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What is Lord Shankara’s Karpura Gauram Mantra?
The Karpura Gauram mantra or Glorification of Lord Shankar is found in the Yajur Veda. It is also called Shiva Yajur Mantra. This mantra is not solely dedicated to Lord Shankar . It also includes Bhavani as well, balancing the male and female energies in the body. This mantra is usually recited during Mangala Aarati or early morning prayers.
The Words of the Karpura Gauram Mantra
It is believed that Lord Vishnu sang this beautiful verse to praise Lord Shankar and his companion Bhavani during their wedding. You may consider watching our video on the Benefits of Uma Maheshwara Stotram.
The Mantra is-
Karpura Gauram Karuṇaavataaram
Samsara saaram Bhujagendrahaaram |
Sadaa Vasantam Hrudaya Ravinde
Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami ||
Meaning of the Karpura Gauram Mantra
Which means I pray to the Lord who is as fair as camphor, who is the incarnation of mercy, who is the essence of the world. The one who wears a garland of the snake-king, who always lives in the lotus of our hearts, I bow to Lord Bhava (another name of Lord Shankar) and his wife Bhavani together.
The first three lines strikingly indicate that it is Lord Shankar whom we are praising though the name is not evident. Finally, in the fourth line, the mantra reveals that our object of worship is Bhava and Bhavani. The choice of Camphor as a metaphor is very thoughtful. Camphor is a volatile material used during Arati.
It kindles fire very quickly.
Similarly, if we are as pure as camphor, we can quickly strike a relationship with Bholenath just as fire dissolves camphor in a jiffy. Hence, Lord Shankar’s complexion matches the auspicious color of camphor. Lord Shankar is also the incarnation of mercy.
There are many tales highlighting this quality.
Lord Shankar spared the life of the boastful Ravana, He granted immortality to his devotee Markandeya, He helped the devas by killing Tripurasura. There is yet another occasion when He drank Halahal to save the world.
Description of Lord Shankar
Episodes are countless. Lord Shankar is the essence of the world. He wears the Vasuki snake around his neck. During the churning of the ocean, Kalkuta poison appeared. To help the Lord, Vasuki too drank the poison with Him, without complaining.
The Heart of a Sthitha Pragya
Lord Shankar was highly pleased with his devotion and agreed to wear him as a necklace around his neck. Hence, we say Bhujagendrahaaram. The hood of the snakes also represents ego. Thus, Lord Shankar has subdued His ego completely.
Snakes are also beneficial in the medical field. Lord Shankar is known as Baidyanath, or the best of doctors. Here, Lotus has a symbolic meaning. Whose heart is a lotus? It is the heart of a Sthithapragya. In such a pure heart Lord Shiva resides.
The Allegory of the Lotus
There is another meaning to this. Though the lotus stems from mud, its leaves remain unaffected by the muddy water. Similarly, Lord Shankar lives in a pious heart, unaffected by the three modes of nature being the silent incorruptible witness.
The one who has pleased Lord Shankar does not worry about his past, present, and future.
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Benefits of the Karpura Gauram Mantra
Now I shall state the benefits of chanting Karpura Gauram. Chanting Karpura Gauram mantra with concentration leads to ecstasy. It is a powerful mantra for Shaivites as it brings the fastest response from Lord Shiva. The mantra protects us from negativity, dangers, and threats.
If you are wanting to attain Lord Shankar, and hindrances come your way, Lord Shiva resolves the issue. Many times we want to take the Lord’s name, but the external surroundings do not permit. Praying to the Lord and chanting this mantra removes this problem.
Furthermore, the mantra improves focus and has the immense power to change destiny. The goal of all mantras is to attract the attention of the specified deity. If it fulfills that goal, all benefits are attained. The main aim is to please your Ishta Devata. Then it becomes a two-sided relationship between you and your deity.
The Karpura Gauram mantra is capable of establishing such a bond connecting you to the divine energy of Mahadev. The mantra should not just be a casual chant. Invest your emotions in the recitation. Cry to attract the attention of Bhava and Bhavani.
Rules for Chanting the Shankara Mantra
As described in the video, rehearse the meaning of the mantra while chanting. However, there are some basic rules for Satvik Shiva Sadhana.
As I mention in every video-
No consuming non-vegetarian food and addictive substances such as liquor, tobacco, and cigarettes. Avoid onion-garlic as they increase lustful tendencies. You should follow these rules and chant this mantra 11 times daily to see tangible and positive changes in your life.
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