Asthi Visarjan FAQs
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.
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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What is the general procedure for Asthi Visarjan in Haridwar?
The ritual, typically guided by a local Pandit (Tirth Purohit), involves:
- Collection & Transport: Ashes (‘Asthi’) are collected after cremation, usually kept in an earthen pot (Kalash) covered with a red cloth. Care should be taken not to place the Kalash directly on the ground during travel.
- Sacred Dip: Family members performing the ritual usually take a purifying dip in the Ganges.
- Puja at the Ghat: The Pandit conducts a puja (worship ceremony) at the chosen Ghat (e.g., Har Ki Pauri). This involves chanting Vedic mantras invoking peace for the departed soul.
- Immersion: The ashes are respectfully immersed into the flowing waters of the Ganga.
- Prayers & Offerings: Further prayers are offered for the soul’s salvation. Sometimes, Pind Daan or other offerings might precede or follow the immersion.
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 is Asthi Visarjan and why is it important in Hinduism?
Asthi Visarjan is the Hindu ritual of immersing the ‘Asthi’ (ashes and leftover bone fragments) of a deceased person after cremation into a holy body of water. Visarjan’ means immersion. This ritual is crucial because Hindus believe it helps the departed soul break free from earthly attachments, purify their sins, and attain ‘Moksha’ (liberation or salvation), facilitating their peaceful journey to the afterlife.
What Samagri are needed for the ritual and where can I get them?
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- The required items are usually simple:
- The urn (Kalash) with ashes, wrapped in a clean cloth.
- Fresh flowers (preferably white).
- Black sesame seeds (kala til).
- A small quantity of raw milk.
- Incense sticks, a lamp (diya).
- A water pot (Lota).
- All these Samagri items are readily and affordably available in numerous shops lining the paths to the Ghats in Varanasi. Your chosen Pandit might also arrange these for you as part of their service.
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.
Do I need a Pandit for Asthi Visarjan in Prayagraj and how do I find one?
- While the act of immersion itself can seem simple, engaging a knowledgeable local Pandit (Prayagwal Panda) is highly recommended. They ensure the ritual is performed with the correct Vedic procedures, mantras, and Sankalpa, which significantly enhances the spiritual benefit for the departed soul. They guide you through each step with proper understanding and reverence.
- Finding a Pandit: You can find Pandits specializing in these rites near the Sangam Ghats (like Qila Ghat, Sangam Ghat) or through recommendations. Some reputable Pandas have offices in areas like Daraganj. Online services also connect pilgrims with verified Pandits in Prayagraj. It’s advisable to speak with them beforehand to understand the process and associated costs
What if only a small portion of the ashes is available for immersion and Is it still beneficial?
Yes, absolutely. Even if only a symbolic portion of the ashes (Asthi) is available, immersing that portion with full faith and proper ritual at the Triveni Sangam is highly beneficial and meritorious. The divine rivers accept the offering with the Bhavana (intention and emotion) behind it. The scriptures mention that even a single bone fragment immersed in the Ganga (and by extension, the Sangam) grants immense peace to the soul. Do not feel disheartened if the full quantity is not available; perform the rite with what you have.
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.