Sri Narasimha Ashtakam
Sri Narasimha Ashtakam
zrI narasiMha aSTakam
zrImadakalaGka paripUrNa zazikoTi-
zrIdhara manohara saTApaTala kAnta|
pAlaya kRpAlaya bhavAmbudhi-nimagnaM
daityavarakAla narasiMha narasiMha || 1 ||
pAdakamalAvanata pAtaki-janAnAM
pAtakadavAnala patatrivara-keto|
bhAvana parAyaNa bhavArtiharayA mAM
pAhi kRpayaiva narasiMha narasiMha || 2 ||
tuGganakha-paGkti-dalitAsura-varAsRk
paGka-navakuGkuma-vipaGkila-mahoraH |
paNDitanidhAna-kamalAlaya namaste
paGkajaniSaNNa narasiMha narasiMha || 3 ||
mauliSu vibhUSaNamivAmara varANAM
yogihRdayeSu ca zirassunigamAnAm |
rAjadaravinda-ruciraM padayugaM te
dehi mama mUrdhni narasiMha narasiMha || 4 ||
vArijavilocana madantima-dazAyAM
kleza-vivazIkRta-samasta-karaNAyAm |
ehi ramayA saha zaraNya vihagAnAM
nAthamadhiruhya narasiMha narasiMha || 5 ||
hATaka-kirITa-varahAra-vanamAlA
dhArarazanA-makarakuNDala-maNIndraiH |
bhUSitamazeSa-nilayaM tava vapurme
cetasi cakAstu narasiMha narasiMha || 6 ||
indu ravi pAvaka vilocana ramAyAH
mandira mahAbhuja-lasadvara-rathAGga|
sundara cirAya ramatAM tvayi mano me
nandita sureza narasiMha narasiMha || 7 ||
mAdhava mukunda madhusUdana murAre
vAmana nRsiMha zaraNaM bhava natAnAm |
kAmada ghRNin nikhilakAraNa nayeyaM
kAlamamareza narasiMha narasiMha || 8 ||
aSTakamidaM sakala-pAtaka-bhayaghnaM
kAmadaM azeSa-duritAmaya-ripughnam |
yaH paThati santatamazeSa-nilayaM te
gacchati padaM sa narasiMha narasiMha || 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