Invoking Lord Shiva's infinite compassion for forgiveness

Karacaraṇa kṛtaṁ vākkāyajaṁ karmajaṁ vā।
Śravaṇanayana-jaṁ vā mānasaṁ vāparādham।
Vihitamavihitaṁ vā sarvametatkṣamasva।
Jaya jaya karuṇābdhe śrīmahādeva śambho॥

Whatever sins I have committed with my hands, feet, words, body, actions, ears, eyes, or mind, whether they are intentional or unintentional, please forgive them all, O great Lord Mahadeva, O compassionate and merciful Shambhu

Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• Karacaraṇa Kṛtaṁ: This phrase refers to actions committed through the hands (kara) and feet (caraṇa), symbolizing all physical deeds.

• Vākkāyajaṁ Karmajaṁ Vā: This extends the prayer to include actions done by speech (vāk), body (kāya), or any deed (karma) that may have caused harm, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

• Śravaṇa-Nayana-Jaṁ Vā: This acknowledges offenses committed through the senses—specifically through hearing (śravaṇa) and sight (nayana), indicating mistakes or wrongdoings done by engaging with the world in harmful ways.

• Mānasaṁ Vāparādham: This line refers to errors made by the mind (mānasaṁ), such as harmful thoughts or negative intentions, asking for forgiveness for mental transgressions.

• Vihitamavihitaṁ Vā: Here, the devotee admits that both intentional (vihita) and unintentional (avihita) sins may have occurred and seeks forgiveness for all.

• Kṣamasva & Jaya Jaya Karuṇābdhe: This is a plea for forgiveness, calling upon Lord Shiva as the ocean of compassion (karuṇābdhe), asking Him to cleanse all wrongdoings with His grace and mercy.

This shlok is a powerful prayer for forgiveness, invoking Lord Shiva’s infinite compassion and mercy. It is often chanted at the end of the day or after any ritual to seek absolution for mistakes made consciously or unconsciously.

Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

• End-of-Day Reflection: Recite this shlok at the end of your day as a reflection on your actions, thoughts, and words. It’s a beautiful way to let go of guilt and mistakes, asking Lord Shiva to forgive and purify your spirit.

• Before Meditation or Prayer: Use this shlok to cleanse your mind and heart before engaging in meditation or spiritual practice. It helps create a state of humility and surrender, opening yourself to the divine’s grace.

• Action Step: Incorporate this shlok into your evening routine, taking a moment to mentally review your day, offering your mistakes to Lord Shiva, and seeking forgiveness and peace before sleep.

Good to know…

This shlok is often recited during Shivaratri and other prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. The imagery of Shiva as Karunābdhi, or the ocean of compassion, is a powerful metaphor for His boundless ability to forgive all mistakes. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s grace can remove not only sins but also the deeper ignorance that causes suffering, guiding devotees toward liberation and inner peace.

Take a moment to reflect…

How would ending each day with a prayer for forgiveness and grace change your relationship with yourself and your actions?

Hari om!

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