47. THE FUNERAL RITES PERFORMED BY MOURNING GODS AND MEN

All the eighteen rulers of the various states in Kasi-Kosala were present at the time of Bhagavan Mahavira’s Nirvana. When the light of knowledge was extinguished, they lighted numerous earthen lamps. And it was since then that the Festival of Lights (Dipavali) is being observed in India. Indra and the other gods flew down to the earth to celebrate the fifth Kalyanaka (auspicious event). They bather his body with holy waters, applied sandal paste, dressed the body in silk and decked and adorned him with a crown and other ornaments. He was carried in a palanquin and millions had joined the precession to pay their last homage to the great saint. There was solemn music accompanied by musical instruments. The palanquin was placed on a pyre of fragrant sandalwood. The final prayers were offered. Clarified butter (ghee) was sprinkled over the pure. Perfumed water was sprinkled to extinguish the fire. After the final rites were over the gods carried with them the molars and the bones to the heaven.