Auspicious Timing for the Pavilion

Preparation of the Ritual Space

Now, before the time of the groom’s arrival, at the house of the bride’s father, one performs the purification ritual Samskara|A series of purifying actions to prepare a space or object for sacred use in the middle of the hall in front.

The area is prepared by:
1. Sweeping the ground.
2. Smearing the surface traditionally with a purifying substance like clay or diluted cow dung.
3. Drawing the lines for the ritual mound Sthandila|A raised square of sand or earth used as a temporary altar for the sacred fire.
4. Removing a small portion of earth from the site.
5. Sprinkling water with water from the vessel Patroksanodakena|Water used specifically for the ritual sprinkling and purification of sacrificial implements.

Invocation:
Earth, Atmosphere, Heaven original: "Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah".

Having established the sacred fire Agni|The fire god, who acts as the divine witness and messenger for the offerings, the seat for the Brahma priest Brahmasana|The designated seat for the priest who silently supervises the entire ceremony to correct any errors is prepared. The sacrificial fuel is placed to the south. Grasses with their tips pointing north and south are spread to the south of the fire.

Standing in front of these, facing west, one should grasp a blade of grass from the Brahma’s seat with the thumb and the little finger of the left hand, and then cast it away toward the far southern direction.

The intruder Paravasu is cast away original: "Nirastah paravasuh." In Vedic mythology, Paravasu is a spirit associated with the "theft" of ritual merit; casting the grass symbolizes removing obstacles..

Touching water for purification original: "Apa upaspryshya".

"I sit in the seat of the Wealthy One original: "Avasoh sadane sidami"." Having returned by that same path, the prayer for the ground is recited: "This is for the man."

With the three-verse hymn beginning "This praise..." original: "Imam stomam iti" he should sweep the area. The spreading of the wool or ritual grass should be done in the front, to the south, to the north, and to the west. It should be enclosed on all sides, or in five layers, with the tips pointing toward the east.

Then follow the twelve vessels, the placing of the materials, and the preparation of the ritual purifiers Pavitrotpadanam|The ritual creation of two blades of Darbha grass used to purify liquids like clarified butter. "O Herbs..." original: "Oshadhimantah"