Why is Garhmukteshwar (Garh Ganga) famous for Asthi Visarjan?

Garhmukteshwar is one of the 14 most sacred Asthi Visarjan sites in India, specifically praised in the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. The name “Garh Ganga” refers to the ancient fort (garh) where the Ganga first enters the plains — making it the westernmost point where Ganga water retains its Himalayan purity. The site is believed to be where King Bhagirath first performed ancestral rites for his 60,000 cursed ancestors (the story of Ganga’s descent). The adjacent Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is said to be the spot where Shiva himself accepted the Ganga on his head. Asthi Visarjan at Garh Ganga is considered especially powerful for families in North India who cannot travel to Varanasi or Prayagraj — the spiritual merit is considered equivalent.