The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads v2.c31.s4.4

v2.c31.s4.4

The teacher may then or later teach the pupil the Sāvitrī: the two sit opposite to each other, the pupil takes the teacher’s right foot or both feet in his right hand, and begs to be taught the verse: the teacher repeats it by quarter, by half verses, and then as a whole. Different verses are prescribed for the different classes. The pupil then puts kindling wood on the fire for the first time, and the staff is now usually given, after which the teacher receives a gift which may be whatever the pupil can afford, and the pupil pays reverence to the sun. For three days the fire continues to burn, the pupil must eat no salt or spiced food. At the end of three days the Brahmans are fed, and bestow benedictions.