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Date: 2023-07-18 12:55:14 | By: Admin

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Embracing Divine Waters:

The Eternal Journey of Asthivisarjan at Haridwar

The holy city of Haridwar, which is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India, is extremely important in Hindu mythology and religious practices. It is regarded as one of the most sacred locations in India and is well-known for the Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu pilgrimage and festival that is attended by millions of people. Among the various rituals and practices performed at Haridwar, Asthivisarjan, or the immersion of ashes, holds a prominent place. This article explores the reasons why Hindus choose Haridwar for performing Asthivisarjan and the significance it holds in their faith.

Religious Significance of Haridwar

Haridwar sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to God," is situated along the banks of the revered Ganges River. It is said to be one of the four locations where Amrit, the elixir of immortality, is said to have fallen from the cosmic churning of the ocean. The city is referenced in historic writings, including the Mahabharata and the Puranas and is linked to a number of stories. It is said that bathing in the Ganges in Haridwar may atone for sins and bring about spiritual emancipation.

Asthivisarjan: Immersion of Ashes

The ritual of burying a person's ashes in a holy body of water, or asthivisarjan, is said to represent the soul's ultimate journey. Hinduism holds that only the mortal body perishes; the spirit is everlasting. By performing asthi visarjan in haridwar, Hindus aim to free the departed soul from the cycle of rebirth and enable it to merge with the divine.

Why Haridwar for Asthivisarjan?

• Moksha: Haridwar is considered a highly auspicious place for performing Asthivisarjan due to its association with salvation or moksha. Hindus believe that the sacred waters of the Ganges in Haridwar have the power to cleanse the soul and facilitate its journey towards liberation. It is believed that by immersing the ashes in the Ganges, the soul attains peace and eternal bliss.

• Ancestral Tradition: Performing Asthivisarjan at Haridwar is often a tradition passed down through generations. Families feel that by carrying out this holy obligation in such a hallowed location, they honour their ancestors and safeguard their spiritual well. The action is said to be a means of expressing respect and thanks for lost loved ones.

• Association with Lord Shiva: Haridwar is closely associated with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is believed to have a special connection with the city, and it is said that he resides here along with his consort, Goddess Parvati. As Lord Shiva is considered the ultimate deity responsible for liberation, performing Asthivisarjan in Haridwar is seen as an act of seeking his divine blessings.

• The Power of the Ganges: The River Ganges is considered the holiest river in Hinduism and is worshipped as a goddess. It is believed that the Ganges has the ability to purify sins and grant spiritual upliftment. Hindus believe that immersing the ashes in the Ganges at Haridwar enables the soul to break free from the cycle of birth and death and attain salvation.

• Kumbh Mela: Haridwar hosts the Kumbh Mela, a grand pilgrimage and festival that attracts millions of devotees from around the world. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, and during this time, the city becomes a hub of spiritual activities. Many Hindus choose to perform Asthivisarjan during this auspicious occasion, believing that the collective energy and divine atmosphere of the Kumbh Mela enhance the efficacy of the ritual.

• Divine Energy: Haridwar is believed to be a place where the divine energy is particularly potent. It is said that the city is blessed by the presence of numerous sages, saints, and spiritual masters who have meditated and attained enlightenment there. This spiritual energy is believed to amplify the efficacy of the Asthivisarjan ritual, providing a conducive environment for the departed soul to transcend worldly attachments and merge with the divine.

• The Confluence of Rivers: Haridwar is situated at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers, known as the Triveni Sangam. It is believed that this sacred junction holds immense spiritual power, and performing Asthivisarjan at this point is considered highly auspicious. The merging of the ashes with the holy waters symbolizes the merging of the individual soul with the divine consciousness, leading to spiritual liberation.

• Influence of Saints and Gurus: Haridwar has been a nurturing ground for numerous saints, gurus, and spiritual luminaries throughout history. The city has been home to revered figures such as Swami Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda, and many others who have left an indelible impact on the spiritual landscape of India. The presence of these enlightened souls and their teachings make Haridwar a place of spiritual significance, drawing devotees from far and wide to perform Asthivisarjan with the hope of seeking their blessings and guidance for the departed souls.

• Ritual Purity and Sanctity: Haridwar is known for its strict adherence to ritual purity and sanctity. The city has a well-defined code of conduct for performing religious rituals, ensuring that the rituals are conducted in a proper manner with utmost respect and reverence. This emphasis on purity adds to the appeal of Haridwar as a destination for Asthivisarjan, as families believe that the sanctity of the place enhances the spiritual impact of the ritual.

• Sacred Ghats: Haridwar is known for its numerous ghats, which are steps leading down to the river Ganges. These ghats hold immense spiritual significance, and each ghat is associated with different mythological stories and divine beings. Performing Asthivisarjan at these ghats is believed to be highly auspicious, as it allows the departed soul to receive blessings from the presiding deities and attain spiritual liberation.

Conclusion

Haridwar and asthi visarjan ghat in Haridwar holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus as a city of immense religious significance. The performance of Asthivisarjan, or the immersion of ashes, at Haridwar is deeply rooted in the belief in attaining spiritual liberation and honouring departed souls. The association of Haridwar with salvation, Lord Shiva, the power of the Ganges, and the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela contribute to its appeal as a preferred destination for this sacred ritual. For Hindus, performing Asthivisarjan at Haridwar is a solemn act that carries profound meaning and facilitates the journey of the departed souls towards eternal peace and liberation.