Devotees who worship Laddu Gopal keep a variety of items associated with the deity, ranging from clothing and jewelry to other adornments. However, these items must be ritually disposed of (immersed) after being used once or twice. Devotees often face a dilemma regarding what to do with Laddu Gopal's old clothes.

To address this, we spoke with astrologer Chandresh Sharma from AstroPatri to understand the proper way to dispose of the deity's garments. He states, "Clothes that are no longer in use should not be thrown in the trash. The deity's garments should be disposed of with utmost reverence and cleanliness." Let us explore the essential details regarding this process.

Why shouldn't old garments be thrown in the trash?
According to religious beliefs, it is inappropriate to discard any item offered to the deity along with ordinary household waste. There is a tradition of respectfully disposing of garments, especially those used in regular worship.

The tradition of immersion in flowing water
Religious traditions suggest immersing Laddu Gopal's old worship garments in flowing water. If one chooses this method, it is important to select a clean and religiously appropriate location—specifically, a *ghat* along a holy river.

The option of burying in the soil
If flowing water is not available, the old garments can be buried in clean soil. A designated spot in a home flowerpot or garden can be chosen for this purpose. Burying them in the soil is a particularly good option if the garments are made of natural fabric, as they will eventually decompose into compost.

The method of creating ash
You may also offer the deity's cotton or silk garments to a fire in a safe place to create ash, which can then be mixed into the soil of your plants.

Prayer for forgiveness before disposal
When setting aside the old garments, light a lamp before Laddu Gopal and offer a prayer with devotion. During prayer, devotees may also ask the deity to forgive any errors—whether committed knowingly or unknowingly—made during the worship. Afterward, respectfully remove the old garments and offer new ones to the deity.

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