Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1874-10-03
Cremation in India.

The Times Of India gives an account
of the cremation of the body of Naryan
Massedo, who was killed through the
falling of building at Malabar Hill.
The procession started at 7P. NJ. The
bier, composed of two long pieces Of
bamboo with couple of cross pieces,
and covered with rich white shawl,
was upheld by the deceased's eldest
brother, and three of his most intimate
friends and relatives-Mr. Rugunath
Narayan, Mr.. Shantaram Narayan, and
DR.. Shantaram Withul. The sacred
fire, which had been kindled with due
ceremonies at the house, was carried in
front in brazen vessel by the de-
ceased's son. The funeral was largely
attended, not only by members of his
own caste, but by those Of other castles
and denominations. When the process
sion reached Sonapore, the bier was
placed on the ground while the pyre
was being constructed. Men with short
crowbars made six holes in the earth,
and in each of these was placed a
rough piece of timber about four or five
feet high. The posts, ranged two and
two, were about yard distant from
each other. Three logs about six feet
long each were placed on pieces of
wood between each pair Of uprights, so
as to allow a free draught under the
whole. A number of smaller logs were
placed on these larger logs, and were
covered with sandal wood, which made
q sort of bed for the reception of the
body. While this was being done a
number of torches of sandal wood were
being carefully ignited by the deceased
son at the sacred fire, which he had
brought with him for the purpose
Prayers were said while the ignition
was in progress. All being ready, the
bier was brought to the side of the
pyre, and the body was Invested of all
covering except a cloth around the
loins. 1t was then lifted on to the bier,
which was by this time between three
and four feet high. The upright posts
confined the body on either side, and
prevented the possibility of its rolling
! off. Small blocks of sandal wood of
various lengths-from six inches to two
feet-were placed lightly on the body.
The deceased's son then took brazen
vessel full of water. and carefully
sprinkled circle on the earth around
the funeral pile. He next seized a
brand from the sacred fire and applied
it to some dried leaves or similar COM
bustibles placed under the pyre. This
did not set fire to the pile, however,
and was not intended to be more than
compliance with the ceremonial the
brand was red, not blazing, and spark
or two only fell from it. The relatives
were then, as is usual in such cases,
led away from the pyre by the friends
around, so as to spare their feelings as
much as possible. When they were
taken few yards off, and their backs
turned to the pyre, long logs similar tc
those at the base were placed over the
body, which now became perfectly con,
cealed-all but the feet, which were left
exposed, either by accident or design
The friends applied matches to the san
dial wood brands, and when they blazed
up set fire to the cembustibles. Owing
doubtless to the dampness of the
ground and occasional drops of rain,
il was matter of some difficulty to ge
the mass to burn. Oocoanut oil wat
thrown on the wood, and screens were
held up by men SO as to regulate the
draught, and after long interval thu
pyre blazed up fercely. In three hour
only a handful of ashes remained o
him who was but that morning the in
fuential leader of the Hindoo com
munity. r 81. ..u .a-.