The mortal remains of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the man who introduced transcendental meditation to the masses, were consigned to flames here with full state honour amid chanting of vedic hymns by religious leaders and followers from across the world.

The body of the Maharshi, which was brought here on February 9, three days after his demise in Holland, was taken from his ashram in Arail, in a grand procession, to the cremation site, overlooking the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

A host of dignitaries, including Union Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, VHP supremo Ashok Singhal, Art of living founder Ravishankar and several other religious leaders were present at the site of cremation along with thousands of Maharshi’s disciples to bid an emotional adieu.

Flowers showered

Flower petals were showered as Maharshi’s body was placed in the yogic posture of Siddhasana, on the funeral pyre which was lit by his nephew and in-charge of the schools founded by the Yogi, Swami Girish Chandra Verma.
Locals and pilgrims camping at the on-going Magh mela congregation too joined the cremation ceremony of the Maharshi, whose disciples included the legendary rock band ‘The Beatles’.