Karacharana Kritam Va (Shiva Kshama Mantra)

A prayer for forgiveness

This verse is the best-known stanza of the Shiva Aparadha Kshamapana Stotra, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, and it is often recited on its own at the close of Shiva puja, after the aarti and before pushpanjali. It acknowledges that no worship is ever perfect and asks Shiva to forgive every fault, known and unknown.

Line by line

• Kara-charana kritam: done by the hands and feet.
• Vak-kayajam karmajam va: born of speech or the body, or of actions.
• Shravana-nayanajam va manasam va aparadham: born of the ears or eyes, or of the mind, any offence.
• Vihitam avihitam va: whether in things prescribed (duties left undone) or not prescribed (things done that should not be).
• Sarvam etat kshamasva: forgive all of this.
• Jaya jaya karunabdhe Shri Mahadeva Shambho: victory, victory to you, ocean of compassion, Shri Mahadeva, Shambhu.

The list is thorough on purpose: the senses, the body, speech and mind cover every way a person can err.

When to recite it

• At the end of any Shiva puja, abhishek or Rudrabhishek, before leaving the shrine.
• On Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays, after each prahar of worship.
• At night before sleep, as a brief review of the day, which is how it is used in many households.

Frequently asked questions

Where does this verse come from?

It is from the Shiva Aparadha Kshamapana Stotra, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, and is often recited on its own.

What do "vihitam" and "avihitam" mean?

Vihitam is what was prescribed, so faults of omission; avihitam is what was not prescribed, so faults of commission.

When is the Shiva kshama mantra said?

At the end of Shiva puja, after the aarti, to ask forgiveness for any error in the worship.

Is there a similar prayer for Devi?

Yes, the Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram, also attributed to Shankaracharya.

Can it be recited daily?

Yes, many recite it every night before sleep.