What Is the Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram?
The Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram is a deeply moving hymn attributed to Adi Shankaracharya in which the devotee, like a child, asks the Divine Mother to forgive every fault and shortcoming. Aparadha means offence or fault, and kshamapana means seeking forgiveness.
The hymn is a companion to the Shiva Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram, but its tone is uniquely intimate. Here the devotee approaches the Goddess not as a distant deity but as his own mother - Jagadamba, mother of the whole universe - confident that a mother's love forgives all.
Its most famous verse contains the immortal line often remembered as kuputro jayeta kvachidapi kumata na bhavati - "a son may sometimes go astray, but a mother never becomes an unloving mother." This single idea has comforted countless devotees.
The Meaning: A Child's Trust in the Mother
The stotram speaks in the voice of a devotee who feels imperfect yet safe in the Mother's care:
- A bad son, never a bad mother - the heart of the hymn is that even if the devotee has been a wayward child, the Divine Mother's love remains unshaken, for a mother never abandons her own.
- Confession of ignorance - the poet admits he does not know the proper mantras, meditation or ritual, and has often failed in his devotion, yet he clings to Her feet.
- The Mother owes nothing, the child owes everything - he humbly says the whole earth is filled with worthy children of the Mother, yet none is as flawed as he, and still She will not cast him away.
- Surrender as a child - the tone is that of a small child running back to its mother after a mistake, certain of being embraced.
The hymn teaches that no matter how far one strays, the Divine Mother's forgiving love is always waiting.
Benefits & How to Recite
Devotees recite this stotram to seek the Divine Mother's forgiveness and to rest in Her love. It is traditionally held to bring these blessings:
- The Mother's forgiveness - it is chanted to ask Devi to overlook any faults in worship and in life, closing a puja with humility.
- Emotional comfort - the reminder that a mother never abandons her child brings deep reassurance in guilt, grief or fear.
- A softened, grateful heart - admitting one's shortcomings before the Mother melts pride and renews devotion.
How to recite: It is especially recited during Navratri and at the close of any Devi puja, and on Fridays and Ashtami. Sit before an image of the Goddess - Durga, Lalita or your chosen form - light a lamp, and recite it slowly like a child speaking to its mother. The prayer's power lies in its sincerity, not in flawless pronunciation.
Quick Answers
What is the famous line in the Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram?+
Its most beloved line is often remembered as "a son may sometimes go astray, but a mother never becomes an unloving mother" (kuputro jayeta kvachidapi kumata na bhavati). It expresses complete trust that the Divine Mother's love forgives all.
Who composed this stotram?+
The Devi Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the great Advaita teacher who also composed many devotional hymns. It is a companion to his Shiva Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram addressed to Lord Shiva.
When is this stotram usually recited?+
It is often recited during Navratri and at the close of a Devi puja to seek the Mother's forgiveness for any faults in worship. Fridays and Ashtami are also considered fitting. It is recited with a humble, childlike heart rather than for flawless ritual.
About the author
Acharya Vinaya Kapoor · M.A. Sanskrit, Mantra & Stotra Studies
Acharya Vinaya holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University and writes the mantra and stotra commentary on Vandnaa. Her focus is on accurate pronunciation, traditional context, and helping modern readers connect with classical texts.
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