Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 291

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. IV
Death-Ceremony
The Bhs throws some light upon the customs of the funeral ceremony observed by the people of its society as revealed in its stray references, but it does not present a complete picture of this important social function.
Thus it is said that king Śiva performed the work (worship) of gods and his dead father (i. e. manes) (Devayapitikayakajje),' plunging himself into the Gangeā, while taking bath during the stage of his Vānaprastha ascetic life.
In the case of death of a Nirgrantha monk, his fellow brethren of the order performed the kāyotsarga ceremony for the liberation of his soul (parinivvāna) and brought his begging bowl (patta) and robe (cīvara) with them to report this matter to their religious preceptor.
In this connection the two kinds of death as already explained, viz. Nihārima and Anīhārima throw some light upon the funeral ceremony of a monk. In the case of Nihārima death the dead body was disposed off by the performance of some funeral rite, but in that of Anīhārima the corpse was left out in the forest or any lonely place without burning it and observing any ceremony.
It appears that there was also a custom of taking out the dead body of a religious leader in a palanquin in a colourful funeral procession, after having given it a ceremonial bath and decorated it with the Gośīrşa sandal paste, silken robe and all kinds of ornaments, as it is said to have been observed by the Ajāvika monks in the case of their teacher, Gośāla Mankhaliputra, on his death according to his instruction.
A similar account of the manners and customs in regard
"Bhs, 12, 9, 417.
16, 2, 1, 96. Here Skandaka is meant. On his death his fellow ascetics brought his begging bowl and robe (patta & civar a) to
Lord Mahāvira after performing due funeral rite. 9 lb, 15, 1, 556.