Spiritual Khazana

A Dhyana Mantra is a verse or chant used for meditation, designed to help the practitioner visualize the deity and connect with their divine qualities. While there are many mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, a well-known one for this purpose is the “Shiva Dhyana Mantra” or “Karacharana Kritam.” It is a powerful prayer for seeking forgiveness and meditating on the compassionate nature of Shiva.

Here is the mantra with its Sanskrit, transliteration, and meaning:

Sanskrit

करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वाश्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधम्विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्वजय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो

Transliteration

Karacharana kritam vaakkayajam karmajam vaa Shravana nayanajam vaa maanasam vaa aparadham Vihitam avihitam vaa sarvametat kshamasva Jaya jaya karunaabdhe Shri Mahadeva Shambho

Meaning

This mantra is a profound prayer of repentance and surrender to Lord Shiva. It is a plea for forgiveness for all wrongdoings, whether conscious or unconscious.

• Karacharana kritam: Whatever sins have been committed by the hands and feet.
• Vaakkayajam karmajam vaa: Or those born of speech, body, or action.
• Shravana nayanajam vaa: Or those born of the ears and eyes.
• Maanasam vaa aparadham: Or the sins committed by the mind.
• Vihitam avihitam vaa: Whether they were prescribed (righteous) or unprescribed (unrighteous).
• Sarvametat kshamasva: Please forgive all of these.
• Jaya jaya karunaabdhe: Victory, victory to you, O ocean of compassion!
• Shri Mahadeva Shambho: O Shri Mahadeva, the one who brings auspiciousness.

Purpose and Significance

The Shiva Dhyana Mantra is not just a plea for forgiveness; it is a powerful tool for meditation. By chanting this mantra, a devotee can:

• Purify the mind: It helps to release guilt, negativity, and the burden of past actions.
• Deepen concentration: The rhythmic chanting and focus on the meaning help to bring the mind to a state of calm and focus, which is essential for meditation.
• Connect with Shiva’s energy: It allows the practitioner to visualize and connect with the compassionate and forgiving aspect of Lord Shiva, a source of immense peace and divine grace.

It is often chanted as part of a daily spiritual practice, especially before or after a more extensive meditation session.