Shankara Karunakara

Shankara Karunakara is a devotional hymn praising Lord Shiva for his compassion and benevolence towards his devotees.

Sanskrit

शंकरा करुणाकरा, दीनबन्धु दयालु।
अङ्ग विभूति भालचन्द्र, जय चन्द्रमौलि॥

शंकरा करुणाकरा, दीनबन्धु दयालु॥

सागर मन्थन समै, चन्द्र बिराजे तन।
भोलेपन से गरल पिया, जग में कीरति गाई॥

शंकरा करुणाकरा, दीनबन्धु दयालु॥

देवन ने की स्तुति, दानवों ने की सेवा।
नंदी गणेश कुमार साथ, शिवकी सेवा पाई॥

शंकरा करुणाकरा, दीनबन्धु दयालु॥

रिषि मुनि ध्यान लगाय, समाधिस्थ बैकुंठ।
मुक्ति का द्वार खुला, भव सागर तर आई॥

शंकरा करुणाकरा, दीनबन्धु दयालु॥

शिव महिमा का वर्णन, ब्रह्मा न सकें जाना।
कहते सदाशिव त्रिदेव, माया समेत समाई॥

शंकरा करुणाकरा, दीनबन्धु दयालु॥

Meaning in English:

Shankara Karunakara, Deenabandhu Dayalu

• O Shankara, the compassionate one, the friend of the poor, and the kind-hearted.

Anga Vibhuti Bhalachandra, Jaya Chandramouli

• Adorned with sacred ashes on your body, with the crescent moon on your forehead, victory to you, O Chandramouli.

Shankara Karunakara, Deenabandhu Dayalu

• O Shankara, the compassionate one, the friend of the poor, and the kind-hearted.

Sagara Manthana Samai, Chandra Biraje Tan

• During the churning of the ocean, the moon adorned your form.

Bholepan Se Garal Piya, Jag Mein Keerati Gayi

• In your simplicity, you drank the poison, and your glory spread across the world.

Shankara Karunakara, Deenabandhu Dayalu

• O Shankara, the compassionate one, the friend of the poor, and the kind-hearted.

Devan Ne Ki Stuti, Danavon Ne Ki Seva

• The gods praised you, and the demons served you.

Nandi Ganesh Kumar Saath, Shivki Seva Pai

• With Nandi and Ganesh by your side, you received their service.

Shankara Karunakara, Deenabandhu Dayalu

• O Shankara, the compassionate one, the friend of the poor, and the kind-hearted.

Rishi Muni Dhyan Lagay, Samadhisth Vaikunth

• The sages and seers meditate, and they attain the heavenly abode.

Mukti Ka Dwaar Khula, Bhav Sagar Tar Aai

• The door to liberation opens, and they cross the ocean of existence.

Shankara Karunakara, Deenabandhu Dayalu

• O Shankara, the compassionate one, the friend of the poor, and the kind-hearted.

Shiva Mahima Ka Varnan, Brahma Na Saken Jana

• The greatness of Shiva is such that even Brahma cannot comprehend it.

Kahte Sadashiva Tridev, Maya Samet Samai

• The three divine beings always praise you, O Sadashiva, who encompasses all illusion.

Shankara Karunakara, Deenabandhu Dayalu

• O Shankara, the compassionate one, the friend of the poor, and the kind-hearted.

Summary:

This aarti is a beautiful hymn praising Lord Shiva, describing his compassion, his role during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), and his divine attributes. It acknowledges the service and devotion of his attendants, Nandi and Ganesh, and the meditative practices of sages and seers. The hymn highlights the glory of Shiva that even the gods and demons recognize, emphasizing his compassionate nature and the liberation he bestows upon his devotees.