Gokarna, often referred to as Bhookailasa and the Southern Varanasi, holds great religious significance. One crucial religious practice in this sacred place is Asthi Visarjan. Asthi, in this context, refers to the remaining bone or collected ashes of the deceased. After the final funeral rites are performed, the remnants of the departed individual are typically bundled in a piece of cloth. Eventually, these immersed ashes are set adrift in calm water, resembling a river. This entire procedure of immersion is known as “Asthi Visarjan.”

It is imperative that Asthi Visarjan is carried out in strict accordance with the guidelines outlined in our scriptures. Deviating from the prescribed procedures can cause distress to the departed soul, as specified in the sacred texts.

The Asthis, or the remains, can be collected either on the day of cremation or on the 3rd, 7th, or 9th day following the cremation. It is advisable to gather the Asthi on the 3rd day after the cremation rites. If Asthi is to be immersed after the 10th day, it should only be done following the performance of the tirtha-shraddha ritual.