About Asthi Visarjan Puja Puja
“Give your loved ones the eternal gift of liberation with the sacred ritual of AsthiVisarjan.”
AsthiVisarjan is a profound Hindu ritual where the ashes (asthi) of a deceased loved one are immersed in holy waters, symbolizing the final journey of their soul. This ritual holds immense spiritual and emotional significance, helping the soul detach from earthly ties and attain moksha (liberation).
As the last rite of passage, AsthiVisarjan reflects a family’s love and respect for the departed. Sacred rivers and pilgrimage sites like Kashi (Varanasi), renowned as the city of liberation, make this ritual highly auspicious. Performing it in such holy places ensures peace for the departed and blessings for the family.
About AsthiVisarjan
AsthiVisarjan is the ceremonial immersion of cremated remains in sacred rivers or water bodies, signifying the return of the physical body to its elemental origins. According to Hindu philosophy, the body is composed of the five elements (panchabhoota), and this ritual completes the cycle of life by merging the physical form back into nature.
The ritual facilitates the soul’s transition from earthly attachments, helping it move toward liberation (moksha). It is believed that immersion in holy rivers like the Ganga not only purifies the soul of the deceased but also alleviates familial karmic burdens.
Hindu scriptures such as the Garuda Purana and Manu Smriti prescribe AsthiVisarjan as an essential duty for the deceased’s family. Performing it ensures peace for the departed soul, removes spiritual imbalances, and provides closure to the family, fostering harmony and blessings for generations to come.
AsthiVisarjan is a Hindu ritual that is believed to help the living find closure and peace after the loss of a loved one. The ceremony allows the living to say their final goodbyes and release any emotional attachment to the physical remains of the deceased. It is believed that by performing the ceremony, the soul of the departed is released from earthly attachments and can move on to the next stage of its journey.
Benefits of Ashti Visarjan
- Emotional And Spiritual Significance: AsthiVisarjan holds significant emotional and spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is a way of honouring the memory of the deceased and showing respect for the cycle of life and death. The ceremony is often seen as a way of connecting with the divine and seeking spiritual solace during a difficult time.
- Connecting With Ancestors:AsthiVisarjan is a way of connecting with ancestors and honouring family traditions in Hindu culture. The ceremony is often performed by family members of the deceased, and is seen as a way of strengthening family bonds and traditions.
- Strengthening The Bond Between the Living and The Dead: AsthiVisarjan is also believed to strengthen the bond between the living and the dead. By performing the ceremony, the living are able to show respect for the deceased and acknowledge their continued presence in the world.
- Helps Hindus Cope with Grief and Loss: AsthiVisarjan is an important ritual that helps Hindus cope with grief and loss. The ceremony provides a structured way for the living to mourn and pay their respects to the deceased. By performing the ceremony, the living beings are able to find solace and support in their community, and to honor the memory of their loved one in a meaningful way.
Mythological Significance and Stories
AsthiVisarjan is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, with several narratives highlighting its divine connection to ancestral peace and liberation.
The Story of Ganga’s Descent (Mahabharata):According to the Mahabharata, King Bhagiratha undertook intense penance to bring the celestial River Ganga to Earth. His goal was to purify the ashes of his ancestors, who had perished due to a curse, and liberate their souls. Ganga descended from the heavens, and her sacred waters washed away the sins of the deceased, granting them moksha. This act made the Ganga the holiest river for rituals like AsthiVisarjan, symbolizing purification and spiritual liberation.
Lord Rama in Gaya (Ramayana):In the Ramayana, Lord Rama performed Shradh and ancestral rites for his father, King Dasharatha, at Gaya. This act sanctified Gaya as a prime location for rituals that honor and liberate departed souls, reinforcing the importance of ancestral ceremonies in Hindu culture.
Sacred Sites for AsthiVisarjan with a Focus on Kashi
Kashi (Varanasi):Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is regarded as the ultimate destination for performing AsthiVisarjan. Situated along the sacred Ganges River, it is considered the gateway to moksha (liberation). According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva resides in Kashi and whispers the Taraka Mantra (salvation mantra) into the ears of the departed, ensuring their liberation. The Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most revered cremation sites in India, is the focal point for AsthiVisarjan, symbolizing the soul’s release from the cycle of rebirth.
Haridwar (Uttarakhand):Nestled on the banks of the Ganga, Haridwar is another sacred site for AsthiVisarjan. Its holy waters are believed to purify the soul and assist its journey toward liberation.
Prayagraj (Allahabad):Known for the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, Prayagraj amplifies the spiritual efficacy of AsthiVisarjan, making it highly auspicious.
Gaya (Bihar):Famous for the Vishnupad Temple, Gaya holds immense importance for ancestral rituals. Lord Rama’s performance of Shradh for King Dasharatha here sanctified it as a prime location for AsthiVisarjan and other ancestral rites.
AsthiVisarjan Rules and Procedure
AsthiVisarjan is performed in a very strict religious manner as per Hindu tradition. Some rules and processes are very important to follow before performing this religious practice.
Some of the rules and procedures for AsthiVisarjanis are listed below:
- The water body: For AsthiVisarjan a river is very important and people need to be aware of these rivers. As mentioned above, the river is one of the 5 important elements for the purity of the soul after death.
- Different sacred rivers, especially Ganges,are commonly known for AsthiVisarjan. However, some people perform AsthiVisarjan as per the belief in their local places, mainly because they are unable to visit or because of their local beliefs.
- Container for Ashes: Ashes after the cremation are kept usually in a small earthen pot. These pots are covered with clothes and decorated as per Hindu tradition.
- AsthiVisarjan: The ashes in the earthen container are poured into the water body as per the rules wearing traditional attire.Asthi or the ashes can be poured or spread and it depends on the belief of the person who is practicing or as per the guidance of pandits. At this time flowers and other religious things are offered on the water.
- Puja: Puja is an integral part of every Hindu religious practice including AsthiVisarjan. The typical puja includes performing prayers with reciting mantras, offering flowers, doing Hawana, etc in traditional clothing that generally includes Dhotis.The puja is performed as part of AsthiVisarjav practice to get the blessing and for the peace of the soul.
When to Perform AsthiVisarjan
AsthiVisarjan is typically performed three days after the cremation. However, if the immersion does not take place within ten days, it should only be performed after the completion of Tirtha Shraddha, a separate ritual that honours the deceased. It is essential to consult a priest or pandit to determine the most auspicious time for the Visarjan.
AsthiVisarjan Booking
Due to the significance and complexity of the AsthiVisarjan ritual, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional pandit who is well-versed in the traditions and procedures. Asthivisarjan booking services, such as those offered by us, provide families with the convenience of arranging a pandit and ensuring the correct performance of the ritual.
Puja Benefits
1
Emotional And Spiritual Significance
AsthiVisarjan holds significant emotional and spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is a way of honouring the memory of the deceased and showing respect for the cycle of life and death. The ceremony is often seen as a way of connecting with the divine and seeking spiritual solace during a difficult time.
2
Connecting With Ancestors
AsthiVisarjan is a way of connecting with ancestors and honouring family traditions in Hindu culture. The ceremony is often performed by family members of the deceased, and is seen as a way of strengthening family bonds and traditions.
3
Strengthening The Bond Between the Living and The Dead
AsthiVisarjan is also believed to strengthen the bond between the living and the dead. By performing the ceremony, the living are able to show respect for the deceased and acknowledge their continued presence in the world.
4
Helps Hindus Cope with Grief and Loss
AsthiVisarjan is an important ritual that helps Hindus cope with grief and loss. The ceremony provides a structured way for the living to mourn and pay their respects to the deceased. By performing the ceremony, the living beings are able to find solace and support in their community, and to honor the memory of their loved one in a meaningful way.