KARACARAṆA KṚTAṂ VĀKKĀYAJAṂ KARMAJAṂ VĀ
karacaraṇa kṛtaṃ vākkāyajaṃ karmajaṃ vā .
śravaṇanayanajaṃ vā mānasaṃ vāparādhaṃ .
vihitamavihitaṃ vā sarvametatkṣamasva .
jaya jaya karuṇābdhe śrīmahādeva śambho ..
O Compassionate Mahadeva! O Sambhu! Victory to Thee! Please do forgive all the errors committed (by me) with the hands, legs, speech, body, through actions, through the ears, eyes, mind or by (not doing) ordained actions or (by doing) prohibited actions.
Mantra:
“karacaraṇa kṛtaṃ vākkāyajaṃ karmajaṃ vā |
śravaṇanayanajṛtaṃ manasā vā pāpakuṭṭamaṃ |
śrīpārvatīpate deva parameśa jagatāṃ pati |
śrīmanmahādeva śambho pāhi māṃ śaraṇāgatam ||”
Origin and History
Source: This mantra is a traditional Hindu prayer, often recited to seek forgiveness for sins committed through actions, speech, or thoughts.
Context: It is commonly chanted during daily prayers, especially in the evening, as a form of repentance and to invoke divine mercy.
Etymology and Meaning
karacaraṇa kṛtaṃ: Refers to sins committed through hands and feet (actions).
vākkāyajaṃ: Refers to sins committed through speech and body (words and deeds).
karmajaṃ: Refers to sins committed through actions (karma).
śravaṇanayanajṛtaṃ: Refers to sins committed through hearing and seeing (perception).
manasā: Refers to sins committed through the mind (thoughts).
śrīpārvatīpate: Addressing Lord Śiva, the consort of Goddess Pārvatī.
deva parameśa jagatāṃ pati: Referring to the Supreme Lord, the ruler of the universe.
śrīmanmahādeva śambho: Titles of Lord Śiva, meaning the auspicious one and the giver of welfare.
pāhi māṃ śaraṇāgatam: Meaning “protect me, the one who has taken refuge.
Benefits
Spiritual Cleansing: Reciting this mantra is believed to purify the devotee from sins committed through actions, speech, and thoughts.
Divine Protection: It invokes the protection and blessings of Lord Śiva, ensuring safety and well-being.
Mental Peace: Regular chanting can bring inner peace and tranquility, alleviating stress and anxiety.
Contraindications
Insincerity: Reciting the mantra without genuine repentance may not yield desired results.
Neglecting Duties: Relying solely on the mantra without performing one’s duties responsibly is discouraged.
Scientific Perspective
While scientific studies specifically on this mantra are limited, general research on mantra meditation suggests several benefits:
Stress Reduction: Chanting mantras can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to reduced stress levels.
Enhanced Concentration: Regular practice can improve focus and concentration.
Emotional Healing: Mantra chanting has been associated with improved emotional health and resilience.