History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c37.78

v3.c37.78

The Viṣṇudharmasūtra¹⁷³² chap. 65 contains one of the earliest detailed description of devapūjā (of Vāsudeva or Viṣṇu). “After having well bathed and washed his hands and feet and performed ācamana (sipping of water) he should worship Lord Vāsudeva who is without beginning or end, before an idol or on the sacrificial ground. Having given animated form in his mind to Viṣṇu with the mantra ‘may the Aśvins who possess life give thee life’ (Maitrāyaṇī Saṁ.