Karpur Gauram Karunavataram — Mantra with Meaning
This beautiful verse in praise of Lord Shiv is sung at the end of aarti in almost every home and temple. It describes Shiv as pure white like camphor, full of compassion, wearing the king of serpents. The devotee bows to Shiv and Bhavani, who live forever in the lotus of the heart.
Karpura-gauram karunavataram samsara-saram bhujagendra-haram | sada vasantam hridayaravinde bhavam bhavani-sahitam namami ||
Meaning
Verse 1
Karpura-gauram karunavataram samsara-saram bhujagendra-haram | sada vasantam hridayaravinde bhavam bhavani-sahitam namami ||
He is white like camphor, compassion in form, the essence of the world, and wears the king of serpents as a garland. I bow to Shiv, together with Bhavani, who always dwells in the lotus of the heart.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Karpur Gauram recited?
Usually at the end of any aarti, after the aarti plate is waved. It is also recited in Shiv puja on Mondays and Mahashivratri.
How many times should it be recited?
Once after aarti is the custom. Some devotees also repeat it 11 or 108 times as a meditation on Shiv.
What does 'Karpur Gauram' mean?
'Karpur' is camphor and 'gaur' means fair or white — Shiv who is bright and pure like camphor. Camphor burns away leaving nothing behind, so it is seen as a symbol of purity.