Gorakhnath and the Kanphata Yogis c6.124

c6.124

After death the body is prepared for burial. It is washed by Yogīs, rubbed with ashes of cow-dung, or with ashes from the dhūnī,¹ sometimes with sugar also, and dressed in new garments of everyday life.² Or, the body may be covered with an ochre-coloured shroud. A new sacred thread, with the nād, ring and rudrākṣa berry, and a new rosary are hung around the neck. Some say that the ear-rings are removed and replaced by earthen³ ones. A ṭīkā of sandalwood or of red lead is drawn on the forehead. Five things are put into the mouth—gold, silver, a pearl, a charred wick from a lamp (cirāg) used in the worship of Devī, and incense (kesas khuṣbhu).⁴ The body is then placed in a posture of meditation (a sitting posture) on a seat, and is supported by one crutch, or by three. Under the body sugar, and sometimes earth, but not salt, are placed.⁵ Flowers also may be put on the seat. A potsherd is placed on the head, but for this a black silk cap or a turban may be substituted.