करचरणकृतं — क्षमा प्रार्थना — Word-by-Word Meaning
करचरणकृतं — क्षमा प्रार्थना
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
करचरणकृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा
Karacharanakritam vakkayajam karmajam va
Whatever offence committed by hand, foot, speech, body or action
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधम्
Shravananayanajam va manasam vaparadham
or by the ears, the eyes, or the mind — any offence
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व
Vihitamavihitam va sarvametat kshamasva
whether prescribed or forbidden — forgive all of this
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो
Jaya jaya karunabdhe shrimahadeva shambho
Victory, victory to You, O ocean of compassion, Sri Mahadeva Shambhu!
Complete Translation
हाथ, पैर, वाणी, शरीर या कर्म से, अथवा कान, नेत्र या मन से किया हुआ — विहित या अविहित — मेरा जो भी अपराध हो, उस सबको क्षमा कीजिए; हे करुणा के सागर, श्री महादेव शम्भो, आपकी जय हो, जय हो।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional kshama-prarthana (closing prayer of worship)
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This beloved verse is the traditional close of Hindu worship — a humble plea for forgiveness offered to the Lord at the end of every puja. Recognising that no human worship can be free of error, the devotee lays every fault of body, speech and mind at the feet of 'the ocean of compassion', trusting that sincere love makes the offering whole. Addressed most often to Mahadeva (Shiva), it is recited the world over to complete a ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kara Charana Kritam prayer for?▼
It is the kshama-prarthana — the prayer of forgiveness recited at the end of worship. It asks the Lord to pardon every fault committed by hand, foot, speech, body, ear, eye or mind, whether prescribed or forbidden, knowingly or unknowingly, and to make the worship complete despite any error.
When is it recited?▼
Always at the conclusion of a puja, havan, aarti or daily prayer, as the final offering — surrendering all shortcomings of the worship to the Lord's compassion.
Can it be offered to deities other than Shiva?▼
Yes. The verse is universal; only the final invocation changes. To Shiva it ends 'Sri Mahadeva Shambho'; for Vishnu/Krishna devotees it ends with names like 'Sri Madhava' or 'Karunabdhe Sri Krishna'.
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