Asthi Visarjan 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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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.
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.
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.
What Samagri are generally required for Asthi Visarjan?
The basic requirements are usually simple:
- The urn (Kalash) containing the ashes, wrapped in a clean cloth (preferably white or red).
- Flowers (especially white flowers).
- Black sesame seeds (kala til).
- Raw milk.
- A small amount of ghee and honey (optional, as advised by Pandit).
- Incense sticks (agarbatti) and a lamp (diya).
- Kusha grass.
- Water pot (Lota).
Most of these items are readily available near the Ghats. The Pandit you engage often helps arrange the necessary Samagri.
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 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.
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 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.
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.