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How To Keep Asthi At Home In Hinduism?

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 In Hinduism, Asthi refers to the bones and ashes of a deceased person, collected after cremation. Traditionally, the remains are immersed in a sacred river, such as the Ganges, as part of the final rites, symbolizing the soul's liberation (moksha). However, due to practical or personal reasons, some people may need to temporarily or permanently keep the Asthi at home. Below is a detailed guide on how to keep Asthi at home, covering methods, prayers, discipline, and associated rituals:

1. Preparation and Storage

  • Collection of Asthi: After the cremation ceremony, the family collects the bones and ashes. This is typically done on the following day, following a prayer to seek permission from the departed soul.
  • Container: The Asthi is placed in a clean earthen, copper, or brass pot, as these materials are considered pure. The pot is often covered with a red or white cloth.
  • Placement:
    • Tree or Sacred Spot: Traditionally, Asthi is kept temporarily under a tree or at a clean, sacred location.
    • Home: If kept at home, choose a clean and undisturbed spot, preferably in a room that remains unused for daily activities. The pot should be placed on a pedestal and not directly on the ground.

2. Daily Routine and Discipline

To maintain the sanctity of keeping Asthi at home, specific rituals and practices should be followed:

Daily Routine

  1. Morning Rituals:
    • Clean the area surrounding the Asthi pot.
    • Light an oil lamp (diya) and offer incense.
    • Place fresh flowers or a Tulsi leaf near the container.
  2. Mantras:
    • Chant mantras such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for peace and liberation of the departed soul: 
      ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
    • Alternatively, chant mantras of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, or Devi, invoking blessings for the soul’s liberation.
  3. Food Offering:
    • Prepare sattvic food (vegetarian, no onions/garlic) as an offering, though it is usually symbolic.
    • Sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water) or milk around the pot to purify the area.
  4. Prayers for Ancestors (Pitru):
    • Offer a small Pind Daan (rice ball mixed with ghee) near the Asthi pot.

Evening Rituals:

  • Light another diya at sunset and chant the Gayatri Mantra or Vishnu Sahasranama.

3. Practical Suggestions

  1. Duration:
    • Ideally, Asthi should not be kept at home for an extended period. If the immersion is delayed, keep it for a maximum of 10-13 days, or until the appropriate ritual can be performed.
    • If a delay is inevitable, conduct a small puja every day for the purification of the home and protection from negative energies.
  2. Immersion:
    • When ready, immerse the Asthi in a sacred river. If this is not possible, consult a priest for alternate rituals.
  3. Avoidance:
    • Avoid keeping the pot in bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms.
    • Ensure the space is calm, quiet, and not used for mundane activities.

4. Prayers and Mantras

Here are mantras and prayers dedicated to deities associated with death, protection, and the afterlife:

For Lord Shiva:

  • Chant the Rudra Prarthana: 
    नमः शम्भवे च मयोभवे च।
नमः शङ्कराय च मयस्कराय च॥
  • Pray to Lord Shiva, the liberator of souls, for the release of the deceased.

For Lord Vishnu:

  • Recite the Vishnu Stotra or Narayana Kavacham for the protection of the soul.

For Devi:

  • Invoke Goddess Durga or Parvati through the Devi Suktam for blessings and peace.

For Lord Yama:

  • Chant: 
    ॐ यमाय धर्मराजाय मृत्यवे चान्तकाय च।
वैवस्वताय कालाय सर्वभूतक्षयाय च॥
    • This mantra is a prayer to Yama, the god of death, seeking his guidance and care for the departed.

Pitru Devatas:

  • Use the Pitru Gayatri Mantra: 
    ॐ देवताभ्यः पितृभ्यश्च महायोगिभ्यः नमः।
    • Offer prayers to ancestors and seek blessings for their liberation.

5. Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Spiritual Significance:
    • Keeping Asthi temporarily is believed to maintain a connection between the living and the departed soul, facilitating closure.
  2. Astrology:
    • Some families consult astrologers to determine the best time for immersion or rituals.
  3. Local Traditions:
    • Customs may vary regionally. For example, in South India, specific pujas like the Shraddha Karma or Pitru Tarpana may be performed during this period.

6. Observances and Discipline

  • Purity: Maintain personal and environmental cleanliness. Refrain from non-vegetarian food and avoid alcohol.
  • Silence and Meditation: Family members are encouraged to practice mindfulness and meditation, focusing on prayers for the departed soul.
  • Avoid Social Gatherings: During the mourning period, refrain from celebrations or loud events.


Keeping Asthi at home is a sacred responsibility that involves maintaining discipline, purity, and a connection with the divine. Through daily rituals, mantras, and prayers, one can ensure peace for the departed soul and harmony in the household. Ultimately, proper immersion in a holy river or ocean is essential for the completion of the process and the liberation of the soul.