ॐMantra.Tips

Apavitrah Pavitro Va (Pavitrikarana Mantra) — Word-by-Word Meaning

अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

← Full PageComplete LyricsBenefits & How to Chant

Word-by-Word Breakdown

अपवित्रः
apavitraḥ
impure, unclean
पवित्रः
pavitraḥ
pure, clean
वा
vā
or
सर्व-अवस्थाम्
sarva-avasthām
any condition or state whatsoever
गतः
gataḥ
having reached / being in
अपि
api
even
वा
vā
or
यः
yaḥ
whoever
स्मरेत्
smaret
remembers / meditates upon
पुण्डरीकाक्षम्
puṇḍarīkākṣam
the lotus-eyed Lord (Vishnu)
सः
saḥ
he, that person
बाह्य-अभ्यन्तरः
bāhya-abhyantaraḥ
outwardly and inwardly
शुचिः
śuciḥ
pure, purified

Complete Translation

Whether one is impure or pure, or has passed into any condition whatsoever, anyone who remembers the lotus-eyed Lord (Vishnu) becomes purified — pure both outwardly and inwardly.

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Pavitrikarana mantra (Vaishnava / Puranic ritual tradition; widely cited from Garuda and Padma Purana usage)

Author: Traditional (ancient ritual verse)

Period: Puranic / classical

This verse became the universal opening of Hindu ritual worship across nearly all traditions. Before performing puja a worshipper must first become pure, yet outer cleansing alone is incomplete. The verse resolves this by declaring that remembrance of the lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu accomplishes complete purification, inner and outer, irrespective of one's state. For this reason it is recited at the threshold of countless ceremonies, from simple home worship to elaborate fire sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Apavitrah pavitro va mantra used for?▼
It is the pavitrikarana mantra — a purification verse recited at the start of almost every Hindu puja or background ritual. It purifies the worshipper, the place and the materials before worship begins.
Who is Pundarikaksha?▼
Pundarikaksha means 'the lotus-eyed one', a well-known name of Lord Vishnu. The verse teaches that simply remembering Him purifies a person completely, both externally and internally.
How is the mantra applied during worship?▼
Traditionally one takes water (often with a blade of darbha grass or a flower) and sprinkles it on oneself and the puja items while reciting the verse, signifying that all are now made pure by the remembrance of Vishnu.
Can it be chanted outside of formal puja?▼
Yes. Anyone may recite it whenever they wish to feel purified — before prayer, study, or sacred activity — since its essence is that remembrance of the Lord makes one pure regardless of outer circumstances.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →