thanks sn dijju...that was sweet!!!. i got the answer. i had heard that story before somewhere but i could not quite recollect it. i can't believe, this is one of the MAJOR reasons for gender discrimination in our societies. you may want to read this article: Silent< a target=new href= target=_blank>http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010506/spectrum/main1.htm> Genocide Riten, while i do resonate with your expression of rage over manu, i feel that we, the people, who have been following this ritual ever since, are equally responsible and hence liable for gender discrimination. i mean still, how many of our families would heartily welcome a woman to cremate/incinerate a corpse? LooTe