Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s9.6

v2.c16.s9.6

The reason for Śiva having begged so is revealed by a study of the Dharma-Śāstras. It is therein laid down that if a Brāhmaṇa happens to kill another of great learning and good conduct (such a learned person is called a bhrūṇa), the sin could be expiated by following the course of conduct prescribed thus: the sinner should, with his own hands, erect for himself a hut in the forest, hoist on it as a flag the head of the man he killed and live therein, having for his upper garment the skin of a horse or an ass, which he should wear with the hairy side appearing outside. His underwear should be made of threads of the hemp and when worn it should not descend below the knee. Carrying a skull in one hand, as his begging bowl and one of the long bones of the arm (*khaṭvāṅga*) of the deceased as a stick he should start out begging for his food saying “who is there who would feed the murderer of a *bhrūṇa*.” He should not visit more than seven houses for making his living and if any day he does not succeed in getting food from them, he should go without it that day. He should take his food and drink from this skull. At home in his hut, he should observe the vow of silence and be contemplating upon the sin committed. He may undertake to tend the cows belonging to a Brāhmaṇa village and on that account and on account of receiving food alone he can enter the village. At other times he should conduct himself like one belonging to one of the classes considered to be untouchable. While walking on a public way if he meets an Ārya on the road he should, like a pig, move away to the very edge of the road, leaving