The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-28
CREMATION SCENES IN INDIA.
Bodies Rising 10 n Sitting Posture
While Lying on an Open Fire.
Boston Transcript.

OSNO
In travelling through India large bonfres
are frequently to be seen in secluded spots
on the outskirts of cities, surrounded by
apparently m~erry-making circles OF ma
tves. The scenes which greet the observer
OF such are often grand and impressive.
One afternoon. while wandering through
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magnificent city OF temples and palaces, he
discovered through the trees In the distance
the familiar bonfire. Being an American,
open. an irresistible desire to approach this
particular spot predominated. The scene
contrasfed strangely with what was an
tlcipated. A group OF men sat piousiy
guarding this sacred fire. for it proved to
be that the last rites were being enacted
70 a kinsman. Among this particular caste
the late tribute to the dead is one striking
in its solemn originality. When life be-
comes extinct the body OF the deceased,
strongly impregnated with the odor of
sweet spices. is swathed in the finest linen
and permitted to remain a few hours in
the midst of the bereaved friends. whose
lamentations and strange wailings, as IL
from another world, are, TO say the least,
appealing. In token of their intense grief
each member of the family submits imme-
cut off the head. Should Ii be a widow
VINO is left TO mourn, as her sorrow is stHl
These daughters OF the East overflow with
pride for their beautiful tresses. Hence 1t is
that it is sacrificed at the altar OF the
dead.
Meanwhile the remains. with much cere-
mony. are borne forth on a wagon, with an
arch OF rush mating OF considerable height
concealing il from the vulgar gaze. 1t is
usually drawn by bullocks and accompa-
MED by immediate friends only, to receive
earth's last peace Offering at the shrine of
the gods.
Arriving at the holy place the deceased is
taken from the bier and placed with much
solemnity in the heat of the yet slowly-kin-
ding brands. The men, wrapped in the
purest white sheets, withdraw TO a little
distance under the shade. Not a word is
spoken. no requiem sung The time is de-
voted TO silent applications to the gods,
whose brazen or stone figures stand near
by in attitudes OF the profoundest humility.
At intervals raising their heads apparently,
then falling to the earth on their faces.
again standing with their arms extended,
they offer their petitions. A few sit gloom
lily under the olive trees. whose duty 1t is
seeming to relax a muscle.
Suddenly the gestures cease. An attitude
10 ious " eyes are fixed severely on the fire that
is slowly consuming the remains OF their
fellow-man; they look expectant. or as If
on the alert for something. Presently the
body, released Of its pinions. severed by
the fire. moves, springs perhaps to an up
right position amidst the flames, scattering
the fire In all directions. 1t Is a sight most
revolving and horrible In the extreme, caus-
ing even a little CONSERVATION among the
natives. To the stranger the spectacle Is
agoniZing TO behold. for IL seems a human
soul urging and swaying amidst a whirling
mass of blue vapor, as IL struggling In
DEATHS agony. We are told that when the
fire reaches a particular portion of the
back the contraction causes the body TO
rise to a sitting position. All the mourners
in one accord call upon the name of the
Most High, then rush to the spot and press
heavily on the CHASTITY figure with great
poles, each moment with renewed vigor.
until il resists no longer and sinks, to be
finally lost amid the fury OF the flames,
the fire having by this time increased to
it's hight.
once more the mourners seek their re-
the feet and PROSTATE themselves silently at
the feet of the deities for some moments.
then utter loudly calculations and suppl
cations to the gods, this time, If possible,
with greater solemnitv and reverence.
Then they resume their former positions. to
keep again their vigil of the dead. The
voices die out. and in silent meditation they
patiently watch the embers smolder away
Until all is over, and the ashes or their
kinsman are floating widely through the
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