The Indian film industry recently bid a final, emotional goodbye to one of its most cherished icons. On the morning of Wednesday, December 3, the ashes of legendary actor Dharmendra were immersed in the holy waters of the Ganga at the sacred 'Har Ki Pauri' in Haridwar. The ceremony marked a quiet and dignified conclusion to the life of a star who captivated audiences for generations.
A Private and Intimate Ceremony
The final rites were conducted away from the public eye and media glare, as per the Deol family's wishes for privacy. The immersion followed complete religious rituals, adhering to age-old traditions. Reports indicate that the family had specifically requested the media to stay away from the ghat during the solemn proceedings.
Prior to the immersion, the family stayed at the historic Pilibhit House in Haridwar, a century-old mansion situated beside the river. From there, they performed essential preliminary rituals, including a holy dip and pind daan, at a ghat near their guest house before proceeding to Har Ki Pauri for the main ceremony.
The Significance of Har Ki Pauri
The choice of Har Ki Pauri for the final rites holds deep spiritual meaning. Considered one of the holiest ghats in Haridwar, its name translates to 'the feet of Lord Vishnu'. It is believed to be the precise spot where the Ganga river descends from the mountains onto the plains.
This ghat is the epicenter of major religious events like the Kumbh Mela and is a perpetual hub of devotion with its ancient steps and daily aarti. For countless Hindus, immersing the ashes of a loved one at Har Ki Pauri is a sacred act believed to bring eternal peace to the departed soul and blessings to the bereaved family.
Family Comes Together for Final Goodbye
The immersion was performed by Dharmendra's grandson, Karan Deol, representing the entire family. Priest Rohit Shrotriya, who oversaw the ceremony, provided details to ANI. He mentioned that while the family wished to immerse the ashes at Har Ki Pauri, actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol could not be present for the ritual, leading Karan to perform the duty.
Shrotriya confirmed that the rituals saw the participation of Sunny Deol's and Bobby Deol's entire families. The gathering was a poignant moment of unity for the Deol clan as they stood together to honour their patriarch. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, his second wife, actress Hema Malini, and his six children.
The loss of Dharmendra has created a profound void in Bollywood. An actor who transcended stardom to become a phenomenon, he leaves behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances. Films like 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke', 'Anupama', and 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela' continue to endear him to fans across ages. His memory will live on through his cinematic work and the family he nurtured.
