Note 14 — Chapter XI · GENERAL.
Reading edition
Great secrecy is required to be observed on the occasion of the special puja of Shiva which is performed on the first day of the bright half of the month of Bhádrapada (September). This rite is called Maunya vrata or silent worship, and should be performed only by the male members of the family. On this day all the members of the family have to remain silent while taking their meals. Women do not speak while cooking, as the food which is to be offered to the god must be cooked in silence.14