History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c53.s3.8

v3.c53.s3.8

The dīkṣā (initiation) for the rite takes place on the amāvāsyā of Phālguna. The dīkṣaṇīyā iṣṭi and other usual rites are performed. Either the yajamāna or the adhvaryu places the ukhā on the āhavanīya and puts thereon 13 samidhs one span in length. The sacrificer wears a golden ornament with 21 pendants reaching up to his navel. The ukhā is taken from the āhavanīya to the east of the āhavanīya and is placed in a śikya and fire is put into it. He carries for a year or a shorter period (12, 6 or 3 days according to Āp. XVI. 9. 1) this fire placed in the ukhā. On alternate days in the year he adores the fire with the Vātsapra mantras (Vāj. S. XII. 18-28 = Ṛg. X. 45. 1-11), takes the Viṣṇu strides (Viṣṇukramas); he also removes the ashes, puts fuel-sticks on the fire in the ukhā.