Shiva Dhyan Mantra

करचरणकृतं वाक् कायजं कर्मजं वा श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसंवापराधं
विहितं विहितं वा सर्व मेतत् क्षमस्व जय जय करुणाब्धे श्री महादेव शम्भो

In anger, she decided to land on earth with her full force, which would surely destroy bhumi Devi (earth). Realizing his mistake, Bhagirath went to lord shiva to ask for help, because he was the only one who could withstand the power of Devi Ganga. As she was descending on earth, lord shiva held her in his hair locks, so that it reduced the force of the landing. In doing so, lord shiva divided the Ganga into seven streams, namely Bhagirathi, Janhvi, Bhilangana, Mandakini, Rishiganga, Saraswati, and Alaknanda. This is how Devi Ganga got the place on Lord Shiva's head.
Karacharana Kritam Vaa Kaya Jam Karmajam Vaa
Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham
Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva
Jay Jay Karunaabdhe Shri Mahadev Shambho

Devi Ganga is personified as River Ganges, which is considered the holiest river on earth, according to Hinduism. There are numerous stories and tales describing how Ganga got her place on Lord Shiva's hair, and how she descended on earth. Among them is the story of Bhagirath. Bhagirath was the son of Anshuman and was given the task by his father, to bring Ganga to earth. In doing so, he would be able to clear the sins of his ancestors who were cursed by Sage Kapil because of misbehaving. Anshuman could not please Lord Brahma to let him bring Devi Ganga on earth, but when he gave the task to Bhagirath, he succeeded in convincing Lord Brahma. Bhagirath then ordered Devi Ganga to follow him to earth, which angered Ganga, as it was insulting to her that Bhagirath would dare to give her orders.

Meaning

Ode to the Supreme One to cleanse the body, mind, and soul of all the stress, rejection, failure, depression, and other negative forces that one faces.

Benefits

Shiva dhyana mantra is the most appropriate mantra when someone is trying to ask for forgiveness and mercy from lord shiva.Chanting this mantra eliminates all the negative energy from the surroundings and makes everything quiet and silent, outside and within. It calms the soul and opens up the inner consciousness.This mantra should be chanted while meditating as it requires a lot of focus and concentration to get the most benefit. It is chanted to seek forgiveness for the sins done in the present life or a past life.