In Hinduism, Vedas prescribe a final stage to achieve the complete repose of a Hindu mortal soul. Without this, the soul’s journey is incomplete. This religious rite is known as Asthi Visharjan or Asthi Nimarjan. Asthi means bones and ashes which are collected by family and loved ones after the last rites have been performed. These mortal remains are tied in a piece of cloth and immersed in a clean flowing water body.
Significance of Asthi Visarjan
For the Hindus, on a person’s death, her relationship with the material body ends. The soul departs on a journey depending on Karma gained from all the previous births. If her work is done, then her soul merges with the Supreme Being. But if it is not, then her soul will materialize again in a different form.
The material body is made of five basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Ether and is reduced to these after death. The Asthi Visarjan is the final freeing of these elements. Which were released during the cremation so that they can find their way to the Gods.
One of the most important Hindu funeral rituals, it is vital that Asthi Visarjan is done religiously. If not done correctly, it is believed that the spirit will linger on even after death.
At Shri Gauri Shankar Mandir, Asthi Visharjan is done in ways prescribed by the Vedas for the peace of the dearly departed ones. Also, our priests have knowledge and experience in conducting Vedic rituals and most importantly. They have made Sanatan Dharma values of kindness and humility a part of their daily lives.
