History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c37.90.2

v3.c37.90.2

16), 'dadhikrāvṇo' (Ṛg. IV. 39. 6), 'ghṛtam mimikṣe' (Ṛg. II. 3. 11), 'madhu vātā' (Ṛg. I. 90. 6), 'svāduḥ pavasva' (Ṛg. IX. 85. 6). It will be noticed that each of these mantras is suggestive of the material with regard to which it is uttered. No bath with water or these things is allowed when only a picture or a clay image is to be worshipped. If one cannot afford these, one may bathe the image with water in which the leaves of the basil plant (tulasī) are mixed up, as that plant is deemed to be the favourite of Viṣṇu. The water used in the bath of the image of a God is regarded as very sacred and it is used for ācamana by the worshipper and members of his family and friends and is called *tīrtha* (it is also sprinkled over one's head).¹⁷⁴¹ As regards the unguents to be offered (anulepana or gandha) numerous rules are laid down (vide Pūjāprakāśa pp. 39-41). The Viṣṇu¹⁷⁴² Dh. S. (66. 2) says that unguents should be one or more out of sandalwood, pine tree paste, musk, camphor, saffron, nutmeg. If ornaments are offered, then gold and precious stones should be real and not imitation ones (Viṣṇu Dh. S. 66. 4). Very detailed rules are laid down about flowers. The Pūjāprakāśa (pp. 42-49) waxes eloquent over the merit of offering basil leaves to Viṣṇu and using the same wood in worship generally and also when no flowers are available. The Viṣṇu Dh. S.¹⁷⁴³ (66.