Shankara Karunakara Jagdeeshwara Parmeshwara
This is a beautiful slow mantra, which can be sung quite meditative. Although, in a Bhakti style it can also be sung in a more eleated version, accompanied by percussion instruments.
The meaning of the Shankara mantra is:
I praise you Lord Shiva, the destroyer of all doubts, who is pure compassion and joy.
You are the Highest, the Lord of the whole universe.
Shiva is also known under the descriptive name ‘Shankara’. Shankara is based on two words: “shanka” and “hara”. “Shanka” means doubt and “hara” means dispeller or destroyer. So the description is Shiva as destroyer of all evil things, including emotional states as ‘doubt’.
Karunakara means he which is a mine of compassion.
“Jagdeeshwara” refers to the entire universe, as described by “Karunamaya” (the one with kindness), “Jagatkarana”, the cause of creation (“Jagat” is wold).
Paraméshwara is often used to refer to Shiva. Parameshwara stands for the ultimate reality and nothing exists that is not one with it.
This is one of the Mantra’s sung in a meditative way at the Quinta Quixote by the Mantra-duo Aranka& Shunyam during sound-healing sessions.
Hereunder the chords of this Mantra!
The mantra’s roots are in the Shaivite tradition, which venerates Shiva as the Supreme Being who embodies both the destructive and creative forces of the cosmos. The combination of the words “Shankara” and “Karunakara” reflects the dual aspects of Shiva:
- Shankara as the auspicious, transcendent consciousness that brings liberation.
- Karunakara as the compassionate force that protects, nurtures, and guides devotees.
This mantra is often used in bhakti (devotional) practices, like singing hymns (bhajans), reciting prayers, or meditating on Shiva’s qualities. It aligns closely with the themes of surrender, grace, and the seeker’s aspiration for Shiva’s blessings in overcoming challenges and attaining spiritual growth.
On our Youtube channel many many more mantra’s to sing:
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Please can you tell me where this Mantra is from in the scriptures or which master created this Mantra? I cannot find it anywhere apart from Mooji sites. I would like to know where it comes from – originally. Thank you
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The mantra “Shankara Karunakara” is a devotional chant dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The name “Shankara” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “shanka,” meaning doubt, and “hara,” meaning dispeller or destroyer. Thus, “Shankara” refers to Shiva as the destroyer of doubts and the bestower of peace. “Karunakara” translates to “one who is full of compassion.” Therefore, the mantra praises Shiva as the compassionate remover of doubts and the supreme lord of the universe.
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The full mantra often chanted is: “Shankara Karunakara Parameshvara Jagadishvara,” which can be translated as: “I praise you, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of all doubts, who is pure compassion and joy. You are the Highest, the Lord of the whole universe.”
BREATH4BALANCE
This mantra is popular in various spiritual and yoga communities for its soothing and meditative qualities. Spiritual teacher Mooji often includes this chant in his gatherings, contributing to its widespread recognition among his followers. The origins of the mantra are traditional, and it has been passed down through generations as part of devotional singing practices.
While the exact historical origin of this specific mantra is not well-documented, it embodies the timeless themes of devotion and surrender to the divine, central to many Hindu chants and prayers.
For those interested in the musical aspect, the mantra is often sung in a slow, meditative style, which can be accompanied by instruments or chanted solo to facilitate a deep meditative state.
BREATH4BALANCE
In summary, “Shankara Karunakara” is a traditional mantra venerating Lord Shiva, emphasizing his qualities as the compassionate remover of doubts and the supreme lord, and has been popularized in contemporary spiritual practices by teachers like Mooji.
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