The ceremonies performed so far are intended for both external and internal purification. By their means, the individual is supposed to have made himself worthy to salute the Lord who resides in the orb of the rising luminary, and render him homage in true Brāhman style by what is called Arghya. This is an offering of water to any respected guest. Repeating the Gāyatri, the worshipper throws water in the air from the palms of the hands joined together with the sacred thread round the thumbs. The Gāyatri is the hymn par excellence, and is said to contain the sum and substance of all Vēdic teaching.
After these items, the worshipper sits down, and does Japam (recitation of prayers in an undertone). The Gāyatri, as repeated, consists of the Gāyatri proper Vyāhritis, and Gāyatri Siromantra. It runs as follows:—
Ōm, Bhuh; Ōm, Bhuvah;
Ōm, Suvah; Ōm, Mahaha;
Ōm, Janaha; Ōm, Thapaha;
Ōm, Sathyam.
Ōm, Thatsaviturvārēnyam;
Bhargodēvasya dhimahi dhiyo-yonah prachodāyat;
Ōm, Jyotiraso amrutam
Brahma, Bhur, Bhuvasvarūm.