Hinduism And Hindu Theology - What Is Achamaniya?

Achamaniya (literally, "to be sipped") is a word that means "to be drank." 

  • The fifth of sixteen customary upacharas (“offerings”) made to a deity as part of devotion, based on the concept of honoring the god as a distinguished guest. 
  • The god is given water to rinse and clean his lips in this upachara. 

The actual act of giving may be done in a variety of ways, depending on the worshiper's preferences. 

  • In some instances, the water vessel will simply be placed in front of the deity's image with the expectation that the water will be accepted. 
  • While in others, the devotee (bhakta) will rinse the image's mouth. 

The fundamental goal in both cases is to demonstrate affection for the god and to cater to its needs.


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