Alternative spellings of this word include Achamana.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Wisdom Library: Purāṇas

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to the “sipping of water and reciting mantras” before worship. It is used throughout vedic and purāṇic literature.

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Ācamana (आचमन).—First drink water three times accompanied by incantations and then with water wipe your face twice and your eyes, ears, nose, shoulders, breast and head once. This act is called Ācamana.

"trirācamedapaḥ pūrvaṃ dviḥ pramṛjyāttato mukhaṃ khāni caiva spṛśedabhir ātmānaṃ śira eva ca" (Manusmṛti, Śloka 60, Chapter 2).

Devī Bhāgavata in its eleventh Skandha says about Ācamana like this: "Drinking water by your right hand is called ācamana. Curve your palm into the shape of a spoon, hold water in it and drink. There must be enough water in the palm to cover a green-gram seed, not less nor more. If it falls short or exceeds the measure it is considered to be like drinking alcohol. While shaping your palm neither your little finger nor your thumb should touch the other fingers. At the time of ācamana you should support your right hand by your left hand. Otherwise the water will turn impure."

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to “water for rinsing the mouth as a mystical rite” and represents one of the sixteen upacāra, or “sixteen types of homage and services”, as described while explaining the mode of worshipping the phallic form (liṅga) of Śiva in the Śivapurāṇa 1.11. Accordingly, “[...] the devotee shall worship the mobile emblem with the sixteen types of homage and services (upacāra) as prescribed. It accords the region of Śiva gradually. The sixteen types of service are [for example, water for rinsing the mouth as a mystical rite (ācamana)] [...] Or he shall perform all the sixteen rites in the phallic emblem of human, saintly or godly origin, or in one naturally risen up (svayambhū) or in one of very extraordinary nature installed duly”.

Ācamana refers to “sipping water”, as mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.20 while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] the water used for washing the feet (pādya) shall be offered with the mantra. ‘Namostu Nīlagrīvāya’ (obeisance to the blue-necked). The water for the respectful reception (arghya) shall be offered with the Rudragāyatrī mantra and the sipping water (ācamana) with the Tryambaka mantra”.

(The offering of) Ācamana is also mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.20, while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] the excellent Naivedya shall be offered with the mantra ‘Namo Jyeṣṭhāya’ etc. Ācamana shall be offered again with the mantra ‘Tryambakam’ etc.”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

Ācamana (आचमन).—The mode and significance of;¹ occasions for performing ācamana.²

• 1) Vāyu-purāṇa 79. 42-47.
• 2) Ib. 79. 37-42.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: ISKCON Press: Glossary

Ācamana (आचमन).—A ritual of purification in which one sips water and simultaneously chants names of the Supreme Lord.

Source: Pure Bhakti: Bhajana-rahasya - 2nd Edition

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to:—A ritual of purification in which one sips water from the palm of the right hand and then chants a particular name of the Supreme Lord. (cf. Glossary page from Bhajana-Rahasya).

Source: Pure Bhakti: Arcana-dipika - 3rd Edition

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to a “cup” (a container filled with sanctified water, which is used by the pūjārī to perform ācamana or to offer ācamana to the deity), according to the Arcana-dīpikā (manual on deity worship).—After applying Tilaka (clay markings), one should perform ācamana. Vaiṣṇava ācamana is of two kinds: ordinary (sādhāraṇa) and specific (viśeṣa). before performing any devotional activity, ordinary ācamana will suffice. However, at the time of bathing the deity or at the time of pūjā, viśeṣa-ācamana is to be performed. [...] In a situation where one is unable to perform viśeṣa-ācamana, ordinary ācamana will suffice.

Source: Pure Bhakti: Brhad Bhagavatamrtam

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to:—A ritual of purification in which one sips sanctified water while uttering names of Śrī Krṣṇa together with bīja-mantras. (cf. Glossary page from Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta).

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Ācamana (आचमन) is the Sanskrit name for a ceremony (ceremonial rinsing of the mouth by sipping water from the palm of the hand). According to the Nāṭyaśāstra 3.14-15, “During the concluding moments of the day, which are considered to be hard and full of evils, and are presided over by bhūtas, one should perform Ācamana and cause the gods to be installed.”.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Ganapatya (worship of Ganesha)

Source: Google Books: Ganapati: Song of the Self

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to the “sipping of water”, representing one of the possible preliminary rites (upacāra) of a pūjā (deity worship).—Each act in a pūjā is not only physical and/or mental, but also symbolic, cosmic, and spiritual. Sprinkling, sipping, and bathing are symbolic of purification, of the worshipped as well as of the worshipper and the surroundings. Various offerings [viz., ācamana] symbolize the surrendering of one’s latent tendencies (vāsanā) as expressed in thoughts, words, and deeds.

context information

Ganapatya (गाणपत्य, gāṇapatya) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Ganesha is revered and worshipped as the prime deity (ishta-devata). Being a minor though influential movement, Ganapatya evovled, llike Shaktism and Shaivism, as a separate movement leaving behind a large body of literature.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Shodhganga: Temple management in the Āgamas

Ācamana (आचमन) or Ācamanīya refers to “water to drink, offered at mouth” and represents a certain a ceremony to be performed during pūjā (ritualistic worship), according to the Arcanāvidhipaṭala of Kāmikāgama.—[After Aṅganyāsa and Amṛtīkaraṇa], the Ācārya then offers (with corresponding mantra) pādya, water to wash the feet of the Lord; ācamanīya, water to drink; arghya, water to wash oneself; and durvā grass, flowers and akṣata.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to “sipping water”, according to the 13th-century Matsyendrasaṃhitā: a Kubjikā-Tripurā oriented Tantric Yoga text of the Ṣaḍanvayaśāmbhava tradition from South India.—Accordingly, “[...] He should treat [all phenomena] as one, not as separate. He should not drink [alcohol] or eat meat idly [with no ritual purpose]. He should not drink wine without first purifying it [with mantras], and he should consume meat after he has purified it with that [wine]. He should not answer the call of nature, should not sip water (ācamana), etc., while reciting mantras or in an assembly. If he does so out of folly, the curse of the Yoginīs will fall on him. [...]”.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Ayurveda (science of life)

Source: gurumukhi.ru: Ayurveda glossary of terms

Ācamana (आचमन):—Sipping of water - It’s a part of daily regimen to maintain personel hygiene, in which clean water is held in the palm of the hand with the thumb closely bent towards the center and water is sipped. Its usually done after cleaning hand and feet, after the act of excretion, before and after food, after chariot ride, etc.

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: ACHC: Smarta Puja

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to the “sipping of water” representing one of the various preparatory rites performed before pūjā (ritualistic worship of a deity) which aim at the purification of the devotee.—Ācamana is the act of sipping water which is prescribed by the dharma-śāstras at the beginning of all ritual acts.367 it is a means of achieving inner purification by water, the great. purifier. The technical procedure is as follows: Holding a small spoon of specific shape (Mar. paḷī; cf. illustration to right) in the left hand, water from the vessel (Mar. bhāṇḍe;) is poured into the palm of the right hand which is in the “cow’s ear” (gokarṇa) shape, i.e. the index finger touches the root of the thumb, the remaining fingers are stretched and the hand is slightly bent. The water is sipped from the brahma-tīrtha (located at the “root of the thumb” which is one of four (sometimes five) places sacred to particular deities, fathers or seers (tīrtha) which are thought to be located in the right hand.

In the current Maharashtrian practice the elaborate form of ācamana which is performed at the beginning of the pūjā is connected with the recitation of a series of Viṣṇu’s twenty-four names in the following manner: While uttering each of the first three names which is done twice, water is sipped. Having recited the fourth name (i.e. “salutation to Govinda”) water is poured from the palm of the right hand over the tips of the stretched middle fingers (i.e. the place of the hand known as devatirtham) into a metal dish (Mar. tāmhan). Next the right hand—being still wet—touches the organs of senses, the eyes, nose, ears for their purification. Then the remaining twenty names of Viṣṇu are recited.

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to “holy water (consecration)” [i.e., oṃ hrīṃ ācamanaṃ prokṣaṇaṃ pratīccha svāhā], according to the Guru Mandala Worship (maṇḍalārcana) ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.—

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Ācamana (आचमन) refers to “little cold water sipped after eating and rinsing the hands and mouth”, according to chapter 2.2 [ajitanātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Accordingly: “[...] The citizens—some, though their wives were always stumbling; [...] and others, though the paraphernalia for a bath had been brought; some, who had taken the sip of water (i.e., ācamana), though the meal was half eaten; others, though their anointing, which had been undertaken at the right time, was half applied; [...]—going on foot, though conveyances were near at hand, purified by devotion, came to see the Master”.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

ācamana : (nt.) rinsing.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Ācamana, (nt.) (ā + camana of cam) rinsing, washing with water, used (a) for the mouth D.I, 12 (= udakena mukhasiddhi-karaṇa DA.I, 98); (b) after evacuation J III 486.

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

ācamana (आचमन).—n (S) Sipping water, before or after religious ceremonies or meals, from the palm of the hand:--whether to be swallowed after reciting a mantra, or to be ejected after rinsing the mouth. Ex. kiṃ ā0 karūna sāgara || udarāmājī jiravilā ||

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

ācamana (आचमन).—n Sipping water, before or after meals, &c. from the palm of the hand.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ācamana (आचमन).—

1) Rinsing the mouth, sipping water before religious ceremonies, before and after meals &c. from the palm of the hand; दद्यादाचमनं ततः (dadyādācamanaṃ tataḥ) Y.1.243, 195 (part of the water sipped being usually allowed to drop down).

2) The water used for rinsing the mouth.

3) Gargling the throat.

4) Name of a plant Andropogon muricatum (Mar. vāḷā).

5) Water for rinsing the vulva (Āyurveda).

Derivable forms: ācamanam (आचमनम्).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Ācamana (आचमन).—n.

(-naṃ) 1. Rincing the mouth, sipping water before religious ceremonies, meals, &c. from the palm of the hand, and spitting it out again; the ceremony also includes touching the body in various parts. 2. Gargling the throat, &c. E. āṅ before cam to eat, lyuṭ aff.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Ācamana (आचमन).—[ā-cam + ana], n. Rinsing the mouth, [Yājñavalkya, (ed. Stenzler.)] 1, 242.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Ācamana (आचमन).—[neuter] rinsing the mouth or sipping water; the water used for rinsing the mouth (also [feminine] ī).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Ācamana (आचमन):—[=ā-camana] [from ā-cam] n. sipping water from the palm of the hand (before religious ceremonies, before meals, etc.) for purification, [Āpastamba-dharma-sūtra] etc.

2) [v.s. ...] ([it is not the custom to spit the water out again; the ceremony is often followed by touching the body in various parts])

3) [v.s. ...] the water used for that ceremony, [Yājñavalkya]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Ācamana (आचमन):—[ā-camana] (naṃ) 1. n. Idem.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Ācamana (आचमन) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Āyamaṇa.

[Sanskrit to German]

Acamana in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Hindi dictionary

Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary

Ācamana (आचमन) [Also spelled achaman]:—(nm) sipping water from the palm of the hand (for self purification); to swallow (as a liquid); to assimilate.

context information

...

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Ācamana (ಆಚಮನ):—

1) [noun] the act or an instance of rinsing the mouth and sipping water before religious ceremonies or before or after meals, from the palm for ceremonial cleansing.

2) [noun] the water used for rinsing the mouth.

3) [noun] the act of gargling.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Camana, A.

Starts with: Acamanadharin, Acamanaka, Acamanaki, Acamanakumbhi, Acamanam, Acamanapaduka, Acamanargha, Acamanasaravaka, Acamanavahin, Acamanavidhi.

Ends with: Alpacamana, Apacamana, Ayacamana, Camacamana, Madhuparkacamana, Pacamana, Padyacamana, Uttaracamana, Vaishnavacamana, Yacamana.

Full-text (+47): Acamaniya, Acamani, Acamanaka, Pancapatra, Netrasparsha, Acamaniyaka, Acamya, Camani, Vishesha, Shuciprani, Sadharana, Ayamana, Acamanam, Alpacamana, Ancavana, Acamanapaduka, Acamanasaravaka, Acamanadharin, Acamanakumbhi, Acamanavahin.

Relevant text

Search found 41 books and stories containing Acamana, Ācamana, A-camana, Ā-camana; (plurals include: Acamanas, Ācamanas, camanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)

Chapter 239 - Efficacy of Adoration, Penance etc. < [Section 1 - Tīrtha-māhātmya]

Chapter 2 - The Application of Tripuṇḍra < [Section 5 - Mārgaśīrṣa-māhātmya]

Chapter 200 - The Greatness of Sāvitrī Tirtha < [Section 3 - Revā-khaṇḍa]

+ 35 more chapters / show preview

The Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)

Chapter 19 - On the midday Sandhyā < [Book 11]

Chapter 3 - On the glories of the Rudrākṣa beads < [Book 11]

Chapter 34 - On the methods of the worship of the Devī < [Book 5]

+ 6 more chapters / show preview

The Shiva Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 24 - The ritual of lord Śiva < [Section 7.2 - Vāyavīya-saṃhitā (2)]

Chapter 33 - Rules governing Pāśupatavrata < [Section 7.1 - Vāyavīya-saṃhitā (1)]

Chapter 4 - The daily conduct of a Sannyāsin < [Section 6 - Kailāsa-saṃhitā]

+ 24 more chapters / show preview

The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 25 - Method of Ācamana and Ablution (snānavidhi) < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]

Chapter 26 - The mode of worshipping Aghora < [Section 2 - Pūrvabhāga]

Chapter 26 - Procedure of Sacred Ablution < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]

+ 8 more chapters / show preview

Soma in Vedic Mythology and Ritual (study) (by Anjana Chakraborty)

Chapter 3(f) - Carrying of Fire, Soma and Carts

show preview

Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi (by Ganganatha Jha)

Verse 2.70 < [Section XVII - Rules of Study]

Verse 2.53 < [Section XIII - Initiation (upanayana)]

Verse 2.58 < [Section XIII - Initiation (upanayana)]

+ 5 more chapters / show preview

 

Click here for all 41 books

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