Simple Ācamana
Simple ācamana may be performed before japa, śāstra study, worship, or other devotional practice as a traditional preparation for cleanliness and remembrance of the Lord.
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, this traditional purification mantra may be recited while remembering the lotus-eyed Lord:
oṁ apavitraḥ pavitro vā
sarvāvasthāṁ gato ’pi vā
yaḥ smaret puṇḍarīkākṣaṁ
sa bāhyābhyantaraḥ śuciḥ
sarvāvasthāṁ gato ’pi vā
yaḥ smaret puṇḍarīkākṣaṁ
sa bāhyābhyantaraḥ śuciḥ
Whether one is pure or impure, and whatever condition one may be in, one becomes purified within and without by remembering the lotus-eyed Supreme Lord.
Source note: This purification mantra is traditionally attributed to the Garuḍa Purāṇa. Use it as a prayerful aid to remembrance, while following the standards taught for your service.
Simple ācamana sequence
- Sit on an āsana and prepare clean water in an ācamana-pātra with a clean spoon.
- Use the spoon to sprinkle a little water on the head and feet.
- Place three drops of water in the right palm, chant oṁ keśavāya namaḥ, and sip the water from the right hand.
- Place three drops of water in the right palm, chant oṁ nārāyaṇāya namaḥ, and sip the water.
- Place three drops of water in the right palm, chant oṁ mādhavāya namaḥ, and sip the water.
- Sprinkle water on the right hand while chanting oṁ govindāya namaḥ.
- Sprinkle water on the left hand while chanting oṁ viṣṇave namaḥ.
- Respectfully begin the devotional practice.
Temple and Deity service: For formal Deity worship or temple service, follow your local ISKCON pūjārī, temple authority, or spiritual guide.