The Panchapatre

The priest then divides the water for various purposes. He arraoges five large vessels known as Panchapatre in a large circular plate in order to conduct Arghya, Pay'a, Achamaniya, Snaniya and Sarvarta and apportions the water, mixed with different ingredients for different purposes, into each vessel. The water for washing the feet is placed in the south-west corner of the plate. Water for sipping is placed in the north-west corner. Water for oblation occupies the south-east corner of the plate.

In the centre is kept the vessel containing water for general purposes and a few Tulsi leaves; some flowers, gingelley seed and sandal paste are added to it.

Five gold panchapatre,an uddharane on a gold plate

There are, however, varying prescriptions in the agamaic texts regarding the number of vessels placed in front of the deity. Gold is considered best for making the panchapatre. Silver is of medium merit and copper comes next. By and large, gold and silver vessels are donations from benevolent (u1ers.ltwas customary for the donors to offer five vessels either in silver or gold.