THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 2000 kg of Bhasma (sacred ash) and 250 kg of camphor were used during the final rites of Neyyattinkara Gopan Swamy. The body was cremated in a tomb called "Rishipeeth", twice the size of the previous one which was demolished by police. 500 kg of sacred ash and 50 kg of camphor were brought first but this was soon deemed insufficient for the function. Minding this, an additional 1500 kg of sacred ash and 200 kg of Pachakarpura were brought.
Three people, including Gopan's son Sanandan, stepped down to the grave and performed the rituals. Revered monks of various monasteries performed the functions in the ceremonies held from 4 pm on Friday. The dead body was brought home from a private hospital in Neyyattinkara in a Nama Japayatra led by Hindu organizations. The body covered in a red garb was placed in the tomb amidst chants of Shiv Panchakshar Stotram Mantra from monks and believers.
Relatives said the "Rishi Peeth" would be made a pilgrimage site. The family members clarified that pujas will be performed under the leadership of monks for the next 41 days. Meanwhile, Gopan's forensic, chemical analysis and histopathological reports are awaited. The police investigation is not yet over in the case.