A History of the Mahrattas v1.c23.35

v1.c23.35

² On the death of a near relation, Hindoos are supposed unclean for ten days, during which they are to be rigidly abstemious in every respect; this observance is called sootuck. Where the relationship is not near, or the death happens at a great distance, one, two, or three days are sufficient. The funeral rites ought to be performed by the nearest relation, and always last ten days, during which, or until the 12th or 13th day, the mourner is considered unclean. After a corpse is burnt or buried, the soul is supposed to hover round the spot for ten days before it wings its flight, to receive judgment from Yem Dhurm. In whatever place a Hindoo hears of the death of a parent, he shaves his mustachios, and performs all the rites as if present where the death happened. Bramins observe the anniversary of the death of their relations, and on the new moon of every month perform certain ceremonies to their Manes.