After a death in the family, those who have eaten and lived together with the departed must observe a period of purification, which is achieved after ten nights. On the very day of the passing, no one should eat food or remain in the house where the death occurred. If a relative who shares the same ancestral offerings—a sapiṇḍa—touches the corpse, that person too becomes impure and is purified after ten days. For those of the twice-born castes, ten days of impurity are observed, while a king observes twelve days. However, it is also taught that all may attain purification in a shorter period—six nights, or even three nights, depending on circumstances. Bathing and partaking of clarified butter bring about purification for Brāhmaṇas and others. If, out of affection, someone touches another during the period of impurity, that person must observe the same duration of impurity. Bathing with one’s clothes on, touching fire, and eating ghee are also means by which one can become purified. For a Śūdra, three days of impurity are prescribed, or alternatively, the performance of a hundred breath-control exercises. Impurity may last three nights, or, in some traditions, only one day. For a Brahmin, sometimes only bathing in the presence of light is required. In fact, it is stated that purification can be achieved by bathing alone, even while still clothed—there is no doubt in this. Whether one is a relative or not, after ten days of impurity, purity is restored. When the period of impurity concludes, a ritual bath is taken to mark the return to purity. The impurity lasts for the number of days prescribed, after which one should perform acts of expiation. This period of impurity applies in the case of the death of sapiṇḍa relatives and also in other deaths. The relationship of sharing the same water—sapinda—is determined by knowledge of birth and lineage. The sapinda relationship extends to seven generations, encompassing three who partake of touch and the self. For married women, the ancient deity Pitāmaha declared that the sapinda relationship is reckoned through the husband. For those of different castes, the sapinda bond extends to three generations. There are certain exceptions. Donors, those who observe strict discipline, knowers of Brahman, and celibates, as well as the king, those who have undergone consecration, and performers of the prāṇasattra sacrifice, are all regarded as attaining immediate purity. Likewise, in times of famine or calamity, immediate purity is declared. If death is caused by a snake or similar causes, purity is also immediate. When renouncing for the sake of a Brahmin, immediate purity is prescribed. No impurity is recognized by the virtuous in the case of one who has fallen from righteousness or has died. Nor should śrāddha or similar rites be performed for someone who has died in tears or for a piṇḍa. For such individuals, impurity is not prescribed; neither fire nor water nor any other ritual is required. However, for a woman, the impurity rites must be observed, and the prescribed offerings of water and other acts performed. During this period, certain items may still be taken from the house of those in impurity: gold, grain, cows, garments, sesame, cooked rice, jaggery, and clarified butter. Dry food, in particular, may always be received from such a house. If the sacred fire has not been kindled, the household or secular fire should be used for rituals, as is proper for all. The cremation of the deceased should be conducted by the relatives with proper procedure and faith. For ten days, all the relatives should wear moist garments as a sign of mourning. On the fourth day, at the doorway of the house, Brahmins should be fed in honor of the departed. First, pure Brahmin couples are to be fed with devotion, followed by Brahmins who are not couples; this is known as the ‘nine śrāddha’ rite. During these rites, there should be one purifying object, a vessel for water, and another vessel for the rice-ball offering. The ceremony of joining the departed with the ancestors is prescribed once again at the completion of a year. For the sake of the departed, offerings should be poured into the vessels dedicated to the ancestors, thus fulfilling the sacred obligations and ensuring the well-being of the soul that has passed on.