Asthi Visarjan is a Hindu ritual performed after the death of a person, in which the ashes (Asthi) of the deceased are immersed (Visarjan) in a sacred river, ocean, or any holy water body. The ritual is an important part of the antim sanskar (last rites) and signifies the final journey of the soul. Asthi Visarjan is believed to help the departed soul achieve Moksha (liberation) and ensure peace for the family.
Liberation of the Soul (Moksha): Immersing the ashes in a sacred water body is believed to help the departed soul attain Moksha by freeing it from the cycle of birth and death, leading it to a peaceful afterlife.
Peace for the Departed Soul: Asthi Visarjan is done with the belief that the soul will find peace and be freed from any earthly attachments or unfinished duties.
Spiritual Merit (Punya): Performing the ritual of Asthi Visarjan is believed to accumulate punya (spiritual merit) for the family members, as it is an act of showing respect and love for the departed.
Relief from Pitra Dosha: If there are any ancestral curses or Pitra Dosha, the ritual of Asthi Visarjan helps in resolving these issues, bringing peace to the family and protecting future generations.
Fulfilling Final Rites: The ritual is a significant step in completing the final rites for the deceased, ensuring that the family fulfills their duties and honors the deceased person according to tradition.
After cremation (cremation), the ashes (bones) of the deceased are collected in an urn (usually made of clay, metal or other biodegradable material).
It is believed that the ashes should be preserved for a few days before final immersion. The family may keep the ashes for 3, 7 or even 13 days, depending on religious customs and practices. Selecting the right time and place:
Asthi Visarjan should ideally be done on an auspicious day, and it is usually done in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati or any other holy water body like sea or lake.
The rituals can also be performed on certain dates (specific lunar days) such as Amavasya (New Moon) or during Pitru Paksha, which are considered auspicious for performing such rituals.
