History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v2.c24.s1.111

v2.c24.s1.111

8. 11 'vanaspate'. A piece of cloth is held between the tree and the performer, then eight auspicious verses are repeated (maṅgalāṣṭaka), the cloth is removed and then the hymn called Dhruvasūkta (Rg. X. 72. 1-9) is repeated. Other mantras (like Ṛg. X. 62-63) are also recited. Then a piece of cloth, yajñopavīta, girdle, staff and deer-skin are given with appropriate mantras and lastly after touching the tree, the Gāyatrī is repeated. In E. C. vol. III. Malavalli No. 22 there is a reference to the upanayana of Aśvattha trees performed by one Bāchappa in 1358 A. D.