In Bharatiya Hindu spiritual traditions, sacred images, be it of Devas, Gurus, holy symbols, or revered places, are treated with deep respect because Vigraha Pooja is an important part of Hindu Dharma. Calendars, posters, and printed images are often brought in to our homes and workplaces as aids to remembrance and devotion. Over time, however, these items may become worn out, torn, faded, or simply no longer needed. When they become Khandit or are no longer needed, we face the dilemma of disposing or doing away with them.
It is important to remember that such sacred murtis/images should not be discarded casually. Instead, they are to be retired with dignity through a process that is in keeping with their sanctity and returns them respectfully to the natural elements as suggested by Dharmic Granthas. This practice is commonly understood as Visarjan, meaning immersion or dissolution, symbolizing the release of the physical form while retaining the spiritual essence in our hearts.
What are Khandit murtis/images?
In Hindu spiritual and cultural traditions, the concept of Khandit refers to something that is broken, damaged, incomplete, or no longer whole. When applied to sacred images—such as pictures, idols, calendars, or representations of Devas and Devis—Khandit images are those that have become torn, cracked, faded, chipped, or otherwise physically compromised over time due to regular use and wear and tear. The handling of such images is guided not by fear or superstition, but by a deep sense of reverence, symbolism, and spiritual sensitivity.
Traditionally, a Khandit murti or image is not used for active worship. This does not imply that the divine presence has diminished, but rather reflects the symbolic importance of wholeness and integrity in ritual practice. A complete and undamaged form is considered conducive to bhakti, clarity of mind, and ritual purity. When an image becomes Khandit, it is understood that its role as a medium for daily worship has naturally come to an end.
Importantly, Khandit images are never to be treated with disrespect or discarded casually. They are not spoiled objects but sacred forms that have fulfilled their purpose. The correct response is one of gratitude and gentle withdrawal from use. Such murtis should be respectfully removed from altars, temples, or prayer spaces and retired through appropriate means such as Visarjan which is the process of returning them to the elements through burial (Bhu Visarjan), water immersion (Jal Visarjan), or sacred fire (Agni Visarjan), depending on the material and local custom. Eco-sensitivity and cleanliness should always guide these actions.
For printed images or calendars, another respectful option is separation and preservation. If only a portion of the image is damaged, some families choose to keep the intact section inside sacred books or stored respectfully until Visarjan can be performed. This reflects an understanding that reverence lies in intention, not compulsion.
At a deeper level, the idea of discarding Khandit murtis/images is also a philosophical reminder. It indicates that all material forms, even sacred ones, are impermanent. Wear, decay, and dissolution are part of the natural cycle of creation. If we analyze Dharmic teachings properly, we learn that by accepting the retirement of a Khandit vigraha with calmness and respect, one practices vairagya (detachment) while retaining shraddha (faith). In essence, Khandit images teach balance: devotion without attachment, respect without fear, and tradition guided by wisdom and compassion rather than anxiety.
How should sacred images be retired?
Furthermore, any sacred form that has been installed with Pran Pratishtha loses its ‘prana’ when it becomes Khandit. Therefore, their Visarjan is essential. Given below are three methods in which we can do visarjan of these murtis/images that are no longer being worshipped:
Bhu Visarjan – One of the most widely accepted methods is Bhu Visarjan (burial). In this practice, sacred images printed on paper are buried in a clean, undisturbed spot, ideally beneath or near a sacred tree such as Banyan, Neem or Peepal. These trees are traditionally associated with purity, healing, and carry great spiritual significance.
By burying the images into the soil, we allow the paper to decompose naturally, returning to the earth from which it originated. This method reflects the belief that all material forms are temporary and ultimately merge back into nature. Care is taken to choose a respectful location so that the act remains one of reverence rather than disposal. Therefore, places like a garbage disposal area or a place where the image might be stepped upon are never chosen for the act.
Jal Visarjan – Another traditional approach is Jal Visarjan (water immersion). In this method, the sacred images are placed into flowing water such as a river, stream, or sea. Flowing water is symbolically associated with purification, continuity, and release. However, modern awareness adds an important layer of responsibility to this practice.
Jal Visarjan should only be performed if the materials are eco-friendly, meaning they are free from plastic coatings, synthetic inks, or laminated surfaces that could pollute water bodies. When done mindfully, this method signifies the gentle dissolution of form and the return of the image to the natural cycle, carried onward by the sacred flow of water.
Agni Visarjan – A third method followed in certain traditions is Agni Visarjan (disposal using sacred fire). If the images are printed on plain paper, they may be respectfully offered to a small, clean fire, often accompanied by a brief prayer or moment of silence. Fire is regarded as a purifying element, transforming matter into subtle form.
Through Agni Visarjan, the physical representation is returned to the atmosphere, symbolizing transformation rather than destruction. It is important that this be done carefully, in a clean and controlled setting, without mixing the images with ordinary waste or burning them thoughtlessly.
Beyond these elemental methods, many households choose repurposing as an act of continued reverence. Instead of retiring the entire calendar or poster, devotees may gently cut out the depictions of the Devas/Devis or sacred symbols and frame them, place them inside holy books, or store them respectfully in a dedicated space. This approach allows the sacred imagery to remain part of daily life while avoiding unnecessary disposal. It is especially meaningful for images that still inspire devotion but are attached to calendars or printed materials that have otherwise outlived their practical use.
There is a shared principle underlying all these practices – sacred images are not mere objects but carriers of devotion, memory, and spiritual intent. Retiring them respectfully is less about rigid rules and more about inner attitude of gratitude, mindfulness, and care. Whether through earth, water, fire, or thoughtful reuse, the goal is to honour what the image represented and to acknowledge the cyclical nature of all material forms. In doing so, we uphold both spiritual sensitivity and ecological responsibility, ensuring that reverence extends not only to the divine but also to the natural world that sustains us which is revered as Prakriti in Hindu Dharma.
(Featured Image Source: Dailymotion)
