They brought him to the Parvah Chamber, which was in the holy area. They spread a linen sheet between him and the people. He washed his hands and feet, and [then] undressed. R' Meir said: [First] he undressed, [then] he washed his hands and feet.  He went down and immersed himself, ascended and dried himself. They brought him white vest- ments, he dressed and [then] washed his hands and feet.