शिव स्तुति (कर्पूरगौरं)
Karpur Gauram Karunavtaram — Meaning & Lyrics
The 'Karpur Gauram Karunavtaram' (कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारम्) is an ancient and profound Sanskrit shloka dedicated to Lord Shiva. Found in the Yajurveda, it is one of the most popular mantras in Hinduism, universally chanted at the conclusion of Aarti and puja rituals across India. It describes Shiva in his purest, most magnificent form.
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं, संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम्। सदा वसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे, भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि॥
मंगलम भगवान विष्णु, मंगलम गरुड़ ध्वजः। मंगलम पुण्डरीकाक्ष, मंगलाय तनो हरि॥
'Karpur Gauram' means the one who is as pure and white as camphor. 'Karunavtaram' means the incarnation of compassion. It praises Shiva who wears the serpent king as a garland and resides in the lotus (heart) of his devotees along with Goddess Bhavani.
This stuti is chanted at the very end of almost all Hindu puja rituals, right after the Aarti is completed. It serves as a concluding prayer seeking the divine presence within one's heart.