Shloka 38
मृज्जलाभ्यां स्मृतं बाह्यं भावशुद्धिरथान्तरम् / त्रिराचामेदपः पूर्वं द्विः प्रमृज्यात्ततो मुखम्
mṛjjalābhyāṃ smṛtaṃ bāhyaṃ bhāvaśuddhirathāntaram / trirācāmedapaḥ pūrvaṃ dviḥ pramṛjyāttato mukham
External purity is taught as cleansing with earth (or ash) and water; inner purity is the purification of one’s intention. First one should perform ācamana with water three times, and then wipe the face twice.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: External purity: cleansing with earth/ash and water; internal purity: intention/mental disposition. Perform ācāmana thrice, then wipe the face twice.
Vedantic Theme: Karma as a purifier when aligned with sattvic bhāva; inner intention governs the fruit of outer acts.
Application: Before prayer/ritual or study, do ācāmana attentively; pair physical cleansing with a deliberate resolve (saṅkalpa) for purity of motive.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: household/ashrama
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.213.37 (twofold śauca); Garuda Purana 1.213.39-41 (aṅga-sparśa and Vedic recitation)
FAQs
This verse defines śauca in two layers—external cleanliness (earth/water) and inner purity (bhāvaśuddhi)—showing that correct rites require both proper procedure and a purified intention.
It gives a precise sequence: perform ācamana by sipping water three times, then cleanse the face twice—standardizing bodily readiness before worship, śrāddha-related acts, or other dharmic observances.
Maintain physical cleanliness, but also check motive and mindset before prayer or service; begin religious actions with a short ācamana-like pause for mental and bodily purification.