Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c16.23

v2.c16.23

Already before this rising into heaven through the instrument of magic, Vyāsa bids all who are mourning for their dead, man or woman, to come to the Gaṅgā. Those taking part in the truly poetical spiritualist seance wait on the bank till nightfall. Then the mystagogue plunges into the water and calls up all the dead heroes from their various worlds. Through the divine penitential power of the holy man all those that were slain in the battle now rise up from the river exactly as they were in life, but glorified and surrounded with heavenly adornment and heavenly following, especially the bands of Apsarases, and the whole night long a blissful reunion is celebrated. All grudges of former days are forgotten. Parents and children, brothers and sisters, and other kinsfolk clasp one another. “ United to their fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons, the women felt the utmost joy, and left sorrow behind. After the heroes and their wives had taken their delight for the one night, they bade one another farewell, clasped one another, and each went off again whence he or she had come ” (xv, 31.19 ff.).