The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2 Vol Set)

Asthi-Sanchayana

(“gathering the bones”) Name for a par-
ticular ceremony performed as one of
the last rites (antyeshthi samskara) con-
nected with death. Asthi-sanchayana is
usually performed on the second or third
dayafter cremation. In this rite, some of
the remains of the deceased—bits of
bone and ash—are gathered from the
site of the cremation pyre. These remains
are collected and kept in a safe place
until their final dispersal in the last of the
death rites, asthi-visarjana.

Asthi-Visarjana

(“scattering the bones”) Name for a partic-
ular ceremony performed as one of the last
rites (antyeshthi samskara) connected
with death. In this ritual, bits of bone and
ash collected from the cremationsite in
the rite of asthi-sanchayanaare immersed
in the watersof the Gangesor some other
sacred river. This is the final ceremony
for the dead, since in earlier times the
collected remains might be kept for years
before a family member was able to bring
them to a pilgrimage place (tirtha) to per-
form this rite. Modern transportation has
changed this pattern somewhat, making it
more common for asthi-visarjana to be

carried out immediately after death but

before the sapindikaranaceremony on

the twelfth day.

This rite is still widely performed in

modern India and remains important for

at least two reasons: On one hand, there is

the symbolism of redemption for the dead

through consigning their ashes to the

sacred waters, and on the other, providing

definitive ritual closure for the living.

Astrology

See jyotisha.

Asura

See demons.

Asura Marriage

One of the eight ways to perform a mar-

riage recognized in the Dharma Shastras,

the treatises on religious duty (dharma).

It is named after the asuras, a class of

powerful divine beings whose interests

are often at odds with those of the

gods (deva); thus, the name carries an

unfavorable connotation.

An asura marriage takes place when a

man gives money to the bride’s family and

the bride herself. This is one of the four

Asthi-Sanchayana

In the asthi-visarjana funeral ceremony, after cremation

the remains of a body are gathered and immersed in sacred water.