Karpura Gauram - 1

The Shloka

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कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।

सदावसंतं हृदयारविंदे भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥

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Karpūragauram karuṇāvatāraṃ saṃsārasāram bhujagendrahāram ।

Sadāvasantaṃ hṛdayāravinde bhavaṃ bhavānīsahitaṃ namāmi ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This shloka, often recited as part of daily prayers or during Shiva Puja and Aarti, is significant for its beautiful and concise description of Lord Shiva’s attributes. It not only paints a vivid picture of His physical form (white as camphor, adorned with serpents) but also highlights His profound divine qualities (the embodiment of compassion, the essence of the world) and His immanence (residing in the heart). The mention of Bhavani (Parvati) along with Shiva emphasizes the concept of Ardhanarishvara, the inseparable union of the divine masculine and feminine energies, essential for the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and dissolution. It serves as a reminder that Shiva is both transcendent (beyond comprehension) and immanent (residing within), accessible through devotion and inner realization. Recitation of this mantra evokes a sense of purity, peace, and spiritual connection with the supreme consciousness.

I bow down to Lord Shiva, who is as pure and white as camphor, the very embodiment of compassion, the essence of this worldly existence, adorned with the king of serpents as a garland, and who eternally dwells in the lotus of my heart, always accompanied by his divine consort, Goddess Bhavani.

This shloka is a heartfelt salutation to Lord Shiva, depicting Him as pure as camphor, the epitome of compassion, the essence of creation, adorned with serpents, and eternally dwelling within the devotee’s heart, along with Goddess Parvati.

Sentence - 1

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कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।

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Meaning

He who is as white as camphor, the embodiment of compassion, the essence of the worldly existence, and wears the king of serpents as a garland.

Meaning of Words

कर्पूरगौरं	Karpūragauram
As white as camphor Karpūra (camphor) refers to its pristine white color and pure, fragrant nature. Gauram (white/fair-complexioned) describes the pure, luminous complexion of Lord Shiva, often associated with purity and serenity.
करुणावतारं	karuṇāvatāraṃ
Incarnation of compassion Karuṇā (compassion) signifies boundless mercy and kindness. Avatāraṃ (incarnation or embodiment) means that Lord Shiva is not just compassionate, but the very manifestation or essence of compassion itself, always ready to protect and bless His devotees.
संसारसारम्	saṃsārasāram
The essence of the world Saṃsāra (the world, cycle of existence) refers to the entire creation, the cycle of birth, life, and death. Sāram (essence, core, fundamental truth) implies that Lord Shiva is the underlying reality, the most vital and profound aspect of all existence.
भुजगेन्द्रहारम्	bhujagendrahāram
Adorned with the king of serpents as a garland Bhujaga (serpent) and Indra (chief/lord) combine to mean ‘king of serpents’ (like Vasuki). Hāram (garland or necklace) describes His iconic adornment. This symbolizes Shiva’s mastery over dangerous forces, control over time (serpents shedding skin represent cycles of time), and transcendence over mortality.

Sentence - 2

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सदावसंतं हृदयारविंदे भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥

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Meaning

Who always resides in the lotus of my heart; I bow down to that Lord Bhava (Shiva), accompanied by Goddess Bhavani (Parvati).

Meaning of Words

सदावसंतं	sadāvasantaṃ
Always dwelling Sadā (always, eternally) and vasantaṃ (residing, dwelling) together signify Shiva’s perpetual presence, emphasizing that He is not distant but an ever-present inner reality for devotees.
हृदयारविंदे	hṛdayāravinde
In the lotus of the heart Hṛdaya (heart) represents the innermost core of one’s being, often considered the seat of consciousness and spiritual realization. Aravinde (in the lotus, from aravinda meaning lotus) refers to the lotus often used as a metaphor for purity, beauty, and spiritual centers (chakras) within the body. Thus, ‘hṛdayāravinde’ means ‘in the pure, spiritual lotus of the heart’.
भवं	bhavaṃ
Bhava is one of the many names of Lord Shiva, literally meaning ‘existence’ or ‘being’. It represents Shiva as the source and sustainer of all existence.
भवानीसहितं	bhavānīsahitaṃ
Accompanied by Goddess Bhavani Bhavānī is another name for Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, representing divine energy (Shakti). Sahitaṃ (accompanied by, together with) highlights the inseparable union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy), essential for creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe. This union is often celebrated as Ardhanarishvara, symbolizing completeness.
नमामि	namāmi
I bow down Namāmi is a verb indicating an act of reverence, prostration, or salutation. It expresses humility and devotion towards the deity.

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