Asthi Visarjan is a Hindu ritual that is performed to immerse the ashes of a deceased person into a sacred river or sea. It is a ritual that signifies the completion of the last rites of a person and is believed to help the soul of the deceased attain moksha or liberation.
The word "Asthi" refers to bones, and "Visarjan" means immersion. The ritual of Asthi Visarjan is performed after the Antim Sanskar or the last rites of the deceased person, which involves cremation of the body. After the cremation, the ashes and the bones of the deceased are collected and kept in an urn or a container.
The Asthi Visarjan ceremony is usually performed on the 11th or 13th day after the death of the person, and is attended by family members and close relatives. The ceremony involves various rituals and prayers, and is performed with the utmost reverence and devotion.
The first step in the Asthi Visarjan ceremony is the purification of the ashes and the urn. The urn is washed with holy water and then filled with the ashes of the deceased. The person performing the ceremony then offers prayers to the gods and goddesses, and seeks their blessings for the soul of the deceased.
The urn is then taken to a nearby river or sea, preferably the Ganges, and immersed into the water. During the immersion, the person performing the ceremony chants mantras and hymns, and offers flowers and other offerings to the gods and goddesses.
After the immersion, the family members and relatives take a dip in the water to purify themselves. They then offer food and donations to the poor and needy, as a way of seeking blessings for the soul of the departed.
In conclusion, Asthi Visarjan is an important Hindu ritual that is performed after the Antim Sanskar of a deceased person. It is a ritual that signifies the completion of the last rites and is believed to help the soul of the departed attain moksha or liberation. The ceremony involves various rituals and prayers, and is performed with the utmost reverence and devotion.
"विश्वेश्वरा साक्षी भूत्वा पुनरागमनं कुरु। गङ्गादि सरितां तीर्थे फलं तेनास्ति शोभनम्॥"