After this, a cow is introduced with her
calf. Her horns are decorated with rings of gold or brass, and her neck
with garlands of flowers. A pure cloth is laid over her body. Thus
decked, she is led up to the sick man, who takes hold of her tail.
Prayers are now offered up that the cow may conduct him, by a blessed
path, to the next world. He then makes a gift of a cow to a Brahmin.
This gift is considered indispensable to enable the soul to go over the
river of fire, which it is said all must pass after death. Those who
have made this gift, are met by one of these favored creatures the
moment they arrive at the bank of the stream, and by her help, they are
enabled to pass without injury from the flames.
As soon as the breath has left his body, all who are present must weep
for a reasonable time, and join in lamentations together.
After various ceremonies, the body is washed, and a barber is called to
shave his head. He is then clad with his finest clothes and adorned with
jewels. He is rubbed with sandal-wood where the body is uncovered, and
the accustomed mark is put upon his forehead. Thus dressed he is placed
on a kind of state bed, where he remains until he is carried to the
pile.
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