Siva Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram

Hymn By Sri Adi Sankaracharya

॥ श्रीशिवापराध क्षमापणस्तोत्र ॥

Siva Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram – Audio Musical Chanting by Pandits

 

VERSE 1:

Aadau karmaprasangaat, kalayati kalusham, maatrikukshau-sthitam maam,
Vin-muutraa-medhya-madhye, kathayati nitaraam, jaaTharo jaatavedaaha,
Yadyadvai tatra duhkham, vyathayati nitaraam, shakyate kena vaktum,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 1

आदौ कर्मप्रसङ्गात्कलयति कलुषं मातृकुक्षौ स्थितं मां
विण्मूत्रामेध्यमध्ये कथयति नितरां जाठरो जातवेदाः ।
यद्यद्वै तत्र दुःखं व्यथयति नितरां शक्यते केन वक्तुं
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ १॥

Due to my previous birth Karmas, I was born inside my mother’s womb. And placed in difficult conditions, everything was sheer unhappiness. And I was burnt a lot by the heat of the digestive fire. No one can possibly describe the sufferings that I underwent there. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva₀ Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho!₀ – 1

VERSE 2:

Baalye duhkha-atireko, mala-lulita-vapuhu, stanya-paane pipaasaa,
No shaktashch-endriyebhyo, bhavaguna-janitaahaa, jantavo maam tudanti,
Naanaa-rogaadi-duhkhaad-rudana-paravashaha, sankaram na smaraami,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 2

बाल्ये दुःखातिरेको मललुलितवपुः स्तन्यपाने पिपासा
नो शक्तश्चेन्द्रियेभ्यो भवगुणजनिताः जन्तवो मां तुदन्ति ।
नानारोगादिदुःखाद्रुदनपरवशः शङ्करं न स्मरामि
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ २॥

During my early childhood, with immense sorrow, rolling in dirt, I was always interested only in drinking mother’s milk. All kinds of insects bit me often, which I was not able to prevent; I was attacked by many great illnesses, and I cried immersed in sorrow; And never did I think of Sankara. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 2

VERSE 3:

Praudhoaham yauvanastho, vishaya-vishha-dharaihi, pajnchabhir-marmasandhau,
Dashhto nashhtoa-vivekaha, suta-dhana-yuvati-svaadu-saukhye nishhannaha,
Saivii-chintaa-vihiinam, mama hridayam, aho maanagarva-adhiruudham,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 3

प्रौढोऽहं यौवनस्थो विषयविषधरैः पञ्चभिर्मर्मसन्धौ
दष्टो नष्टोऽविवेकः सुतधनयुवतिस्वादुसौख्ये निषण्णः ।
शैवीचिन्ताविहीनं मम हृदयमहो मानगर्वाधिरूढं
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ३॥

When I was passing through the period of Youth, I was involved with the poison of objects.
I was bitten by the five Snakes of Senses on the vulnerable spots of my Heart. Hence
I lost my wisdom and discriminating power. Began concentrating on the pleasures of children,
riches and women. I was self-conceited and egotistical. So I could not think of You, Lord Siva.
Please pardon and forgive my faults, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 3

VERSE 4:

Vaardhakye chendriyaanaam, vigata-gati-matish-cha, adhidaivaadi-taapaihi,
Paapai rogair-viyogai-stvanavasita-vapuhu praudhahiinam cha diinam,
Mithyaa-mohaabhilaashhair-bhramati mama mano dhuurjater-dhyaana-suunyam
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 4

वार्धक्ये चेन्द्रियाणां विगतगतिमतिश्चाधिदैवादितापैः
पापै रोगैर्वियोगैस्त्वनवसितवपुः प्रौढहीनं च दीनम् ।
मिथ्यामोहाभिलाषैर्भ्रमति मम मनो धूर्जटेर्ध्यानशून्यं
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ४॥

When I was passing through old age, my five senses got weakened, my wisdom lost its memory, And my body got weakened due to God-given sin, sickness and pain never leaving it. And my mind started roaming behind useless passions and desires. And so I did not meditate. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 4

VERSE 5:

Snaatvaa pratyuushha-kaale, snapana-vidhi-vidhau, naahritam gaanga-toyam,
Puujaartham vaa kadaachid, bahutara-gahanaat-khandabilvii-dalaani,
Naaniitaa padmamaalaa, sarasi vikasitaa, gandha-dhuupaihi tvadartham,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 5

स्नात्वा प्रत्यूषकाले स्नपनविधिविधौ नाहृतं गाङ्गतोयं
पूजार्थं वा कदाचिद्बहुतरगहनात्खण्डबिल्वीदलानि ।
नानीता पद्ममाला सरसि विकसिता गन्धधूपैः त्वदर्थं
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ६॥

Having taken a bath at dawn time and after performing all the morning rituals, I did not bring Ganges₄ water for Worship (Pooja)₆. I did not offer whole Bilva₅ leaves, or garland of lotuses that bloomed in the lake. I did not offer fragrant incenses, lighted lamp and so on. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 5

VERSE 6:

Dugdhair-madhvaajyutair-dadhisita-sahitaihi snaapitam naiva lingam
No liptam chandanaadyaihi kanaka-virachitaihi puujitam na prasuunaihi
Dhuupaihi karpuura-diipair-vividharasayutair-naiva bhakshyopahaaraihi
Kshantavyo meaparaadhaha Siva Siva Siva bho shrii mahaadeva shambho – 6

दुग्धैर्मध्वाज्युतैर्दधिसितसहितैः स्नापितं नैव लिङ्गं
नो लिप्तं चन्दनाद्यैः कनकविरचितैः पूजितं न प्रसूनैः ।
धूपैः कर्पूरदीपैर्विविधरसयुतैर्नैव भक्ष्योपहारैः
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ७॥

I did not shower the Siva-Lingam with milk, honey, and curds (Abhishekam)₇. I did not apply the sandalwood₉ paste, and I did not offer garlands arranged with gold and flowers for worship. I did not offer lamps to burn incenses and camphor, nor did I offer varied tasty foods to You. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 6

VERSE 7:

No shakyam smaarta-karma, pratipada-gahana, pratyavaaya-aakulaakhyam,
Sraute vaartaa katham, me dvijakula-vihite, brahma-maargeasu-saare,
Na-aasthaa dharma, vichaaraihi shravana-mananayoho, kim nididhyaasitavyam,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 7

नो शक्यं स्मार्तकर्म प्रतिपदगहनप्रत्यवायाकुलाख्यं
श्रौते वार्ता कथं मे द्विजकुलविहिते ब्रह्ममार्गेऽसुसारे ।
ज्ञातो धर्मो विचारैः श्रवणमननयोः किं निदिध्यासितव्यं
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ५॥

I am unable to observe the complex rules of daily Dharma_1, prescribed actions. Then what to say about following very well the rules and path of the Vedas₂ as shown by the Knowers of Brahman₃? I do not have trust in the Dharma. And by listening to Vedas, I am not able to think on them or understand them. I am unable to listen, meditate or be one-pointed. So what purpose is of daily learning? Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 7

VERSE 8:

Dhyaatvaa chitte Sivaakhyam prachuratara-dhanam naiva dattam dvijebhyo
Havyam te laksha-sankhyair-hutavahav-adane naarpitam biija-mantraihi
No taptam gaangaa-tiire vratajana-niyamaihi rudra-jaapyair-na vedaihi
Kshantavyo meaparaadhaha Siva Siva Siva bho shrii mahaadeva sambho – 8

ध्यात्वा चित्ते शिवाख्यं प्रचुरतरधनं नैव दत्तं द्विजेभ्यो
हव्यं ते लक्षसङ्ख्यैर्हुतवहवदने नार्पितं बीजमन्त्रैः ।
नो तप्तं गाङ्गातीरे व्रतजननियमैः रुद्रजाप्यैर्न वेदैः
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ८॥

Never did I give much money to Brahmins, those who possess divine knowledge, with thought of Lord Siva in my mind. Never did I do fire worships chanting millions of Mantras. Never did I meditate on the banks of the Holy Ganga₄. Never did I do penances based on the Vedas₃. And never did I chant Rudram₁₀. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 8

VERSE 9:

Nagno nihsanga-suddhas, trigunavirahito, dhvasta-moha-andhakaaro,
Naasaagre nyastadrishhtir, viditabhavaguno, naiva drishhtaha kadaachith,
Unmanyaa-avasthayaa, tvaam vigata-kalimalam, sankaram na smaraami,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 9

नग्नो निःसङ्गशुद्धस्त्रिगुणविरहितो ध्वस्तमोहान्धकारो
नासाग्रे न्यस्तदृष्टिर्विदितभवगुणो नैव दृष्टः कदाचित् ।
उन्मन्याऽवस्थया त्वां विगतकलिमलं शङ्करं न स्मरामि
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ १०॥

Never have I concentrated on the tip of my nose₁₆, and try to personify You – who is unclad, who is unattached, who is ever pure, who is free from the three qualities (Gunas)₁₄ called Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. And You who is capable of dispelling delusion and ignorance, I did not remember that Lord Siva. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 9

VERSE 10:

Sthithwa sthane saroje, pranavamaya-marut-Kundale sookshma-marge,
Santhe swanthe praleene, prakatitha-vibhave, Jyothi rope parakhye,
Lingagne brahmavakye, sakala-thanu-gatham, Sankaram na smarami,
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 10

स्थित्वा स्थाने सरोजे प्रणवमयमरुत्कुम्भके सूक्ष्ममार्गे
शान्ते स्वान्ते प्रलीने प्रकटितविभवे ज्योतिरूपेऽपराख्ये ।
लिङ्गज्ञे ब्रह्मवाक्ये सकलतनुगतं शङ्करं न स्मरामि
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ ९॥

Never did I sit in a lonely place in meditating posture, and send the Kundalini₁₁, and the Breath which is the form of Pranava₁₂ through the subtle path, to reach the ever shining Para Brahma₁₃. And never did I calm my mind, and meditate on Parama Siva, Who transcends the physical body, and Who is the essence of Vedas. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 10

VERSE 11:

Hridhyam vedanta vedhyam hridaya saraside veertha mudhya prakaasam
Satyam saamtam swaroopam sakala gulimana padma shandhaika vedhyam
Jaagra swapne sushuptou triguna virahitam shankaram nasmaraami
Kshantavyo me aparaadhaha, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahaadeva Sambho – 11

हृद्यं वेदान्तवेद्यं हृदयसरसिजे दीप्तमुद्यत्प्रकाशं
सत्यं शान्तस्वरूपं सकलमुनिमनःपद्मषण्डैकवेद्यम् ।
जाग्रत्स्वप्ने सुषुप्तौ त्रिगुणविरहितं शङ्करं न स्मरामि
क्षन्तव्यो मेऽपराधः शिव शिव शिव भो श्रीमहादेव शम्भो ॥ ११॥

The One who resides in the lotus of the Heart, known through Vedanta, shining forth with the brilliance of rising Light, the embodiment of truth and peace, revered by the lotus-minds of all sages, beyond the three states of waking, dream, and deep sleep, and untouched by the three Gunas₁₄ – I do not remember that Sankara. Please pardon my faults and sins, Siva Siva Siva Bho, Sri Mahadeva Sambho! – 11

VERSE 12:

Chandrod-bhaasita-shekhare smarahare gangaadhare shankare
Sarpair-bhuushhita-kantha-karna-yugale (vivare) netrottha-vaishvaanare
Dantitvak-krita-sundara-ambara-dhare trailokya-saare hare
Moksha-artham kuru chitta-vrittim-achalaam-anyaistu kim karmabhihi – 12

चन्द्रोद्भासितशेखरे स्मरहरे गङ्गाधरे शङ्करे
सर्पैर्भूषितकण्ठकर्णविवरे नेत्रोत्थवैश्वानरे ।
दन्तित्वक्कृतसुन्दराम्बरधरे त्रैलोक्यसारे हरे
मोक्षार्थं कुरु चित्तवृत्तिमचलामन्यैस्तु किं कर्मभिः ॥ ११॥

Oh Lord, who wears the moon-ornamented crown, who is the enemy of the God of Passion, who carries Ganga₄ on his head, who gives peace to his devotees, who wears snakes on his neck and ears, who has fire in his eyes, who wears the hide of the elephant, And who is the Lord of the three worlds. Please show me the Path of Liberation, for what is the use of any other path! – 12

VERSE 13:

Kim vaaanena dhanena, vaajikaribhihi, praaptena raajyena kim,
Kim vaa putra-kalatra-mitra,-pasubhir-dehena, gehena kim,
Gyaatvai-tat-kshana-bhanguram, sapadi re tyaajyam, mano duurataha,
Svaatmaartham guruvaakyato, bhaja bhaja shriipaarvatiivallabham – 13

किं वाऽनेन धनेन वाजिकरिभिः प्राप्तेन राज्येन किं
किं वा पुत्रकलत्रमित्रपशुभिर्देहेन गेहेन किम् ।
ज्ञात्वैतत्क्षणभङ्गुरं सपदि रे त्याज्यं मनो दूरतः
स्वात्मार्थं गुरुवाक्यतो भज मन श्रीपार्वतीवल्लभम् ॥ १२॥

Oh Mind! What is the use of charity, riches, horses, and getting a kingdom? What is the use of children, spouse, friends and animals? What is the use of this house, this body? Because, all these can be destroyed in a second. And so Keep them all away, and for the sake of redemption of the soul, meditate on Lord Siva, the beloved of Parvati₁₅, according to the lessons taught by your Guru, your Teacher. – 13

VERSE 14:

Pourohityam najalijalitam graamanitvam niyogaha
Madhapatyam januta bhajanam saakshi vaada parannam
Brahmadhvesha kataja naradhir praaninaam nirbhayatvam
Maahodevam mama pashupate janma janmaantareshu – 14

पौरोहित्यं रजनिचरितं ग्रामणीत्वं नियोगो
माठापत्यं ह्यनृतवचनं साक्षिवादः परान्नम् ।
ब्रह्मद्वेषः खलजनरतिः प्राणिनां निर्दयत्वं
मा भूदेवं मम पशुपते जन्मजन्मान्तरेषु ॥ १४॥

May the following traits never arise in me in any birth, O Lord of Beings : performing priestly duties for material gain, nocturnal wanderings of questionable deeds, leadership marked by dominance, attachment to institutional power, deceitful speech, false testimony, consumption of another’s food, enmity toward Brahman, delight in the company of the wicked, and cruelty toward living beings. – 14

VERSE 15:

Aayur-nashyati pashyataam, prati-dinam, yaati kshayam yauvanam,
Pratyaayaanti gataaha, punar na divasaaha, kaalo jagadbhakshakaha,
Lakshmii-stoya-taranga-bhanga-chapalaa, vidyuchchalam jiivitam,
Tasmaan maam, sharana-agatam sharanada, tvam raksha raksha-adhunaa – 15

आयुर्नश्यति पश्यतां प्रतिदिनं याति क्षयं यौवनं
प्रत्यायान्ति गताः पुनर्न दिवसाः कालो जगद्भक्षकः ।
लक्ष्मीस्तोयतरङ्गभङ्गचपला विद्युच्चलं जीवितं
तस्मान्मां शरणागतं शरणद त्वं रक्ष रक्षाधुना ॥ १३॥

Please Listen! Daily the span of life decreases, youthfulness daily disappears, the days that are gone never return. Time swallows the world. And Life and Wealth are not permanent, because they are like the tide and lightning. Therefore, my Lord, now and forever, Please protect this devotee of yours who has surrendered to You! – 15

The Audio chanting ends here.

VERSE 16:

Vande devam umapatim suragurum vande jagatkaaraNam
Vande pannaka bhooshanam mrugagharam vande pashoonam patitam
Vande soorya shashaangakavarhinnayanam vande mukunda priyam
Vande bhakta janaasrayam cha varade Sivam shankaram – 16

वन्दे देवमुमापतिं सुरगुरुं वन्दे जगत्कारणं
वन्दे पन्नगभूषणं मृगधरं वन्दे पशूनां पतिम् ।
वन्दे सूर्यशशाङ्कवह्निनयनं वन्दे मुकुन्दप्रियं
वन्दे भक्तजनाश्रयं च वरदं वन्दे शिवं शङ्करम् ॥१४॥

I worship the self-effulgent guru of the gods, the lord of Uma; I worship the cause of the Universe; I worship the lord of beasts, adorned with snakes; I worship Siva, whose three eyes shine like the sun, the moon, and fire; I worship the beloved of Krishna; I worship Sankara, who bestows boons on His devotees and gives them shelter; I worship the auspicious Siva. – 16

VERSE 17:

Gaatram bhasmasitam cha hasitam haste kapaalam sitam
KhaTvaajhangam cha sitam sitrasya vrushabhaha karNo sitam kundale
Gangaaphenasitaa jaTaa pashupateschandraha sito moordhani
Sosyam sarvasito dadaatu vibhavam paapakshayam sarvada – 17

गात्रं भस्मसितं च हसितं हस्ते कपालं सितं
खट्वाङ्गं च सितं सितश्च वृषभः कर्णे सिते कुण्डले ।
गङ्गाफेनसिता जटा पशुपतेश्चन्द्रः सितो मूर्धनि
सोऽयं सर्वसितो ददातु विभवं पापक्षयं सर्वदा ॥ १५॥

O Siva! Bright is your body, covered with ashes; Bright shine your teeth when you smile! Bright is the skull you hold in your hand; Bright is your club, which threatens the wicked! Bright is the bull on which you ride; Bright are the rings that hang from your ears! Bright appear your matted locks, covered with the foam of the Ganges; Bright shines the moon on your forehead! May He who is all bright, all pure, bestow on me the treasure of forgiveness for my transgressions forever!  – 17

VERSE 18:

Kara-charana-kritam vaak,-kaaya-jam, karma-jam vaa,
Sravana-nayana-jam vaa, maanasam vaa-aparaadhama,
Vihitam-avihitam vaa, sarvam-etat-kshmasva,
Siva Siva karunaabdhe, Sri mahaadeva shambho – 18

करचरणकृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वाऽपराधम् ।
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्ष्मस्व
शिव शिव करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो ॥ १६॥

O Lord Siva! Whatever faults or mistakes I have done so far with the help of my hands, legs, speech and body; also due to my actions; also by seeing and hearing; or may be mentally; or as pet the prescribed and unprescribed injunctions of the Vedas; Please forgive me for all these. O Lord Siva! who is All-Compassionate, please forgive me. You are the Lord of all Deities and One Whose nature is to Bless All – 18

iti shrimadh shankaraachaaryakrita Sivaaparaadhakshamaapana stotram sampurnamh

॥ इति श्रीमद् शङ्कराचार्यकृत शिवापराधक्षमापण स्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥

This is a prayer called Siva Aparaadha Kshmapana Stotram composed by Adi Sri Sankaracharya.

NOTES:

⁰ Siva: Auspicious, The primary name of the Lord of Cosmic Balance, one of the many Names of the Lord Siva.
¹ Dharma: Righteous behaviour according to one’s inherent nature.
² Vedas: Hindu Scriptures.
³ Brahmins: Those who abide in Brahman, the Real Being of the nature of Existence, Awareness and Bliss.
⁴ Ganga: The Holy Ganges River.
⁵ Bilva: A certain kind of leaf that is offered for Worship.
⁶ Pooja: The process of Worship.
⁷ Abhishekam: A kind of worship where different kinds of aromatic and delicious items are placed or poured on the Idol of the God or Goddess Who is symbolic of the Higher Power.
⁸ Siva-Lingam: A specific symbol of Lord Siva.
⁹ Sandal wood: An aromatic wood whose paste is smeared on the body for its fragrance.
¹⁰ Rudram: Divine and Sacred Poetry offered to Lord Siva. Rudra is a name of Siva.
¹¹ Kundalini: It is an energy that exists in everyone’s body, usually in a dormant state.
¹² Pranava: The Divine Mantra AUM (OM).
¹³ Para Brahma: The All-Pervading Self.
¹⁴ Gunas: Qualities of the Mind. They are typically three: Sattwa (Purity), Rajas (incessant activity) and Tamas (dullness and inertia).
¹⁵ Paarvathi: One of the Holy Names of Goddess Uma, the consort of Lord Siva.
¹⁶ Concentrating on the tip of the nose: This does not mean literally exerting oneself strenuously to try and stare cross-eyed at the tip of the nose. It means the inward turning of the mind, and keeping the mind away from external distractions.