Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c15.s4.9

c15.s4.9

The Chedasūtras have laid down elaborate rules for disposing of the dead body of the Jain sādhu.¹⁸⁹ It is stated that after the death of a monk, one monk should go in search of a bier to carry the corpse and should inspect the cremation ground (thandila) where the proper direction should be chosen for the disposal of the dead. The corpse should be covered with a clean white cloth, and as far as possible be taken out during day or night as the case may be after the monk dies. The corpse should be carried by monks, or by laymen in a cart, or with the help of the Mallas or by the Cāṇḍālas.¹⁹⁰ Then after being carried to the cremation ground, with the permission of the keeper of the cemetery, the corpse should be disposed of duly.¹⁹¹