Glossary
For those living abroad who might not know much about the terms related to asthi-visarjan, here are the explanations. This way, NRIs can easily understand and follow the rituals with their hearts, without any confusion or questions.
Asthi- Visarjan
The sacred ritual of immersing the loved one’s ashes and bones in the holy Ganges River, as guided by Vedic scriptures, is a deeply emotional and meaningful practice. It honours the departed soul and follows ancient traditions, bringing peace and comfort to those who mourn.
Swarga
In Hindu rituals, particularly during asthi-visarjan, Swarga (or Svarga) holds significant importance. Swarga is considered a heavenly abode where the souls of the righteous rest between incarnations.
Asthi Pravah
Asthi Pravah, also known as Asthi Visarjan, is a significant Hindu ritual involving the immersion of the ashes and bone fragments of a deceased person into a holy river.
Shraddh Puja
Shraddh Puja is a Hindu ritual performed to pay homage to deceased ancestors. It is a way to express gratitude and seek blessings from the departed souls. The ritual is typically conducted during the Pitru Paksha period, which usually falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (September-October).
Visarjan
The heartfelt act of immersing a loved one’s ashes into a holy river after their last rites is a deeply emotional and spiritual ritual.
Atma
Atma, is a Sanskrit term that refers to the true self or soul in Hindu philosophy. It represents the eternal, unchanging essence within each individual, distinct from the physical body and mind.