परोपकारप्रियो विष्णुर्ब्राह्मणो भोजनप्रियः ॥
A namaskār or bow is dear to the sun; a stream of water (pouring water in a small stream over Shiva’s idol) is dear to Shiva: benevolence to Vishnu and a good dinner to a Brahman.[97]
In observing vows in the sun’s honour on Sundays, the following special foods are prescribed in particular months:[98]—
(1) In Kārtika, the first month, the devotee is to take only three leaves of the Tulsi or the holy basil plant.
(2) In Mārgashīrsha, the devotee may only lick a few pieces of candied sugar.
(3) In Pausha, the devotee may chew three stalks of green darbha grass.
(4) In Māgha, a few seeds of sesamum and sugar mixed together may be swallowed.
(5) In Phālguna, a consecrated draught of curds and sugar may be drunk.
(6) In Chaitra, people should break their fasts with a little ghi and molasses.
(7) In Vaishākha, the only satisfaction allowed to those observing the vrat is to lick their own palms three times.