A Sacred Farewell: Lalithamma's Ashes Embrace the Holy Cauvery at Triveni Sangama

In a deeply moving and spiritually resonant ceremony, the ashes of Lalithamma, the beloved wife of revered Kannada writer Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa, were peacefully immersed into the sacred waters of the River Cauvery. The poignant ritual, known as 'asthi visarjane', took place at the hallowed Triveni Sangama in T.

Narasipura, a significant confluence where the Cauvery, Kabini, and the mythical Spatika Sarovara rivers meet, making it an exceptionally sacred site for such final rites.

The solemn occasion saw Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa himself, a towering figure in Kannada literature, present along with his son, Nandan Bhyrappa, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Together, the family offered their final respects, performing the traditional ceremonies with profound reverence and sorrow. The air was thick with quiet grief, yet also imbued with a sense of spiritual peace, as ancient Hindu traditions were meticulously observed to ensure a serene passage for Lalithamma's soul.

The immersion of ashes in the Cauvery holds immense spiritual significance for many Hindus, symbolizing a return to the cosmic origins and the cycle of life.

The gentle currents of the mother river, believed to possess purifying and liberating powers, carried Lalithamma’s remains, completing her earthly journey and facilitating her spiritual ascent. Family members, clad in traditional attire, participated in the prayers and offerings, their faces reflecting a mixture of loss and solace.

Priests chanted sacred mantras, guiding the family through each step of the ritual, ensuring every aspect was conducted with the utmost respect and adherence to scriptural dictates.

The ceremony was a private, intimate affair, allowing the family to grieve and perform the sacred duty in a tranquil environment, away from public glare, focusing solely on the spiritual well-being of the departed soul. It was a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of family and faith, as Dr. Bhyrappa and his kin found strength in their traditions during a moment of profound personal loss.

This final act of farewell marked the culmination of Lalithamma’s journey, a life lived alongside one of Karnataka’s most celebrated literary giants.

Her memory, intertwined with the sanctity of the Cauvery, will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of her family and those who knew her, now finding eternal peace in the embrace of the sacred river.