Shiva Dhyan Mantra

The Shiva Dhyan Mantra is a prayer seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva for all sins committed through actions, speech, mind, and senses, and invoking his compassion and grace.

The Shiva Dhyan Mantra is meant for meditation (Dhyan) upon Lord Shiva. It is a verse that describes various attributes and aspects of Lord Shiva, helping the practitioner to visualize and connect deeply with the divine energy of Shiva during meditation.

Mantra:

"Karacharana Kritam Vaak Kayajam Karmajam Vaa

Shravan Nayanajam Vaa Maanasam Vaa Paradham

Vihitam Avihitam Vaa Sarva Metat Kshamasva

Jaya Jaya Karunaabdhe Shri Mahadeva Shambho"

Meaning:

Karacharana Kritam: Refers to actions performed by hands and feet.

Vaak: Speech, indicating sins committed through improper or hurtful words.

Kayajam: Actions performed by the body, referring to physical deeds that may have been inappropriate or harmful.

Karmajam Vaa: Actions born out of duty or karma, both prescribed (as per religious duties) and unprescribed.

Shravan Nayanajam Vaa: Sins committed through the ears (improper listening, gossip) and eyes (wrongful seeing, lustful gaze).

Maanasam Vaa: Sins committed through the mind, including negative thoughts, jealousy, and anger.

Paradham: Other sins or offenses not categorized under the above.

Vihitam Avihitam Vaa: Refers to both prescribed (following religious rules) and unprescribed (not following religious rules) actions.

Sarva Metat Kshamasva: A plea for forgiveness for all the aforementioned sins and transgressions.

Jaya Jaya Karunaabdhe Shri Mahadeva Shambho: Celebrates Lord Shiva as the compassionate ocean of kindness and auspiciousness.

Purpose and Significance:

Forgiveness and Purification: The mantra is recited to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva, acknowledging human fallibility and seeking purification from the consequences of past actions.

Spiritual Growth: It is believed that chanting this mantra with sincerity and devotion can lead to spiritual growth, by removing obstacles and negative karma.

Devotional Practice: Devotees often recite this mantra during prayers and meditation, as it helps in repentance and seeking divine grace.

Usage:

Personal Devotion: Individuals often recite the Shiva Dhyan Mantra as part of their daily devotional practices, seeking inner peace and spiritual cleansing.

Rituals and Ceremonies: It is also recited during rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially during times of seeking forgiveness and grace.

Repentance and Surrender: The mantra emphasizes surrendering to the compassionate nature of Lord Shiva, seeking his forgiveness for all past wrongdoings and offenses.

Overall, the Shiva Dhyan Mantra holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, offering a path to seek forgiveness, spiritual growth, and divine blessings.