They too finally depart cleansing themselves by a bath - mantrA 157

srigurubhyO namahA |
In the 157th mantrA the sage observes that the cremation grounds are as far as one's relatives and friends can journey with one to. The idea that the misapprehension as to the nature of reality that affects us all is capable of pulling us deeper and deeper into this transmigratory cycle is clear in these words.

ஆர்த்தெழு சுற்றமும் பெண்டிரும் மக்களும்
ஊர்த்துறைக் காலே ஒழிவர் ஒழிந்தபின்
வேர்த்தலை போக்கி விறகிட்கு எரிமூட்டி
நீர்த்தலை மூழ்குவர் நீதியி லோரே. I.2.15.157

Mourning friends, weeping spouse, dear children all,
They but followed him to the river's edge--not a step beyond;
Then sorrow dropped its mark, quick the pyre was lit,
Then the plunge in water, heart-whole they, graceless band. I.2.15.157

Com - Mourning friends, weeping spouse, dear children all, One’s grief stricken wife, children so dear to one’s heart and all the other relatives and friends, who walked (with the corpse) wailing loudly and weeping for their loss They but followed him to the river's edge-- are not able (or willing) to accompany (the corpse) any further than the banks of the river that is located at the edge of the village. not a step beyond; And once there (at the cremation ground) they travel no more. Then sorrow dropped its mark, quick the pyre was lit, then they proceeded to cover the face (of the corpse) the basis of life, and quickly lit the pyre. Then the plunge in water, heart-whole they, graceless band. The lighting of the pyre is followed by the customary plunge in water after which they walk away, back to their usual lives, lacking right conduct.

*The term “ஊர்த்துறைக் காலே “should be re arranged as “UrkAl thurai”   and then we will get the meaning ‘the river/stream at the outskirts of the village’. This is a reference to the cremation ground, which is usually on the outskirts of the village where the last rites are performed and the customary plunge in the water is taken after the ceremonies are completed. The term “நீதியி லோரே” is used to highlight the misapprehension (as to the nature of life and reality) that deludes us and causes us tread the path of adharmA or non righteousness.

thirucchitrambalam|