Achamana is a traditional purification process that involves sipping water from the right palm while reciting Vishnu Mantras. Performing Achamana is an important element in devotional service, without which even ritualistic activities cannot be performed.
You may have seen devotees of ISKCON perform Achamana before puja, but what does it mean, why is it significant, and which mantras should you chant? Understanding its purpose and steps can help you perform this practice with faith rather than only following the rituals.
Why Is Achamana Performed?
Achamana is performed to purify one’s body, mind, and speech before worshiping a deity, performing a sacrifice (Yajña), or any ritualistic activity. Since the Lord is supremely pure, in an unpurified state, we cannot approach the Supreme Lord, so we should purify ourselves before approaching Him in worship.
Srila Prabhupada explains in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.6.21 that the gopis first purified themselves through Achamana and Vishnu mantras before performing protective rites for child Krishna. This shows its purpose: preparing oneself to serve the Lord in a purified state.
Practicing Achamana in our daily life also directs attention towards the Lord by reciting His names and performing each action with care.
When Should You Perform Achamana?
Achamana should be performed before any activity that has a connection with the Lord. It is also performed while performing ritualistic ceremonies.
- Before performing Aarti or entering the Deity room for worship.
- Before Bhoga Offering.
- Before Abhishek (bathing the deity with panchamrita) of the Lord.
- Before chanting Gayatri.
- Before reading or reciting scriptures.
- Before performing a yajna or observing a vrata.
- Before the Tarpana and Shraddha ritual.
- Before Samskaras.
How to Do Achamana: Step-by-Step Guide
| Step No. | Achamana Mantra | Actions While Chanting the Mantra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | oṁ keśavāya namaḥ | Chant the mantra then sip water. |
| 2 | oṁ nārāyaṇāya namaḥ | Chant the mantra then sip water. |
| 3 | oṁ mādhavāya namaḥ | Chant the mantra then sip water. |
| 4 | oṁ govindāya namaḥ | Sprinkle water over your right hand. |
| 5 | oṁ viṣṇave namaḥ | Sprinkle water over your left hand. |
| 6 | oṁ madhusūdanāya namaḥ | Touch your right cheek with your fingers. |
| 7 | oṁ trivikramāya namaḥ | Touch your left cheek with your fingers. |
| 8 | oṁ vāmanāya namaḥ | Wipe above your upper lip with your thumb’s base. |
| 9 | oṁ śrīdharāya namaḥ | Wipe below your lower lip with your thumb’s base. |
| 10 | oṁ hṛṣīkeśāya namaḥ | Sprinkle water over both hands. |
| 11 | oṁ padmanābhāya namaḥ | Sprinkle water over your feet. |
| 12 | oṁ dāmodarāya namaḥ | Sprinkle water over your head. |
| 13 | oṁ vāsudevāya namaḥ | Touch both lips with your fingertips. |
| 14 | oṁ saṅkarṣaṇāya namaḥ | Touch your right nostril with thumb and forefinger. |
| 15 | oṁ pradyumnāya namaḥ | Touch your left nostril with thumb and forefinger. |
| 16 | oṁ aniruddhāya namaḥ | Touch your right eye with thumb and ring finger. |
| 17 | oṁ puruṣottamāya namaḥ | Touch your left eye with thumb and ring finger. |
| 18 | oṁ adhokṣajāya namaḥ | Touch your right ear with thumb and forefinger. |
| 19 | oṁ nṛsiṁhāya namaḥ | Touch your left ear with thumb and forefinger. |
| 20 | oṁ acyutāya namaḥ | Touch your navel with thumb and little finger. |
| 21 | oṁ janārdanāya namaḥ | Touch your heart with your palm. |
| 22 | oṁ upendrāya namaḥ | Touch your head with all your fingertips. |
| 23 | oṁ haraye namaḥ | Touch your right upper arm with your left fingertips. |
| 24 | oṁ kṛṣṇāya namaḥ | Touch your left upper arm with your right fingertips. |
After following all 24 steps, join your palms before your heart and chant:
oṁ tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padaṁ sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ divīva cakṣur ātatam tad viprāso vipanyavo jāgṛvāṁsaḥ samindhate viṣṇor yat paramaṁ padam
Translation: Just as ordinary eyes see sunlight in the sky, wise devotees constantly behold Lord Vishnu’s supreme abode. Those spiritually awakened and worthy brahmanas perceive that abode and can make it known to others.
Conclusion
Performing Achamana through sipping water, chanting Vishnu's names, and following prescribed actions prepares us for the Lord’s worship. By understanding its meaning and following the procedure taught in our tradition, we can approach our devotional service with cleanliness, reverence, and a mind focused on the Lord.
