Sri Narasimha Ashtakam
Sri Narasimha Ashtakam
श्री नरसिंह अष्टकम्
श्रीमदकलङ्क परिपूर्ण शशिकोटि-
श्रीधर मनोहर सटापटल कान्त।
पालय कृपालय भवाम्बुधि-निमग्नं
दैत्यवरकाल नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 1 ॥
पादकमलावनत पातकि-जनानां
पातकदवानल पतत्रिवर-केतो।
भावन परायण भवार्तिहरया मां
पाहि कृपयैव नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 2 ॥
तुङ्गनख-पङ्क्ति-दलितासुर-वरासृक्
पङ्क-नवकुङ्कुम-विपङ्किल-महोरः ।
पण्डितनिधान-कमलालय नमस्ते
पङ्कजनिषण्ण नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 3 ॥
मौलिषु विभूषणमिवामर वराणां
योगिहृदयेषु च शिरस्सुनिगमानाम् ।
राजदरविन्द-रुचिरं पदयुगं ते
देहि मम मूर्ध्नि नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 4 ॥
वारिजविलोचन मदन्तिम-दशायां
क्लेश-विवशीकृत-समस्त-करणायाम् ।
एहि रमया सह शरण्य विहगानां
नाथमधिरुह्य नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 5 ॥
हाटक-किरीट-वरहार-वनमाला
धाररशना-मकरकुण्डल-मणीन्द्रैः ।
भूषितमशेष-निलयं तव वपुर्मे
चेतसि चकास्तु नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 6 ॥
इन्दु रवि पावक विलोचन रमायाः
मन्दिर महाभुज-लसद्वर-रथाङ्ग।
सुन्दर चिराय रमतां त्वयि मनो मे
नन्दित सुरेश नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 7 ॥
माधव मुकुन्द मधुसूदन मुरारे
वामन नृसिंह शरणं भव नतानाम् ।
कामद घृणिन् निखिलकारण नयेयं
कालममरेश नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 8 ॥
अष्टकमिदं सकल-पातक-भयघ्नं
कामदं अशेष-दुरितामय-रिपुघ्नम् ।
यः पठति सन्ततमशेष-निलयं ते
गच्छति पदं स नरसिंह नरसिंह ॥ 9 ॥
About This Stotram
Sri Narasimha Ashtakam
Sanskrit Title: श्री नरसिंह अष्टकम्
IAST Transliteration:
Overview
The Sri Narasimha Ashtakam is a powerful devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. This avatar is renowned for his fierce form, assumed to protect his devotee Prahlada from the tyrannical demon-king Hiranyakashipu. Reciting this Ashtakam is believed to invoke the protective and destructive energies of Lord Narasimha, thereby safeguarding the devotee from all forms of negativity, both internal and external. It is a plea for divine intervention and grace, seeking the Lord's fierce protection against the 'demons' of worldly suffering, ignorance, and sin. The repetition of 'Narasimha Narasimha' in the verses emphasizes the invocation and the all-pervading presence of the deity. The verses highlight key attributes of Lord Narasimha, such as his radiant countenance, his role as the destroyer of sins, and his power to alleviate the suffering of the cycle of birth and death.
Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Deity | Narasimha |
| Author | Unknown |
| Type | Ashtakam |
| Category | Ashtakam |
| Number of Verses | 9 |
| Origin | The origin of this specific Sri Narasimha Ashtakam is not explicitly stated in the provided text. Ashtakams are typically devotional hymns composed in Sanskrit, often attributed to learned scholars or devotees. Without further textual evidence or scholarly consensus, its precise scriptural origin or the specific text it is derived from remains unknown. It is likely a standalone devotional composition rather than an excerpt from a larger Purana or Upanishad. |
Benefits of Recitation
- Protection from enemies and evil forces
- Removal of sins and karmic debts
- Granting of courage and strength
- Overcoming obstacles and difficulties
- Attainment of spiritual liberation (Moksha)
Best Time to Recite
Mornings and evenings are generally considered auspicious times for reciting devotional hymns. It can also be recited during times of distress, fear, or when facing significant challenges. Specific festivals dedicated to Lord Narasimha, such as Narasimha Jayanti, are also ideal occasions.
Historical Context
The exact historical period and author of this specific Sri Narasimha Ashtakam are unknown. Ashtakams, as a form of devotional poetry, have a long tradition in Sanskrit literature, with many attributed to prominent saints and scholars like Adi Shankaracharya. However, this particular composition does not bear a known authorial attribution. The tradition of worshipping Lord Narasimha dates back to ancient times, as evidenced in the Puranas, particularly the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana. The composition likely emerged from the devotional fervor of a follower of Vaishnavism, seeking the potent protection of the Narasimha avatar.
Related Stotrams
- Sri Narasimha Stotram
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalambha Stotram
- Sri Narasimha Kavacham
Last Updated: 2025-12-01