The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c9.73

c9.73

Usually there was *sahamaraṇa*, *i.e.*, the widow mounted the same pyre that was prepared for her husband. If there were several widows, the practice differed. Sometimes the favourite wife was selected for the honour of *sahamaraṇa*, others being burnt on separate pyres; sometimes all were placed on the same pyre, their petty jealosies, if any, being reconciled during the last fateful moments of their life. The Satī used to take with her Kuṁkuma, comb, mirror and betel leaves, which were the insignia of *saubhāgya*, and place her husband's head on her lap. Then the pyre was lighted.