अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

अपवित्रः

apavitraḥ

impure, unclean

पवित्रः

pavitraḥ

pure, clean

वा

vā

सर्व-अवस्थाम्

sarva-avasthām

any condition or state whatsoever

गतः

gataḥ

having reached / being in

अपि

api

even

वा

vā

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

मनुष्य चाहे अपवित्र हो या पवित्र, अथवा किसी भी अवस्था को प्राप्त हो — जो भी कमलनयन भगवान (विष्णु) का स्मरण करता है, वह बाहर और भीतर से पवित्र हो जाता है।

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.

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