[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s8.786 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.786 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.786 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s8.786](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.786) Śmaśāna is the name of the ‘burial mound’ in which the bones of the dead man were laid to rest (cf. Anagnidagdha). It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda,¹ and often later.² The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa³ prescribes a four-cornered mound facing the south-east, on ground inclined to the north, out of sight of the village, in a peaceful spot amid beautiful surroundings, or on barren ground. For an Agni-cit (‘builder of a fire-altar’) a funeral mound like a fire-altar is prescribed. The Easterners (Prācyāḥ) made their mounds round. - [Previous: v2.c4.s8.785](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.785) - [Next: v2.c4.s8.787](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.787) - [Up: v2.c4.s8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.786](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.786) · Pramāṇa