Simple Ācamana
A practical guide to the purification mantra and simple Vaiṣṇava ācamana before japa, śāstra study, worship or devotional practice.
This guide is offered as a practical devotional aid for personal sādhana. It does not replace the guidance of guru, sādhus, śāstra, local ISKCON authorities, temple pūjārīs, or senior Vaiṣṇavas. For formal Deity worship and temple service, please follow your local authorized standards.
Purification mantra
Before bathing, or when bathing is not possible, one may remember the Lord with this purification mantra:
oṁ apavitraḥ pavitro vā
sarvāvasthāṁ gato ’pi vā
yaḥ smaret puṇḍarīkākṣaṁ
sa bāhyābhyantara-śuciḥ
sarvāvasthāṁ gato ’pi vā
yaḥ smaret puṇḍarīkākṣaṁ
sa bāhyābhyantara-śuciḥ
Whether pure or impure, and whatever condition one may be in, one becomes purified internally and externally by remembering the lotus-eyed Supreme Lord.
Simple ācamana steps
- Sit on an āsana and prepare clean water in an ācamana-pātra.
- Sprinkle a little water on the head and feet, and clean the hands.
- Sip a small amount of water from the right palm while chanting oṁ keśavāya namaḥ.
- Sip again while chanting oṁ nārāyaṇāya namaḥ.
- Sip again while chanting oṁ mādhavāya namaḥ.
- Sprinkle water on the right hand while chanting oṁ govindāya namaḥ.
- Sprinkle water on the left hand while chanting oṁ viṣṇave namaḥ.
- Respectfully begin japa, śāstra study or other devotional practice.
For formal Deity worship or temple service, follow your local ISKCON pūjārī, temple authority or spiritual guide.