Alternative spellings of this word include Achamamla.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Jaina Yoga

Ācāmāmla (आचामाम्ल).—The expression ācāmāmla deserves a special mention. This is a sanskritization of the Prakrit which is also rendered as āyāmāmla and ācāmla. It consists of grain or pulses cooked only in water with a sour flavouring (āmla-rasa).

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Ācāmāmla (आचामाम्ल) refers to “dry food”, as mentioned in chapter 1.4 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra (“lives of the 63 illustrious persons”): a Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three important persons in Jainism.

Accordingly:

“[...] Bowing to Bharata, the ministers said, ‘Every thing is available in your Majesty’s house, as in Indra’s house. However, from the time your Majesty departed for world-conquest, she has eaten just enough dry food (i.e., ācāmāmla) to sustain life. likewise from the time she was prevented by your Majesty from becoming a mendicant, she has in reality been initiated at hear’.”.

Note 1: Ācāmāmla, or ācāmla, is dry food, such as rice, pulse, or flour-cake without ghī or dressing. Ācāmāmlavardhamāna is a series of fasts broken by such meals. The whole penance lasts 14 years, 3 months, and 20 days.

Note 2: Ācāmāmla is the same as ācāmla.—The present practice in the Tapagaccha is to take one meal a day of dry food, such as plain cooked rice and flour cakes. Salt, pepper, dry ginger may be used; but no ghī nor anything sweet. Water is taken.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Acamamlavardhamana.

Full-text: Acamamlavardhamana, Acamla.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Acamamla, Ācāmāmla; (plurals include: Acamamlas, Ācāmāmlas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)

Part 6: Story of Siṃharatha < [Chapter IV - Tenth incarnation as Megharatha]

Part 3: The charioteer Nāga < [Chapter VI - Adoption of right-belief by Śreṇika]

Part 19: Initiation of Sundarī < [Chapter IV]

+ 2 more chapters / show preview