Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram

Om Naarasimhayai Namah!

The prayers sung by Sri Adisankaracharya in praise of Lord Narasimha! Every stanza ends with an invocation ““Lakshmi Narasimha, Mama Dehi Karavalambam” which means “Oh Lord Narasimha, please lend me your helping hand”. It has a meaning literally and heavily loaded, metaphorically.

Acharya is seeking the help of the Lord to escape from the clutches of Samsara. In many words,

1. Samsaara-Ghora-Gahane — Dense Forest of Samsara

2. Samsaara-Kuupam — Well of Samsara

3. Samsaara-Saagara-Vishaala — Huge Ocean of Samsara

4. Samsaara-Vrkssam — Tree of Samsara

5. Samsaara-Sarpa-Ghana-Vaktra-Bhayo[a-U]gra-Tiivra — all-destroying Serpent of Samsara

6. Samsaara-Daava-Dahana -Burning Heat of this Samsara

7. Samsaara-Jaala — Water of Samsara

8. Samsaara-Bhiikara-Kariindra — Huge Dreadful Elephant

9.

श्रीमत्पयोनिधिनिकेतन चक्रपाणे

भोगीन्द्रभोगमणिरञ्जितपुण्यमूर्ते ।

योगीश शाश्वत शरण्य भवाब्धिपोत

लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥१॥

Shriimat-Payo-Nidhi-Niketana Cakra-Paanne

Bhogiindra-Bhoga-Manni-Ran.jita-Punnya-Muurte |

Yogiisha Shaashvata Sharannya Bhava-Abdhi-Pota

Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||1||

Meaning:

1.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) Who resides on the Ocean of Milk, which is filled with Sri (Beauty and Auspiciousness), holding a Chakra (Discus) on His Hand, …

1.2: … with His Divine Face Shining with the Divine Light emanating from the Gems on the Hoods of Serpent Adi Sesha,

1.3: Who is the Lord of Yoga, and Eternal, and giver of Refuge to the Devotees like a Boat over the Ocean of Samsara (Worldly Existence),

1.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.