In India, it is a long-held tradition to seek for forgiveness after a puja is performed. During the Kshama Prarthana (the prayer for forgiveness), a devotee asks for the forgives of the one they are worshipping for any mistake that might have been committed either mistakenly or unintentionally.
What is Kshama Prarthana?
Kshama Prarthana is a request for forgiveness or an expression of seeking pardon. It is a humble plea for someone to forgive any mistakes, wrongdoings or offenses committed knowingly or unknowingly. The essence of the prayer is to acknowledge one’s faults and ask for forgiveness with a sincere and remorseful heart.
Kshama Prarthana mantra
आवाहनं न जानामि न जानामि विसर्जनम्।
Aawaham na janami, na janami visarjanam!
पूजां चैव न जानामि क्षमस्व परमेश्वर॥
Pooja chaiv na janami kshamasva parmeshwara!!
मंत्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं जनार्दन।
Mantaheenam, kriyaheenam bhakiheenam janardanam!
यत्पूजितं मया देव! परिपूर्ण तदस्तु मे॥
Yatpoojitam maya dev, paripoorna tadmastu me!!
Kshama Prarthana mantra meaning
I do not know how to invoke the deity, nor do I know how to bid farewell,
I do not know how to worship, O Supreme Lord, please forgive me!
Without the knowledge of mantras, without the performance of rituals and without devotion,
Whatever I have been able to do as part of worshipping you, O divine one, please accept it!
Kshama Prarthana significance
The prayer for forgiveness serves as a sincere acknowledgment of one’s own shortcomings. It prompts individuals to engage in deep self-reflection, taking full responsibility for their actions. Emphasizing humility, it instills a strong sense of accountability for mistakes, which in turn fosters personal growth and development of one’s character.
When is Kshama Prarthana performed?
The Kshama Prarthana is performed at the end of most religious ceremonies.
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