Full Vaiṣṇava Ācamana

Full Vaiṣṇava ācamana joins remembrance of twenty-four names of the Lord with a traditional sequence of purifying actions. Learn it gradually and follow the procedure taught for your particular service.

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.

Preparation

The traditional procedure is performed in clean Vaiṣṇava clothing, with the head uncovered and feet bare. Fill a pañcapātra or ācamana-pātra with clean water and hold the spoon in the left hand. Place three drops of water in the right palm for each of the first three names.

Twenty-four names and actions

oṁ keśavāya namaḥPlace three drops of water in the right palm and sip.
oṁ nārāyaṇāya namaḥPlace three drops of water in the right palm and sip.
oṁ mādhavāya namaḥPlace three drops of water in the right palm and sip.
oṁ govindāya namaḥSprinkle water on the right hand.
oṁ viṣṇave namaḥSprinkle water on the left hand.
oṁ madhusūdanāya namaḥTouch the right cheek with the fingers of the right hand.
oṁ trivikramāya namaḥTouch the left cheek with the fingers of the right hand.
oṁ vāmanāya namaḥPass the tip of the right thumb above the upper lip.
oṁ śrīdharāya namaḥPass the tip of the right thumb below the lower lip.
oṁ hṛṣīkeśāya namaḥSprinkle water on both hands.
oṁ padmanābhāya namaḥSprinkle water on the feet.
oṁ dāmodarāya namaḥSprinkle water on the head.
oṁ vāsudevāya namaḥTouch the upper and lower lips with the fingertips of the right hand.
oṁ saṅkarṣaṇāya namaḥTouch the right nostril with the right index finger and thumb.
oṁ pradyumnāya namaḥTouch the left nostril with the right index finger and thumb.
oṁ aniruddhāya namaḥTouch the right eyelid with the right thumb and ring finger.
oṁ puruṣottamāya namaḥTouch the left eyelid with the right thumb and ring finger.
oṁ adhokṣajāya namaḥTouch the right ear with the right thumb and index finger.
oṁ nṛsiṁhāya namaḥTouch the left ear with the right thumb and index finger.
oṁ acyutāya namaḥTouch the navel with the thumb and little finger.
oṁ janārdanāya namaḥTouch the heart area with the palm.
oṁ upendrāya namaḥTouch the head with all the fingers of the right hand.
oṁ haraye namaḥTouch the right shoulder with the fingertips of the left hand.
oṁ kṛṣṇāya namaḥTouch the left shoulder with the fingertips of the right hand.

Concluding prayer

With folded palms, recite:

oṁ tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padaṁ sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ
divīva cakṣur ātatam
tad viprāso vipanyavo jāgṛvāṁsaḥ samindhate
viṣṇor yat paramaṁ padam

As the sun’s rays are open to ordinary sight, the wise always behold the supreme abode of Lord Viṣṇu. Vigilant and spiritually discerning brāhmaṇas illuminate that supreme abode for others.

This is a learning aid. Exact procedures may differ according to local temple standards and the service being performed.

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