Aachman

Is Aachman Necessary Before Worship at Home?

Meaning of Aachman
Aachman refers to drinking water after cleansing the body, typically before beginning any prayer, worship, or ritual like yagna. The water is consumed while chanting mantras for purification.

Quantity of Aachman Water
The water should be drunk in small sips, enough to reach the heart, and performed three times with pauses in between.

Aachmani
Aachmani is a small copper vessel and spoon used for Aachman. Water, often with Tulsi leaves, is placed in it and kept in the worship area. This water is considered holy and used during the ritual.

Benefits of Aachman

• Purifies the heart.
• Elevates the mind’s purity.
• Doubles the rewards of worship.
• Frees the person from sins.
• Grants the practitioner good deeds.
• Satisfies the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda) and Lord Shiva.

Aachman Ritual
Aachman should be performed facing north, northeast, or east. The ritual includes using Gayatri mantras and a copper vessel for water. It should be done at dawn or dusk, when the stars are no longer visible.

Steps of Aachman

• Sit facing east or north.
• Chant the following mantras while drinking water:
  • "Om Keshavay Namah"
  • "Om Narayana Namah"
  • "Om Madhavay Namah"
  • "Om Hrishikeshaya Namah"
• Rub the lips twice with the thumb after drinking.
• Perform hand washing (Hast Prakshalan).

Aachman Mudra
The correct Aachman Mudra (Gokarna Mudra) is formed by folding the middle, ring, and little fingers together, with the thumb pressing the base. This gesture is said to bring benefit.

Pilgrimages in the Hand
Five sacred pilgrimages are believed to be present in the palm:

• Devtirtha (in the forefinger)
• Pitritirtha (between the thumb and forefinger)
• Brahmatirtha (in the thumb)
• Prajapatyatirtha (in the little finger)
• Soumyatirtha (in the center of the hand)

Performing Aachman from the Brahmatirtha (the thumb) is especially auspicious. For the best results, repeat the ritual three times without speaking.