GHAZIPORE. 
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proper for a woman to cast herself upon the funeral 
pile of her husband/* but there is no strict command j 
neither are there any denunciations against such as 
may neglect this holy sacrifice, although it is true 
that glory and blessings in a future state are pro- 
mised as a reward to those who observe it. Those 
who decline the trial are commanded to cut off their 
hair, cast off their ornaments, to observe inviolable 
chastity, and to labour in the service of their children. 
What more could be required ? except among those 
people whose widows are taken to wife by the brothers 
* In the Pooran of Angira it is thus written. “ The woman who 
mounts the funeral pile of her deceased husband equals herself to 
Arundhoti, the wife of Yashista, and enjoys bliss in heaven -with her 
husband. She dwells with him in heaven for thirty-five millions of 
years, which is equal to the number of hairs upon the human body, 
and by her own power taking her husband up, in the same manner 
as a snake-catcher would take a snake out of its hole, remains with 
him in diversion. She who thus goes with her husband to the other world 
purifies three generations, that is, the generations of her mother’s side, 
father’s side, and husband’s side; and so she being reckoned the purest 
and the best in fame among women, becomes too dear to her husband, 
and continues to delight him during fourteen Indras, and although her 
husband be guilty of slaying a Brahmin or friend, or be ungrateful of 
past deeds, yet is his wife capable of purifying him from all these sins.” 
Here the reward promised is not everlasting, hut only for a stated term. 
Now eternal bliss, “ absorption in Brahma,” is promised throughout 
the Shastras to those who continue to lead a holy and religious life, in 
thorough purity, and in the regular fulfilment of Brahma’s commands. 
These words are quoted from the Veda; “By living in the practice of 
regular duties the mind may be purified. Hereafter by hearing, 
reflecting, and constantly meditating upon the Supreme Being, ab- 
sorption in Brahma may be attained. Therefore, from a desire dur- 
ing life of future fruition, life ought not to be destroyed.” Thus is a 
pure and holy life inculcated as infinitely more acceptable to Brahma 
than self-immolation on the funeral pile. 
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