Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Mar 12: As per the will left behind by a citizen of Scotland, his friend discharged his ashes in the sea and performed other post-funeral rites as per Hindu customs at Gokarn here on Tuesday March 10.

William from Scotland used to visit Gokarna every year since sometime. He had come to know about the deep-embedded faith among the Hindus that a person whose funeral is conducted or ashes and bones are immersed at this holy place will never be born again, as the deceased will directly reach the heaven.

He had left behind a will, expressing the desire that his ashes and bones should be discharged into the Arabian Sea here after his death.

This year too, William had come to Gokarna along with his friend from England, Geoffrey. William fell ill during this visit in January, and died while being taken to Mangaluru for treatment. His body was preserved till William's close relatives came here last week.

After consigning his body to flames, William's ashes and bones were brought to Gokarna by Geoffrey, who not only got his head tonsured for the purpose as required, but also participated in the religious procedures as per the guidance of priests, Nagaraja Aithal and Anant Adi on Tuesday, to fulfill the wishes of his deceased friend.