अपराधसहस्राणि — Word-by-Word Meaning

Source: Traditional Kshama Prarthana (forgiveness) verse recited to conclude worship

Author: Traditional (anonymous devotional verse)

Period: Classical (Puranic / liturgical devotional tradition)

Hindu worship traditionally ends with a Kshamapana — a prayer seeking forgiveness for any lapses in the ritual, for it is recognised that human devotion is always imperfect. This verse is the most widely used of such prayers. With disarming honesty it confesses 'thousands of faults are committed by me day and night', and rests its entire hope on the Lord's grace toward his servant. Passed down through generations of worshippers, it has become the standard, beloved way to close a puja in humility and surrender, regardless of which deity is being worshipped.