PLATE 7.
The Pranayama concluded, the Brahmin takes up water in the palm of his left hand; and, touching it with the tips of the fingers of his right hand, he sprinkles it over his head. Then, dropping his right hand, and taking up fresh water, he presents it to the right nostril, drawing in his breath; then pours out the water on the left side of the palm. He then takes up the Urgha (a long, shallow vessel of copper), filled with water, over which he strews yellow and red sandal, raw rice, and a few flowers (the Hindoos are not particular in the choice of the flowers in these prayers): then, rising from his seat, he holds the Urgha with both hands, passing one end of the Janeo (Brahminic thread) over the thumb and the Urgha, and repeating the following prayer to the sun:—
अथार्घ्यमंत्रः सूर्य्यस्य कथ्यते
एहि सूर्यसहस्रांशो तेजोराशे जगत्पते अनुकंपयमां भक्त्या गृहाणार्घ्यं दिवाकर
Translation.
Oh, Sun of a thousand rays! most glorious Lord of the world! have mercy upon me! I am thy servant: accept my offering of water, oh, Lord of the day!
Here the Brahmin pours out the contents of the Urgha.
