Asthi Visarjan FAQs
Are there specific important Mantras chanted during Asthi Visarjan?
Yes, the Pandit chants specific Vedic mantras appropriate for the occasion. While the Karta may not chant complex mantras, they will repeat prayers and intentions as guided by the Pandit. Some key elements involve:
- Mantras invoking Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and the Triveni Sangam.
- Prayers to Lord Vishnu, Lord Yama, and Agni (who consumed the body).
- Mantras seeking peace and liberation for the departed soul (e.g., mentioning their name and Gotra).
- Specific mantras during the act of immersion for purification and safe passage of the soul.
- Mantras for Tarpan.
Trust the Pandit to chant the appropriate mantras; your role is to participate with faith and devotion.
When is the best time or day to perform Asthi Visarjan in Prayagraj?
- Unlike Shradh, which has specific periods like Pitru Paksha, Asthi Visarjan can generally be performed on any day. There is no strict requirement for an auspicious Muhurta, as the act itself is considered purifying.
- However, it’s often advised to perform it as soon as reasonably possible after collecting the ashes post-cremation.
- Performing it during daylight hours is standard practice. Avoid immersion after sunset.
- Some periods, like Pitru Paksha, Magh Mela, or Amavasya day, are considered highly potent due to the increased spiritual energy at the Sangam, but it is not mandatory to wait for these times.
Why is Haridwar considered a prime location for Asthi Visarjan?
Haridwar, meaning “Gateway to God,” is one of the seven most sacred cities (Sapta Puri) for Hindus. Its significance for Asthi Visarjan is profound:
- Holy Ganges River: The Ganges, considered the holiest river, flows through Haridwar as it enters the plains, making its waters exceptionally pure here. Immersing ashes in the Ganga at Haridwar is believed to grant salvation.
- Mythological Sanctity: Drops of Amrit (elixir of immortality) are believed to have fallen at Har Ki Pauri during Samudra Manthan, sanctifying the location.
- Gateway to the Divine: As a major pilgrimage site and gateway to the Char Dhams, Haridwar possesses a potent spiritual energy considered highly beneficial for ancestral rites. Scriptures like the Garuda Purana emphasize Haridwar’s importance for afterlife rituals.
When is the best time to perform Asthi Visarjan in Haridwar?
Asthi Visarjan should ideally be performed as soon as possible after cremation. Traditionally, it’s often done on the 3rd day, but if circumstances prevent this, it should generally be completed within 10 or 11 days. If there’s a longer delay, it’s advisable to perform it after completing the Tirtha Shraddha. There isn’t a specific “inauspicious” time; the key is to perform it respectfully when feasible
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.
Can Asthi Visarjan be performed if the death occurred long ago?
Yes, If, for some reason, the ashes could not be immersed shortly after death, Asthi Visarjan can still be performed even years later. The sanctity of Prayagraj and the power of the Triveni Sangam are such that the ritual remains highly beneficial whenever performed with faith and devotion. It provides peace to the soul regardless of when the immersion takes place.
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.
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.
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.
View asthi visarjan package offered by us- click here
What services are included in the Asthi Visarjan package in Prayagraj?
Asthi Visarjan packages in Prayagraj typically include the services of a knowledgeable pandit, pooja materials, a private boat ride (usually a hand boat) to reach Sangam, and rituals like Asthi Pooja, Ganga Pooja. It sometimes also includes pind daan, tarpan, gau daan and 84 daan but comes at an extra price. These packages aim to ensure that the ritual is performed with due respect and adherence to Vedic traditions.