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OF THE HINDUS.
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different collections of Sútras belonging to the same classes, and depending apparently on the authority of one of the three or four collections of sacred hymns (Rik, Sáma, Yajus, Atharvaňa). Thus we have for the Rigveda or Hotíi priests, the Grihya-sútras of Áśvaláyana and Sankháyana; for the Sámaveda or Udgáti priests, the Gřihya-sútras of Gobhila; for the Yajurveda or Adhvaryu priests, the Grihya-sútras of Páraskara , and several collections (Baudhayana, &c.) belonging to the Taittiriya branch; for the Atharyana the Gřihya-sútras of Kausika.
“The ceremonies to be observed at a burial have been described in detail by Ásvaláyana only, and it is possible that the burial was not considered as an essential part of that class of rites which is comprehended under the name of Sanskára. However, the burial also is an obligatory rite to be performed by others for the benefit of the dead, who of course performs as passive a part in it as could be required in a Grihya rite. The following details are taken from the Grihya ascribed to Áśvaláyana.
“First comes some medical advice. If a person who keeps the sacrificial fires in his house be ailing, let him betake himself away from his home towards the east, north, or north-east, and carry his fires with him. People say that the fires love their home, and therefore they will wish to return home, and will therefore bless the sick and make him whole. After he has recovered, he should perform a Soma - sacrifice, or an animal - sacrifice, or a burnt-offering. But
