away many years ago or Can I still bring their ashes for immersion in Varanasi?
Yes, absolutely. The grace of Kashi and Ganga Maiya is timeless. Even if the death occurred long ago and the ashes were kept safe, performing Asthi Visarjan here now will still bestow immense peace upon the departed soul and bring closure and blessings to the family. The merit is not diminished by the passage of time when the act is performed with sincere faith in this holy city
Best pandit to do asthi visarjan in Varanasi?
Selecting the best pandit for asthi visarjan in Varanasi or kashi depends on the family’s specific needs, including their linguistic, regional, and caste preferences. It’s important to choose a pandit who is experienced, knowledgeable about the Vedic scriptures, and understands the family’s specific rituals and traditions. Prayag Pandits offer services to connect families with qualified pandits in Varanasi. Prayag Pandits have a team of pandits & teerth purohits in varanasi who are have been performing such rituals from last 50-60 years.
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What should be done if the urn or ashes are accidentally dropped or mishandled during travel or before the ritual?
Accidents can happen, my child. If such an unfortunate incident occurs:
- Remain Calm: Do not panic.
- Collect Respectfully: Gather the ashes as completely and respectfully as possible. If spilled on clean ground, collect the ashes along with a small amount of the soil.
- Purification: Inform the Pandit upon arrival in Varanasi. They can perform specific purification mantras (Prayashchit) before proceeding with the Visarjan to remedy any inadvertent disrespect or contamination.
- The intention (Bhavana) remains most important. The deities understand human fallibility.
What rules to follow for asthi visarjan in Varanasi?
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- 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.
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 foreigners or people of faiths other than Hinduism perform or witness Asthi Visarjan in Varanasi?
Performing: Asthi Visarjan is fundamentally a Hindu ritual tied to beliefs about the soul, reincarnation, and Moksha through the Ganga. While the core act might be performed by anyone with faith, the accompanying Vedic rituals and mantras are specific to Hindu tradition, usually performed by family members or designated priests. If a deceased person of another faith wished for their ashes to be immersed in Ganga out of personal reverence, it can be done respectfully, perhaps with simpler prayers according to their belief or universal prayers for peace, possibly without the full Vedic rites.
Witnessing: Foreigners and people of other faiths can generally witness the ritual from a respectful distance at most public ghats. However, sensitivity is crucial. Avoid intrusive photography, maintain silence, and respect the family’s privacy during their solemn moment. At cremation ghats like Manikarnika, while observation is often permitted, extreme sensitivity and unobtrusiveness are expected.
Why is Varanasi considered such an important place for Asthi Visarjan?
Kashi is Moksha-Dayini, the city that grants liberation. It is the eternal abode of Lord Shiva. When the last physical remains (asthi) are immersed in the holy Ganga river within the sacred boundaries of Kashi, it is believed that Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra in the ear of the soul, freeing it from the cycle of rebirth. Maa Ganga, originating from the heavens, washes away sins and purifies the soul. Performing Asthi Visarjan here ensures the departed attains Sadgati (a peaceful state) and moves towards ultimate liberation.
Is there a difference in significance between immersing ashes at Manikarnika Ghat versus other ghats like Assi or Dashashwamedh?
While immersion anywhere in Maa Ganga within Kashi is highly meritorious, Manikarnika Ghat, being the Mahashamshan (great cremation ground), holds a unique and profound connection to death and liberation. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati themselves frequent this ghat, offering Moksha directly. Immersion here is thought to be particularly potent for breaking the cycle of rebirth.
Other ghats like Assi, Dashashwamedh, Harishchandra, etc., are also perfectly auspicious. Ganga Maiya’s grace is present everywhere. The choice might depend on accessibility, the Pandit’s tradition, crowd levels, or personal preference. The core benefit of liberation through the Ganga in Kashi is available at all major ghats.