Note 124 — Chapter I · NATURE POWERS.
Reading edition
Widows and women are required to sleep on the ground during their monthly courses. Women whose husbands are away are also to do the same.124 In the Ratnágiri District Katkaris, on the day on which they wish to be possessed by a particular deity or spirit, are required to sleep on the earth.125 When people are on the point of death, they are made to lie on blades of darbha grass placed on the earth.126 The performer of a sacrifice as well as one who has observed a vow are to sleep on the ground.127 The following articles should not be allowed to touch the earth, viz. pearls, the Sháligram stone, an image of the god Vishnu, the linga of Shiva, a conch shell, the sacred thread of a Bráhman, flowers intended for worship, basil leaves, and Govardhan.128