What is Asthi Visarjan?
Asthi Visarjan is a last rite/ritual being performed by the Hindus, to provide salvation or moksha to the departed soul of their loved ones.
The ashes of the dead ones are being immersed over the holy river the Ganges to provide salvation & the Teerth purohits or pandas(priest) perform a poojan to immerse the ashes over the holy river in teerth sthals i.e Kashi, Prayag, Haridwar, Gaya & Garh Mukteshwar.
It is believed that the soul of the person cannot get Salvation “Mukti” until his/her Asthi and Ash are poured in Holy river.
Ancient texts are full of the significance of the ritual of Asthi Visarjan In Valmiki Ramayana shloka no. 41 in 43rd chapter in Balkand Sage Vishwamitra tells Rams while mentioning the story of Ganga Avtaran.
O’ Ram, you are the greatest in Raghu Dynasty as soon as Ganga’s water touches the ashes soul obtained heaven as all sins of soul cleared with a mere touch of Ganga
“Asthi” is a Sanskrit word that means “remains.” “Visarjan” is a Sanskrit word that means “to scatter or disperse.” Asthi Visarjan is the spreading or immersion of the ashes of the cremated remains that are leftover.
The dispersion or immersion of the deceased’s ashes is traditionally done at certain locations throughout India. The ashes and bones are typically placed in sacred rivers or the sea, with the Ganga River being the most popular option.
It is the holiest river, and it is also linked to the salvation process, with stories claiming that she descends to earth was caused by Bhagirath’s meditation, which he conducted to bring peace and salvation to his ancestors’ spirits.
There are, however, other sacred rivers in India where Asthi Visarjan has been practised for millennia. The deceased’s family must do this spiritual rite to ensure the tranquilly and salvation of the departed’s soul, and these locations are conveniently positioned so that people do not have to go far.
Let’s explore some of these places.
Here are some of the famous places to do Asthi Visarjan in India:
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Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
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Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
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Jagannath Puri, Odisha
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Dwarka, Gujrat
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Pushkar, Rajasthan
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Kurukshetra, Haryana
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Avantika, Shakti Peeth Tirth
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Siddhpur
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of India’s and the world’s oldest cities. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is known as Kashi.
Anyone who bathes in the river is said to have attained moksha. The soul receives salvation and liberation from the cycle of births and deaths if the deceased’s ashes are immersed in the river.
The Asthi Visarjan in Varanasi is preceded by a ceremony that involves pooja, Brahmin feeding, Shraddh, and donations offered to Brahmins and the destitute.
According to a tale, it is stated that once upon a time there was a Brahmin who lived with his wife far away from Kashi and never performed any of the Hindu rituals required of a Brahmin.
He was once wandering through the woods when he was attacked and killed by a tiger. A vulture was observing everything and waiting for the tiger to leave so he could eat the remaining flesh as well.
After finishing his meal, the tiger walked away, leaving some uneaten flesh and bones behind. The vulture then took a portion of his meat and flew away. At the same time,
Yam Raj’s messengers arrived and carried the soul of that Brahmin to hell with them. Yam Raj punished him for failing to follow any Hindu rituals during his lifetime. Meanwhile, the same vulture was hovering over the Ganga in Kashi with a chunk of flesh in his jaws, and some of it fell into the river by accident.
At the same time, angels from heaven appeared in Yam Lok and informed Yamraj that they had come to take that Brahmin with them to heaven because his mortal remnants (asthi) had been submerged in Ganga and he had attained Moksha. All of that Brahmin’s sins melted away, and his soul found peace and salvation, thanks to asthi visarjan in Ganga at Kashi.
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Gaya
Gaya, in the Indian state of Bihar, is crucial for Asthi Visarjan because it is thought that Mata Sita performed the Pind Daan ceremony for his father here.
The departed’s ashes are immersed in the holy Falgu River’s waters. Falgu is Lord Vishnu personified, and it forms a confluence with the Lilajan and Mohana streams, where the rites are done.
Gaya is a holy location mentioned in the Ramayan and Mahabharat. Lord Ram is said to have conducted Pind daan for Raja Dashrath at Gaya.
The location would be appropriate for your loved one’s spirit to go on its journey beyond. In Gaya, Asthi Visarjan and Shanti Paath purify the soul and calm the spirit of your loved one.
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Prayagraj (Allahabad)
The Hindu ceremony of Asthi Visarjan, in which the ashen remains are submerged in a rushing river, is conducted for the dearly departed.
There are sacred spots in India that are designated for Hindu religious rituals. Prayagraj is one of these places.
Prayagraj’s Asthi Visarjan is well-known around the world. Devotees believe that the Hindu gods descend as people and wash at this sacred spot to atone for their misdeeds, according to Hindu custom. Every year, thousands of Hindu worshippers go to the holy city of Prayag, also known as Allahabad.
They travel from all across India and the world to bathe in these sacred waters. Many people visit the rivers to immerse and disperse their loved ones’ ashes and bones in the Hindu rite of Asthi Visarjan.
The Triveni Sangam, or “confluence” of three rivers, is located in Prayagraj. Sangama is the Sanskrit word for confluence. The confluence of the three rivers is considered a holy site in Hinduism.
A bath at this place of confluence removes sins and frees one from the cycle of reincarnation. Indian families who wish to give their dearly departed loved ones a befitting Hindu final rite for the deceased have turned to Asthi Visarjan at Triveni Sangam.
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Haridwar
Haridwar, along with Varanasi and Allahabad, is one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations.
Haridwar, one of the seven holy towns, is regarded as the “Gateway to God” because of the abundance of temples that line the city’s Ghats, with the evening aarti along the Ganga River being a sight to behold.
Pilgrims bathe in the sacred river in the firm belief that doing so cleanses the soul of all sins and ensures that they will achieve moksha after death. In the belief that their souls would rest in peace, the ashes of the deceased are immersed in the sacred waters of the River Ganga.
Those who place a higher value on their ancestors’ souls reaching moksha make a point of visiting Haridwar for the Asthi Visarjan rites.
Generally, at Brijghat, the Asthi Visarjan Poojan is done on the river Ganga’s banks. But at Prayag pandits, we perform the asthi visarjan poojan over the Ganga river itself via a motorboat.
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Garh Mukteshwar
Garh Ganga is a religious spot situated in Garh-Mukteshwar at district Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Mukti-Dham. Asthi Visarjan over Ganga at Garh Mukteshwar has great beliefs in Hindu Mythology.
Asthi Visarjan Pujan over Garh Ganga is conducted at Brij ghat beside the bank of river Ganga.
For the poojan, tirth purohit or priest is necessary to conduct the last rite and rituals. After the completion of mantras and daan, the dead person’s ash is poured over Ganga which is believed to lead to Moksha.
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Mathura
Mathura, also known as Krishna Dev Bhoomi, is one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites and a famous venue for Asthi Visarjan in the Yamuna River.
The Yamuna is the next most important river for Hindus, who regard Goddess Yamuna as Lord Yama’s sister.
Bathing here is thought to provide moksha to the devotee, and immersing the ashes and bones of the deceased is thought to bring salvation to his soul. The rites are commonly held on the banks of the Yamuna River at the Bodhini, Vayu, or Vishranti Tirth.
Mathura and Vrindavan are separated by the holy Yamuna river. It is regarded as one of the most sacred rivers in India. Krishna’s life is intertwined with that of the Yamuna.
Krishna slew the Kesi demon at the Kesi Ghat on the banks of the holy Yamuna river, thus rescuing his friends from certain death. According to Hindu sacred writings and religious epics, the Hindu rite for the deceased known as Asthi Visarjan requires the flowing waters of a holy river.
This is because the Hindu ritual for the dearly departed requires the deceased’s ashes and bones to be immersed and scattered in flowing streams in order for the person’s soul to obtain moksha or salvation.
Many Hindus have long chosen Asthi Visarjan, which takes place in the Yamuna River. Anyone who bathes in this river is considered to reap the spiritual advantages of bathing in any holy river.
Vishranti Tirth, Bodhini Tirth, and Vayu Tirth are the most prominent Asthi Visarjan places in Mathura. According to the Vedas, everyone who bathes in the waters is granted access to Lord Vishnu’s domains.
The ceremonies are crucial in bringing peace to the souls who have passed away.
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Ayodhya
Ayodhya is the capital of Lord Rama’s kingdom and is located on the banks of the Saryu River.
Ayodhya is also an Asthi Visarjan and pilgrimage destination, with ceremonies typically performed at Bharat Kund alongside the Saryu.
Ayodhya is roughly 20 kilometres away from Bharata Kund. During Ram’s 14-year exile, Bharat is claimed to have controlled the kingdom of Kosal, according to Hindu sacred writings. The most religiously significant site at Bharata Kund is Jatakund, which is claimed to be the location of Laxman and Lord Ram’s first haircut after their exile.
For travellers, Jatakund has become a well-known destination, particularly among Hindus.
Bharat Kund is situated next to a river. The river is one of the bodies of water where the Hindu ceremony of Asthi Visarjan is done for the dearly departed.
The ashen remains and bones of the deceased are plunged and spread by family in any of India’s holy rivers in this Hindu religious rite. Bharat Kund is home to one such river.
People visit this location throughout the year to perform the Asthi Visarjan rite for deceased family members and to pay honour to their ancestors.
The main temple of Shri Bharat Hanuman Milan mandir is one of Bharata Kund’s most culturally significant locations. It has two levels, both of which are steeped in history. On the temple’s underground level, there are statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bharat, as well as Lord Rama’s Charan Paduka footwear.
The main temple is surrounded by several temples. People go from all over the world to have the Asthi Visarjan ritual conducted for their loved ones, as well as to perform Shraadh Pooja.
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Kurukshetra
Lord Vishnu’s holy home in Kurukshetra, specifically Sannihit Sarovar. Sannihit Sarovar is a well-known landmark on Pehowa Road, three kilometres from Kurukshetra. If the Shraadh pooja is performed during a solar eclipse, and devotees bathe in the pond, they will receive the blessings conferred on a thousand
Ashwamedh sacrifices, according to Hindu sacred writings. On the day of Amavasya, or eclipse, thousands of tirthas congregate at this holy site to perform rituals and hear about their ancestors from ancient pandits.
Similarly, people come from all across India and the world to do the Asthi Visarjan ceremony for the dearly departed relatives and to offer Shraadh pooja for their ancestors.
The Sannihit Sarovar, a sacred water reservoir, is located in Thanesar, Kurukshetra district. Legend has it that it is the meeting location of seven sacred Sarasvati’s.
The Sarovar at Kurukshetra, according to common belief, contains sacred water. If devotees on Earth bathe in the waters of this Sarovar, peace is conferred upon unhappy and wandering spirits. Along the banks of the Sarovar, there are several shrines dedicated to gods and deities.
Families flock to Sannihit Sarovar to perform Asthi Visarjan in order to grant their loved ones’ wishes for salvation.
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Badrinath, Brahma Kapal Ghat
The Chardham Yatra in Uttarkhand is considered one of the holiest destinations in Hinduism. It encompasses God’s four sacred abodes: Gangotri,
Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is also a well-known pilgrimage site around the world. Because it is supposed to be the holy home of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath has become the most important of the four sacred locations.
Lord Badrinath is another name for Lord Vishnu. Many Hindu religious devotees participate in the Asthi Visarjan at Badrinath. Asthi Visarjan is a Hindu religious ritual that involves immersing and scattering the ashen remains and bones of a deceased family member in a sacred river.
In Badrinath, the Brahma Kapal Ghat is a platform on the banks of the Alakananda River. The Badrinath Temple is about 100 metres away from the river.
Thousands of individuals have visited the location over the years to give prayers and rites for their dearly departed loved ones. These rites and homages are done for the souls of those who have passed away.
They grant the spiritual serenity and free them from the shackles of the afterlife. It is also believed that anyone who performs Shraadh and rituals for a deceased family member will be spared from reincarnation.
Badrinath is one of the holiest destinations in Hinduism, as well as one of the most important sites for the Asthi Visarjan devotional ceremony for the deceased, according to Hindu sacred writings. Hindu worshippers frequently choose Asthi Visarjan at Brahma Kapal Ghat.
According to tradition, when the goddess Ganga was sent down to relieve mankind’s suffering, the ground was unable to withstand the impact of her descent. As a result, the great Ganga (Ganges) split into twelve sacred channels.
One of these was the Alakananda River.
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Puri
Jagannath Puri or Puri, built in the 11th century in the state of Odisha on India’s eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, is one of the country’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Hindus are supposed to go on a pilgrimage at least once in their lives, and Jagannath Puri is one of the Char Dham Yatra’s four stops (pilgrimages).
Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to pay their respects to Lord Jagannath in this town. The Hindu ceremonies for the dearly departed, such as Asthi Visarjan, are also well-known in the community.
The cremated ashes and bones of the deceased are immersed in the waters of a running river in this ritual.
Jagannath Puri is located on the Mahanadi River’s coastal delta, on the Bay of Bengal’s coastlines. The Bhargavi River, on the other hand, runs southward through Puri. Thousands of devotees flock to these sources of water to perform Asthi Visarjan, a Hindu rite for the deceased.
Alternatively, many Hindus come to the site to bathe or take a plunge in the waters to wash away their sins. For devotees of the Hindu religion, the waters of Jagannath Puri have become hallowed.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, dedicated to Jagannath, is the city’s most well-known landmark and tourist attraction. In Hindu religious tradition, the temple is well-known as a major pilgrimage site. The temple, which dates from the 12th century, is a hotbed of Hindu religious passion.
At the temple, “bhoga,” or food, is served to the gods six times a day, every day. Following that, the food offerings are divided among the devotees.
Ujjain
The holy town of Ujjain is situated on the banks of the sacred river Shipra, one of Hinduism’s holiest rivers. The river was created when the Gods churned over the sea, according to legend (Samudra Manthan).
On the banks of the Shipra river, Hindu religious activities are held. Asthi Visarjan, a Hindu devotional rite for the dearly departed family, is one example.
The Shipra River’s flowing waters are just what is required in Hindu devotion to the departed souls known as Asthi Visarjan. The ashes and bones of the deceased must be immersed in the flowing waters of a sacred river or lake in this religious ritual.
Many Hindu devotees travel to the Shipra River to participate in Asthi Visarjan, which is performed by Brahmin pandits or Hindu priests. Bathing here or sprinkling the ashes serves to bring peace to the souls of the departed in the family, according to the scriptures.
If the remaining family members perform the Asthi Visarjan, the departed’s soul will attain Moksha or salvation. In Ujjain, the Ram Ghat and the Siddhwat temple are the two most popular places for Asthi Visarjan.
Ujjain has a plethora of historical attractions to visit, including numerous temples and ancient buildings. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most well-known temple in Ujjain. It is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas (Shivas Lings).
Dwarka
Dwarka was the seat and capital of Lord Krishna’s dominion, according to Hindu tradition. Gujarat’s Dwarka has a long and illustrious history. It is known as the Dwaraka Kingdom in the Mahabharat epic. Dwarka, which translates as “Krishna’s Kingdom,” is a sacred site where people flock year after year to undertake numerous religious rituals.
Hindu families often choose Asthi Visarjan in Dwarka to complete the Hindu religious ceremony for the deceased.
On the banks of the Gomti River, Dwarka rises. The Gomti Ghat is a staircase leading to the Gomti River. There are further shrines devoted to the gods Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Samudra on the ghat.
In the Hindu religion, the location where the Gomti River meets the sea is considered a holy site. This location is significant for ceremonies such as Asthi Visarjan, which involves immersing and scattering the ashen remains and bones of the dearly departed in a rushing river.
The Gomati temple, which holds an idol of the river goddess Gomati, and the Chakra Narayana temple, which has a stone that depicts a chakra associated to Vishnu, both stand nearby.
Pindar, located near Dwarka, is a sacred site for pilgrims who wish to perform rituals for the souls of the deceased.
Asthi Visarjan and Pind Daan are two of these ceremonies. The atmosphere is serene, tranquil, and airy. Hindu religious rites for the dearly departed are thought to aid the souls of the deceased family members in achieving salvation, or moksha, and tranquilly in the hereafter.
The cremated ashes of the deceased are immersed in a sacred river in Asthi Visarjan to aid the soul’s salvation. Pindar is also renowned as one of India’s Char Dhaams, or four pilgrimage locations.
Avantika, Shaktibeah Teerth
Shaktibeah Tirth is the location of the eternal trees established by the goddess Parvati, according to the Vedas.
The trees are supposed to have been planted along the Kshipra river’s banks. Asthi Visarjan in Shaktibeah Tirth is revered as a holy site that aids souls in attaining moksha. On the banks of the Kshipra river is Avantika, commonly known as Indrapuri Amaravati. It is one of the seven towns of moksha or salvation,
In Hinduism, according to the Vedas. Avantika’s Asthi Visarjan is well-known throughout India and among non-resident Indians who require Asthi Visarjan.
It is thought that if a person’s cremated ashes are immersed and strewn at this sacred location, their soul will be significantly aided in attaining moksha. Asthi Visarjan, a Hindu sacred ceremony, assists the soul in merging with the Supreme Power.
Shipra is a Hindu word that implies “purity of body, soul, and emotions.” It can also imply chastity or clarity. The Shipra emerged from the heart of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as a pig named Varaha, according to Hindu sacred books known as the Puranas.
The Shipra’s banks are rich in cultural and religious importance. Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s eighth avatar, studied in the ashram of the sage Sandipani on Shipra’s banks.
Siddhpur
Siddhpur is one of the holiest towns in Hinduism, and it is located in the Patan district of Gujarat, an Indian state. Above all, it is located on the left bank of the Saraswati River, one of India’s holiest rivers. Siddhpur is revered by Hindu followers as a sacred site.
Numerous temples, Kunds (bathing ponds), and Ashrams (residences for priests and devotees) can be found in the town. Siddhpur was formerly known as “Shristhal,” which means “pious place.” Because India is known for its religious ideals and traditions, several locations provide opportunities to participate in religious rites.
The Hindu devotion to the departed spirits known as Asthi Visarjan is one such important rite.
The ashes and bones of the dearly departed must be immersed in the flowing currents of a holy body of water as part of the Asthi Visarjan rite for the dearly departed. In ancient India, there were five holy lakes that were considered sacred.
Bindu Lake, also known as Bindu Sarovar, is located in Siddhpur. The Sarovar is a small body of water mentioned in the Rig-Veda and considered sacred by Hindus. The word Bindu means ‘to fall.’ Lord Vishnu’s accumulated teardrops are reported to be present in the waters of the sacred lake.
Hindu families travel to this location to execute the Asthi Visarjan ceremony for their loved ones who have passed away.
The impurities of the soul in the form of sins are washed away by immersing and scattering the cremated remains of their departed family members in the waters of the lake, thereby assisting the soul in its journey in the afterlife, all leading to the attainment of moksha or salvation and unity with the Divine Power.
Pushkar
Pushkar is known for its holy lake, which is a sacred body of water. Pushkar, which is said to have sprung from Vishnu’s belly, is home to nearly 400 intricately-designed temples and 52 bathing ghats, or a flight of steps leading to the lake.
In the temple, prayers are offered while Lord Rama’s chanting is played on the soundtrack. Drums, gongs, and devotional music fill the air, giving the place a tranquil sacred aura. The feeling of religious tranquillity attracts visitors.
The Pushkar Lake, also known as the Pushkar Sarovar, is considered a sacred lake by Hindus. According to Hindu sacred writings, the lake is known as a “Tirtha-Raj,” or the “King of Water Pilgrimage Sites.”
Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims flock to the lake to take sacred baths in its ghats. The baths are meant to cleanse mortals of their sins.
The Hindu ritual of Asthi Visarjan, which is performed for the dearly departed loved ones, is one of the most important reasons why Hindu devotees flock to the place. Its holy waters are recommended for performing the ceremony that ensures the departed souls have a more tranquil afterlife.
The cremated remains and bones of the deceased are immersed and distributed in a sacred body of water during Asthi Visarjan. For the departed soul, this act is considered to provide tranquilly and salvation, or moksha.
Pilgrimages are important for Hindus to undertake while they are still alive in order to cleanse themselves of sins and prepare for salvation. When a person passes away, it is equally necessary that his or her family members do the right rituals such as Asthi Visarjan, Shraddha, and Pind Daan for the deceased’s soul tranquilly.
Death isn’t the end of the road. The soul survives death and must reincarnate in a new body. It is critical to breaking free from this cycle, and the Asthi Visarjan procedure provides salvation or moksha.