Rudra Samhita
The Rudra Samhita is one of the most significant sections of the Shiva Purana, providing a comprehensive account of the life and exploits of Lord Shiva and his divine family.
Sanskrit:
“करचरणकृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं।
विहितं विहितं वा सर्व मेतत्क्षमस्व
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो॥”
Meaning:
“करचरणकृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा”: Sins committed by actions of hands and feet, words spoken, or deeds performed.
“श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधं”: Sins committed through ears and eyes, or through thoughts in the mind.
“विहितं विहितं वा”: Intentionally or unintentionally.
“सर्व मेतत्क्षमस्व”: Please forgive all these sins.
“जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो”: Victory to you, O ocean of compassion, O Lord Shambho (another name for Shiva).
Explanation:
The Shiva Kshama Prarthana is a humble prayer asking Lord Shiva for forgiveness for any sins or wrongdoings committed through actions, words, senses (ears and eyes), or thoughts (mind), whether knowingly or unknowingly. The devotee seeks forgiveness with utmost humility and surrender to the compassionate Lord Shiva, acknowledging His role as the remover of sins and the bestower of grace. By chanting this mantra, devotees aim to cleanse themselves of their past mistakes and seek spiritual purification and divine mercy from Lord Shiva.