The Sacred Confluence of Love and Loss: Pushp Visarjan at Prayagraj

6 July 2025 – Prayagraj: Pushp Visarjan

On July 2, 2025, Manjhali Didi and Chhoti Didi gathered with devotees to conduct the immersion ceremony for Badi Didi's ashes at Shringverpur. A profound sense of loss permeated the event. It is widely recognised that no single method can completely ease the sorrow that follows the passing of a loved one; such grief often lingers, even in the face of efforts to seek solace.

Once again, we gathered to immerse Badi Didi's ashes in Prayagraj, a challenging task even though we performed this ritual just days ago. In the early hours by the banks of the river, a deep silence enveloped the scene, reflecting the serene stillness of the river. The sky and the water shared a dark hue, creating a sombre atmosphere that resonated with the expressions of the devotees pouring in from all the gates that led them to the sacred site chosen for the parting rites of Badi Didi.

Now, the sudden silence that was first enveloping the banks of the river had suddenly changed with the commotion of the devotees who were arriving with every passing minute. The first thing you noticed when you arrived at the site was a beautifully decorated tent with assorted flowers that were arranged in a manner that exuded elegance and that was aligned with the somber nature of the event.

The tent was constructed as a temple with three domes. The three domes connote the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It seemed as though they had left their abode to come and bestow their respect to our Badi Didi and wanted to be part of this grand event.

There were multiple life-size images of Shri Maharaj Ji and Badi Didi all around the ritual site. The prominent display of Badi Didi’s life-size images throughout the tent and ritual area fostered a continued sense that she was everywhere and watching over us. It is often said that when we meet our loved ones, we see them in a single place, but in their separation, we see them everywhere.

Our Badi Didi had a deep appreciation for the chanting of poetry (kirtan) composed by her esteemed father and Guru, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (Shri Maharaj Ji). The soothing, melodious chanting fostered an environment of unity and spiritual upliftment among the devotees, who participated by clapping and following the lead singer. This collective expression reflected a shared wish for Badi Didi’s return, increasing the feeling of separation within the group.

Suddenly, whispers spread among the devotees indicating that Manjahi Didi and Chhoti Didi had arrived, as the LED screen showed a white car approaching the tent. When the vehicle arrived, devotees gathered nearby in anticipation of seeing them up close. Both Didis were seated in the back seat of the car; Chhoti Didi was holding Badi Didi’s urn wrapped in a red cloth. This scene evoked memories of times when all three Didis travelled together, and the presence of the urn served as a reminder of Badi Didi’s presence.

In comparison to the immersion event at Shringverpur where Chotti Didi was holding the urn in her lap when she approached the altar, this time, the scene was quite different, Manjhai Didi cradled the urn in her arms, while Chotti Didi, seated in a wheelchair, followed closely behind. Accompanied by family members, they moved towards the altar with a sense of reverence. When Manjhai Didi finally placed the urn on the altar, it felt as though she was gently laying her own heart upon that altar. Both Didis honoured their older sister by bowing and draping a jasmine garland around the urn, an act that other family members soon joined as they all paid tribute to Badi Didi.

The rituals performed in Shringverpur were beautifully reflected at this location at Arail Ghat, Prayagraj, beginning with a heartfelt pooja dedicated to Badi Didi. After this reverent ceremony, both the Didis and the family joined all the devotees on the boat, where they solemnly immersed Badi Didi's ashes at 5:40 AM into the sacred confluence of the three rivers. Following the immersion, a reflective mood settled over the boat, and it was clear that everyone’s expressions had shifted.

As the ceremony continued, several devotees gathered water from the river using blue buckets. This sacred water was then brought to the two Didis, who sprinkled it on the family members and other devotees on board. A moment later, Chotti Didi sipped the sacred water, which prompted many of the devotees to move forward to receive the mahaprasad. She graciously distributed the prasad to everyone present, and soon after, preparations began to dock the boat.

The immersion of Badi Didi’s ashes in Prayagraj was a profound act of cleansing, honouring the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. These mighty rivers symbolise purity, compassion, grace, and devotion. Similarly, these qualities are reflected in our Didis, who embody purity, compassion similar to a mother’s forgiveness, grace without discrimination, and selfless, unconditional devotion.

In this context, Badi Didi comes to represent the river, Saraswati. While Saraswati resides in Prayagraj, Badi Didi’s essence, much like the river itself, may remain unseen on the surface, although she is present in every devotee’s heart.

A must-read:

The Ultimate Surrender: A Sacred Story of an Exemplary Daughter of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj