Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.36

c10.s1.36

Then the devotee should go to the temple and rouse the deity by ringing the bells and citing verses from the *Bhāgavata*. After performing Nirājana (lustration or waving of lights as an act of adoration), he should remove the remains of the previous day's offerings (Nirmālya-apasāraṇa), with the exception of the offering of Tulasi leaves. If this is not done properly, atonement for the consequent sin is to be performed by Japa and Puraścaraṇa. The face of the deity is then to be washed by offering all the requisites for the purpose, namely, tooth-brush, tongue-scraper, earth for cleansing the hands, water, towel and Tulasi leaves. Then the Ārātrika (adoration by waving of lights etc.) is to be performed.