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The Šramaņi: The Worker
525
The frequency with which the linen is washed varies with the sampradāyas and with the seasons. In certain groups it is washed twice a month, in others only once; there is no strict ruling. They all use boiled water and soap for the task and must select a place to spread out the linen where it will not be soiled by dust or mud. 194
Sowing and mending
Although these activities are reduced to a minimum, given the simplicity of their clothing, they are done when necessity arises. The Terāpanthi sādhvis also undertake the mending of the munis' clothing.
The making of the rajoharana
When the rajoharaṇa is worn out, the sādhvis abandon this indispensable companion for a new one. They make it themselves out of the purest of white wools. The Mürtipūjakas embroider on theirs the aștamangalas. 195
The making of mālās
These are made with white cotton or with wooden beads.
The varnishing of the pătras
During the dry season the pătras are coated regularly with a layer of special very light varnish. This operation is very necessary, because the pătras, being made of wood, may deteriorate, may rot through much contach with food or may get covered with mould. The regular upkecp serves to keep them in good condition, clean and unstained, without danger of spoiling.
194 Cf. AS II, 5, 1, 19-23.
195 Cf. P 164 ff. This embroidery they very often do during the stu-kāla, the menstrual period when they are not allowed to touch the Agamas; during this same period they may sew, mend and wash.
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