LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
[ 47 Nirmama Mamatahantri Nishpapa Papanashini ]
पापनाशिनी (167)
Papanashini (167)
Meaning:
Devi destroys the sins of Her devotees.
Interpretation
Papanashini or Papam Nasayati Iti refers to that role of Devi where she completely destroys the sins of Her devotees, who chant Her holy hymn with utter devotion.
Devi wants Her devotees to pursue the path of liberation for which sins are impediments. Hence she destroys all their sins.
How does She consume their sins? Chandogya Upanishad says Papmanah Praduyante meaning all sins are burnt up. The Upanishad further says such sins are burnt like dry grass thrown into a fire.
Papanashini in other texts
Lord Shiva as Papa-Nashini
It's again Lord Shiva with whom the name of Destroyer of sins is truly associated with. While other gods can pardon / forgive a sinner, Shiva alone can destroy sin. Lingashtakam, one of the popular hymns on the Lord, mentions
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashana Lingam
Tat Pranamami Sada Shiva Lingam
I salute the Lord the eternal one, the destroyer of all the accumulated sins (of several lives).
River Ganges as Papa-Nashini
The Garga-samhita composed by sage Garga Muni mentions Jahnavi (another name of the holy River Ganges) to be the destroyer of sins. It is generally believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of the river relieves one of all the sins committed
दक्षिणा लक्ष्मणा चैव कालिन्दी विरजा तथा
भद्रा ह्रीर् मित्रविन्दा च जाह्नवी पाप-नाशिनी
Dakshina Lakshmana chaiva Kalindi Viraja Tatha Bhadra Hrir Mitravinda cha Jahnavi Papa-Nashini.
Papa-Nashini Shiva Temple
Interestingly there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is known by name Papa-Nashini Shiva temple. It is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Unfortunately the temple is in a depleted condition and has been marked as an abandoned structure.
Author's Notes
In yesterday's write-up we had seen the definition of Papa and why it is always understood as the opposite of Punya. Let's get to know more about the types of papa or sin.
The Manu Smriti talks about ten types of sin, four of which are committed by words such as telling lies, usage of abusive words, criticizing others and talking without reasons, three are committed by thoughts such as thinking about stealing, thinking about doing harm to others and to be obstinate (being stubborn) and three are committed bodily such as committing robbery / stealing (especially gold), causing harm / injuries to others and rape.
Besides the above ten types of Papas, there are five more which are classified as Maha Pataka or great sins which are (1)Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin), (2)Chouriya (stealing), (3)Surapana (drinking alcohol), (4)Gamana (cohabiting with Guru's wife, with one's own mother, other respectable women etc). (5)The fifth one is to be part of / associated with those who commit the other four Patakas. The fifth one is also also called sama Pataka or Upa Pataka.
Devi in her capacity as Papa Nashini will destroy only the above Papas and Patakas, when religiously prayed for but will not destroy Prarabdha karma. One has to experience it and undergo sufferings for Prarabdha Karma.
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