A:shram is the place of abode of the teacher, a:shraya is one who has come seeking refuge. Joining with others who are also seeking knowledge is sama:srayanam. When a person is ready and willing to be initiated, they approach A:cha:rya (Guru) with a request. A;cha:rya chooses the auspicious day and time when usually in the morning time. The seeker (either as individual an or woman or man or as married couple) comes to A:cha:rya after having had a bath (symbolising purification) and wearing new or freshly washed dry clothes. The A:cha:rya then provides them with 5 blessings. Those are: Pundra, Ta:pa, Na:ma, Manthra, Ya:ga.