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1. The part at the root of the little finger of a twice-born man is called the Tîrtha sacred to Pragâpati.
2. The part at the root of the thumb is called the Tîrtha sacred to Brahman.
3. The part at the tops of the fingers is called the Tîrtha sacred to the gods.
4. The part at the root of the forefinger is called the Tîrtha sacred to the manes.
5. Let him sip water, which has not been put to the fire and is free from foam (and bubbles), which has not been poured out by a Sûdra (or other uninitiated person), or by a man who has one hand only, and which has no saline flavour[1]; and (let him sip it) in a clean place, duly seated, placing (his right hand) between his knees, facing the east or the north (or, the north-east), attentively regarding the water, and in a cheerful mood.
6. Let him sip water thrice with the Tîrtha sacred
[17. 1 It must be washed both before and after using it. (Nand.) LXII. 1-4. M. II, 59; Y. I, 19.--5-8. M. II, 60, 61; Y. I, 20; Âpast. I, 5, 16, 1-7; Gaut. I, 36.--9. M. II, 62; Y. I, 21.
1. Nand. observes that this chapter and the preceding one follow in order upon Chapter LX, because the purificatory rite described at the end of the latter is immediately followed by the Âkamana (sipping of water), and then by the Dantadhâvana (cleaning the teeth), both of which acts, however, have to be performed on other occasions also, as after a meal, &c.
5. 'The term kshâra, 'saline flavour,' includes bad or spoiled water of any kind, according to Nand.]
to Brahman (or with the Tîrthas sacred to the gods and to Pragipati respectively).
7. Let him wipe his lips twice (with the root of his thumb).
8. Let him touch the cavities (above his navel)[1], his head, and his breast with water.
9. By water which reaches either their heart, or their throat, or their palate respectively, members of the three twice-born castes are purified each in his turn; a woman and a Sûdra are purified by water which has once touched their palate.