Achamana: Integrating Hygiene, Health, and Spiritual Purification

his presentation explores Ācamana (आचमन) — the traditional purificatory ritual in Ayurveda and Hindu Dharma. It highlights its role in Dinacharya (daily regimen), Vedic and Paurāṇika practices, and its significance in health preservation. Drawing from classical Ayurvedic texts like Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha and Bhāvaprakāśa, as well as Hindu scriptures such as Manusmṛti and Śivapurāṇa, the slides detail the procedure, preventive aspects, symbolic meaning, and integration of physical, mental, and spiritual purification. The content emphasizes how Ācamana acts as a holistic ritual for hygiene, digestion, ocular health, mindfulness, and spiritual sanctity.

1. Ācamana (आचमन) A Purificatory Ritual in Ayurveda & Hindu Dharma Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept . of Swasthavritta & Yoga , Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannu r

2. Introduction Ācamana = ritual sipping of water for purification. Essential part of Dinacharya and Vaidika–Paurāṇika rituals. Performed: - Before/after meals, after bathing, sneezing, sleeping. - Before yajña, pūjā, sandhyā, mantra-japa. Symbolizes inner and outer purification. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

3. Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha – Context (Su. 3.11) स्पृष्टा धातून् मलानश्रु वसा केश नखांश्च्युतान् । स्नात्वा भोक्तुमना भुक्त्वा सुप्त्वा क्षुत्वा सुरार्चने ॥ Meaning: After touching impurities, after bathing, before and after meals, after sleep, sneezing, or rituals – one should do Ācamana. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

4. Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha – Procedure रथ्यामाक्रम्य चाऽचामेदुपविष्ट उदङ्मुखः । प्राङ्मुखो वा विविक्तस्थो न बहिर्जानु नान्यदृक् ॥ अजल्पन्नुत्तरासङ्गी स्वच्छैरङ्गुष्ठमूलगैः । Meaning: - Sit facing north/east, modest, silent. - Use base of thumb (aṅguṣṭhamūla) to sip. - Avoid impure or hot water, noisy sipping, improper posture. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

5. Bhāvaprakāśa Dinacharyā (171) आचम्य जलयुक्ताभ्यां पाणिभ्यां चक्षुषी स्पृशेत् । भुक्त्वा पाणितलं घृष्ट्वा चक्षुषोर्यदि दीयते ॥ अचिरेणैव तद्वारि तिमिराणि व्यपोहति ॥ Meaning: Sprinkling water on eyes after meals removes timira (eye strain/dim vision). Preventive ocular hygiene. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

6. Bhāvaprakāśa Dinacharyā (172–174) भुक्त्वा च संस्मरेन्नित्यमगस्त्यादीन्सुखावहान् ॥ विष्णुरात्मा तथैवान्नं परिणामश्च वै यथा । सत्येन तेन मद्भुक्तं जीर्यत्वन्नमिदं तथा ॥ अगस्तिरग्निर्वडवानलश्च भुक्तं ममान्नं जरयन्त्वशेषम् । सुखं च मे तत्परिणामसम्भवं यच्छन्त्वरोगं मम चास्तु देहम् ॥ - Invoke sages, Viṣṇu, Agni, Vaḍavānala for digestion. - Food transforms properly → comfort, strength, disease-free body. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

7. Preventive Aspects (Bhāvaprakāśa) 1. Ocular Prevention → avoids timira, eye strain, early disorders. 2. Digestive Prevention → balances Agni, prevents indigestion & āma. 3. Systemic Prevention → ensures wholesome metabolism, avoids disease. 4. Psychological Prevention → gratitude & mindfulness prevent stress-related issues. Holistic Outcome → Promotes Swasthya Rakṣaṇa (health preservation). Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

8. Hindu References Manusmṛti (2.60): Three sips → cleanse mouth → touch senses & head → purification. Devī Bhāgavata Purāṇa (XI.19): Right hand, correct quantity (like green gram). Śivapurāṇa (1.20.21–22): Ācamana with Tryambaka mantra (Śiva worship). Vaiṣṇava Practice: 24 names of Viṣṇu recited with sips/touches → internalizing divinity. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

9. Symbolic Meaning Water (Āpaḥ) = purifier, remover of sins. Sip = acceptance of purity, readiness. Touching senses = cleansing indriyas (eyes, ears, mouth, head). Facing East/North = alignment with deva directions. Integration: Ayurveda (hygiene & health) + Hindu Dharma (sanctity & spirituality). Significance: Śarīra + Indriya +Mana+ Ātma Śuddhi. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur

10. Conclusion Ācamana = holistic ritual of purification. Physical: Hygiene, oral & ocular care, digestive health. Mental: Mindfulness & reset before activities. Spiritual: Connecting Agni, Viṣṇu, sages with metabolism. Swasthavṛtta Perspective: Preventive medicine + spiritual discipline. Dr.Sudha S, Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Govt. Ayurveda College, Kannur