Shri Narayana Ashtakam
Introduction to Shri Narayana Ashtakam
The Shri Narayana Ashtakam beginning with "Vatsalyadbhayapradanasamayadarti" is a profound eight-verse hymn that celebrates Lord Narayana as the supreme refuge, the abode of all beings, and the ocean of divine compassion. "Narayana" means "the resting place of all living beings" — He who resides in the hearts of all creatures.
This ashtakam extols the Lord's infinite compassion (vatsalya), His fearlessness-granting nature, and His role as the ultimate protector of dharma. Each verse reveals the multifaceted glory of Narayana — from His cosmic form that pervades all existence to His intimate personal form that responds to the sincere call of every devotee.
Regular recitation of this ashtakam bestows divine protection, removes the fear of worldly existence, and establishes the devotee in the eternal shelter of Lord Narayana. It is especially powerful when chanted during Ekadashi, the month of Kartik, and on Thursdays.
Shri Narayana Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses
॥ श्री नारायणाष्टकम् ॥
वात्सल्यादभयप्रदान-समयादार्तिनिर्वापणा-
दौदार्यादघशोषणाद-गणितश्रेयःपदप्रापणात्।
सेव्यः श्रीपतिरेक एवजगतामेतेऽभवन्साक्षिणः
प्रह्लादश्च विभीषणश्चकरिराट् पाञ्चाल्यहल्या ध्रुवः॥1॥
प्रह्लादास्ति यदीश्वरो वदहरिः सर्वत्र मे दर्शय
स्तम्भे चैवमितिब्रुवन्तमसुरं तत्राविरासीद्धरिः।
वक्षस्तस्य विदारयन्निजन-खैर्वात्सल्यमापाद-
यन्नार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥2॥
श्रीरामात्र विभीषणोऽयमनघोरक्षोभयादागतः
सुग्रीवानय पालयैनमधुनापौलस्त्यमेवागतम्।
इत्युक्त्वाभयमस्यसर्वविदितं यो राघवो
दत्तवानार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥3॥
नक्रग्रस्तपदं समुद्धतकरंब्रह्मादयो भो सुराः
पाल्यन्तामिति दीनवाक्यकरिणंदेवेष्वशक्तेषु यः।
मा भैषीरिति यस्यनक्रहनने चक्रायुधः श्रीधर।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥4॥
भो कृष्णाच्युत भो कृपालयहरे भो पाण्डवानां सखे
क्वासि क्वासि सुयोधनादपहृतांभो रक्ष मामातुराम्।
इत्युक्तोऽक्षयवस्त्रसंभृततनुंयोऽपालयद्द्रौपदी-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥5॥
यत्पादाब्जनखोदकं त्रिजगतांपापौघविध्वंसनं
यन्नामामृतपूरकं चपिबतां संसारसन्तारकम्।
पाषाणोऽपि यदङ्घ्रिपद्मरजसाशापान्मुनेर्मोचित।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥6॥
पित्रा भ्रातरमुत्तमासनगतंचौत्तानपादिध्रुवो दृष्ट्वा
तत्सममारुरुक्षुरधृतोमात्रावमानं गतः।
यं गत्वा शरणं यदापतपसा हेमाद्रिसिंहासन-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥7॥
आर्ता विषण्णाः शिथिलाश्च भीताघोरेषु च व्याधिषु वर्तमानाः।
सङ्कीर्त्य नारायणशब्दमात्रंविमुक्तदुःखाः सुखिनो भवन्ति॥8॥
॥ इति श्रीकूरेशस्वामिविरचितं श्रीनारायणाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shri Narayanashtakam ॥
Vatsalyadabhayapradana-Samayadartinirvapana-
Daudaryadaghashoshanada-Ganitashreyahpadaprapanat।
Sevyah Shripatireka EvaJagatameteabhavansakshinah
Prahladashcha VibhishanashchaKarirat Panchalyahalya Dhruvah॥1॥
Prahladasti Yadishvaro VadaHarih Sarvatra Me Darshaya
Stambhe ChaivamitiBruvantamasuram Tatravirasiddharih।
Vakshastasya Vidarayannijana-Khairvatsalyamapada-
Yannartatranaparayanah SaBhagavannarayano Me Gatih॥2॥
Shriramatra VibhishanoayamanaghoRakshobhayadagatah
Sugrivanaya PalayainamadhunaPaulastyamevagatam।
ItyuktvabhayamasyaSarvaviditam Yo Raghavo
Dattavanartatranaparayanah SaBhagavannarayano Me Gatih॥3॥
Nakragrastapadam SamuddhatakaramBrahmadayo Bho Surah
Palyantamiti DinavakyakarinamDeveshvashakteshu Yah।
Ma Bhaishiriti YasyaNakrahanane Chakrayudhah Shridhara।
Artatranaparayanah SaBhagavannarayano Me Gatih॥4॥
Bho Krishnachyuta Bho KripalayaHare Bho Pandavanam Sakhe
Kvasi Kvasi SuyodhanadapahritamBho Raksha Mamaturam।
ItyuktoakshayavastrasambhritatanumYoapalayaddraupadi-
Martatranaparayanah SaBhagavannarayano Me Gatih॥5॥
Yatpadabjanakhodakam TrijagatamPapaughavidhvamsanam
Yannamamritapurakam ChaPibatam Samsarasantarakam।
Pashanoapi YadanghripadmarajasaShapanmunermochita।
Artatranaparayanah SaBhagavannarayano Me Gatih॥6॥
Pitra BhrataramuttamasanagatamChauttanapadidhruvo Drishtva
TatsamamarurukshuradhritoMatravamanam Gatah।
Yam Gatva Sharanam YadapaTapasa Hemadrisimhasana-
Martatranaparayanah SaBhagavannarayano Me Gatih॥7॥
Arta Vishannah Shithilashcha BhitaGhoreshu Cha Vyadhishu Vartamanah।
Sankirtya NarayanashabdamatramVimuktaduhkhah Sukhino Bhavanti॥8॥
॥ Iti Shrikureshasvamivirachitam Shrinarayanashtakam Sampurnam ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீ நாராயணாஷ்டகம் ॥
வாத்ஸல்யாதபயப்ரதான-ஸமயாதார்திநிர்வாபணா-
தௌதார்யாதகஶோஷணாத-கணிதஶ்ரேயःபதப்ராபணாத்।
ஸேவ்யः ஶ்ரீபதிரேக ஏவஜகதாமேதே(அ)பவன்ஸாக்ஷிணः
ப்ரஹ்லாதஶ்ச விபீஷணஶ்சகரிராட் பாஞ்சால்யஹல்யா த்ருவः॥1॥
ப்ரஹ்லாதாஸ்தி யதீஶ்வரோ வதஹரிः ஸர்வத்ர மே தர்ஶய
ஸ்தம்பே சைவமிதிப்ருவந்தமஸுரம் தத்ராவிராஸீத்தரிः।
வக்ஷஸ்தஸ்ய விதாரயந்நிஜன-கைர்வாத்ஸல்யமாபாத-
யன்னார்தத்ராணபராயணः ஸபகவாந்நாராயணோ மே கதிः॥2॥
ஶ்ரீராமாத்ர விபீஷணோ(அ)யமனகோரக்ஷோபயாதாகதः
ஸுக்ரீவானய பாலயைனமதுனாபௌலஸ்த்யமேவாகதம்।
இத்யுக்த்வாபயமஸ்யஸர்வவிதிதம் யோ ராகவோ
தத்தவானார்தத்ராணபராயணः ஸபகவாந்நாராயணோ மே கதிः॥3॥
நக்ரக்ரஸ்தபதம் ஸமுத்ததகரம்ப்ரஹ்மாதயோ போ ஸுராः
பால்யந்தாமிதி தீனவாக்யகரிணம்தேவேஷ்வஶக்தேஷு யः।
மா பைஷீரிதி யஸ்யநக்ரஹனனே சக்ராயுதः ஶ்ரீதர।
ஆர்தத்ராணபராயணः ஸபகவாந்நாராயணோ மே கதிः॥4॥
போ க்ருஷ்ணாச்யுத போ க்ருபாலயஹரே போ பாண்டவானாம் ஸகே
க்வாஸி க்வாஸி ஸுயோதநாதபஹ்ருதாம்போ ரக்ஷ மாமாதுராம்।
இத்யுக்தோ(அ)க்ஷயவஸ்த்ரஸம்ப்ருததனும்யோ(அ)பாலயத்த்ரௌபதீ-
மார்தத்ராணபராயணः ஸபகவாந்நாராயணோ மே கதிः॥5॥
யத்பாதாப்ஜநகோதகம் த்ரிஜகதாம்பாபௌகவித்வம்ஸனம்
யந்நாமாம்ருதபூரகம் சபிபதாம் ஸம்ஸாரஸந்தாரகம்।
பாஷாணோ(அ)பி யதங்க்ரிபத்மரஜஸாஶாபான்முனேர்மோசித।
ஆர்தத்ராணபராயணः ஸபகவாந்நாராயணோ மே கதிः॥6॥
பித்ரா ப்ராதரமுத்தமாஸனகதம்சௌத்தானபாதித்ருவோ த்ருஷ்ட்வா
தத்ஸமமாருருக்ஷுரத்ருதோமாத்ராவமானம் கதः।
யம் கத்வா ஶரணம் யதாபதபஸா ஹேமாத்ரிஸிம்ஹாஸன-
மார்தத்ராணபராயணः ஸபகவாந்நாராயணோ மே கதிः॥7॥
ஆர்தா விஷண்ணாः ஶிதிலாஶ்ச பீதாகோரேஷு ச வ்யாதிஷு வர்தமானாः।
ஸங்கீர்த்ய நாராயணஶப்தமாத்ரம்விமுக்ததுःகாः ஸுகினோ பவந்தி॥8॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீகூரேஶஸ்வாமிவிரசிதம் ஶ்ரீநாராயணாஷ்டகம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
॥ శ్రీ నారాయణాష్టకం ॥
వాత్సల్యాదభయప్రదాన-సమయాదార్తినిర్వాపణా-
దౌదార్యాదఘశోషణాద-గణితశ్రేయఃపదప్రాపణాత్।
సేవ్యః శ్రీపతిరేక ఏవజగతామేతేఽభవన్సాక్షిణః
ప్రహ్లాదశ్చ విభీషణశ్చకరిరాట్ పాంచాల్యహల్యా ధ్రువః॥1॥
ప్రహ్లాదాస్తి యదీశ్వరో వదహరిః సర్వత్ర మే దర్శయ
స్తంభే చైవమితిబ్రువంతమసురం తత్రావిరాసీద్ధరిః।
వక్షస్తస్య విదారయన్నిజన-ఖైర్వాత్సల్యమాపాద-
యన్నార్తత్రాణపరాయణః సభగవాన్నారాయణో మే గతిః॥2॥
శ్రీరామాత్ర విభీషణోఽయమనఘోరక్షోభయాదాగతః
సుగ్రీవానయ పాలయైనమధునాపౌలస్త్యమేవాగతం।
ఇత్యుక్త్వాభయమస్యసర్వవిదితం యో రాఘవో
దత్తవానార్తత్రాణపరాయణః సభగవాన్నారాయణో మే గతిః॥3॥
నక్రగ్రస్తపదం సముద్ధతకరంబ్రహ్మాదయో భో సురాః
పాల్యంతామితి దీనవాక్యకరిణందేవేష్వశక్తేషు యః।
మా భైషీరితి యస్యనక్రహననే చక్రాయుధః శ్రీధర।
ఆర్తత్రాణపరాయణః సభగవాన్నారాయణో మే గతిః॥4॥
భో కృష్ణాచ్యుత భో కృపాలయహరే భో పాండవానాం సఖే
క్వాసి క్వాసి సుయోధనాదపహృతాంభో రక్ష మామాతురాం।
ఇత్యుక్తోఽక్షయవస్త్రసంభృతతనుంయోఽపాలయద్ద్రౌపదీ-
మార్తత్రాణపరాయణః సభగవాన్నారాయణో మే గతిః॥5॥
యత్పాదాబ్జనఖోదకం త్రిజగతాంపాపౌఘవిధ్వంసనం
యన్నామామృతపూరకం చపిబతాం సంసారసంతారకం।
పాషాణోఽపి యదంఘ్రిపద్మరజసాశాపాన్మునేర్మోచిత।
ఆర్తత్రాణపరాయణః సభగవాన్నారాయణో మే గతిః॥6॥
పిత్రా భ్రాతరముత్తమాసనగతంచౌత్తానపాదిధ్రువో దృష్ట్వా
తత్సమమారురుక్షురధృతోమాత్రావమానం గతః।
యం గత్వా శరణం యదాపతపసా హేమాద్రిసింహాసన-
మార్తత్రాణపరాయణః సభగవాన్నారాయణో మే గతిః॥7॥
ఆర్తా విషణ్ణాః శిథిలాశ్చ భీతాఘోరేషు చ వ్యాధిషు వర్తమానాః।
సంకీర్త్య నారాయణశబ్దమాత్రంవిముక్తదుఃఖాః సుఖినో భవంతి॥8॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీకూరేశస్వామివిరచితం శ్రీనారాయణాష్టకం సంపూర్ణం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Narayana Ashtakam
1 First Verse — The Supreme Refuge with Witnesses
वात्सल्यादभयप्रदान-समयादार्तिनिर्वापणा-
दौदार्यादघशोषणाद-गणितश्रेयःपदप्रापणात्।
सेव्यः श्रीपतिरेक एवजगतामेतेऽभवन्साक्षिणः
प्रह्लादश्च विभीषणश्चकरिराट् पाञ्चाल्यहल्या ध्रुवः॥
दौदार्यादघशोषणाद-गणितश्रेयःपदप्रापणात्।
सेव्यः श्रीपतिरेक एवजगतामेतेऽभवन्साक्षिणः
प्रह्लादश्च विभीषणश्चकरिराट् पाञ्चाल्यहल्या ध्रुवः॥
Word Meanings: वात्सल्यात् (vātsalyāt) = due to parental affection; अभयप्रदान (abhaya-pradāna) = granting of fearlessness; आर्तिनिर्वापणात् (ārti-nirvāpaṇāt) = from removing distress; औदार्यात् (audāryāt) = due to generosity; अघशोषणात् (agha-śoṣaṇāt) = from drying up sins; अगणितश्रेयःपदप्रापणात् (agaṇita-śreyaḥ-pada-prāpaṇāt) = from bestowing countless auspicious states; सेव्यः (sevyaḥ) = worthy of worship; श्रीपतिः (śrīpatiḥ) = Lord of Lakshmi; एक एव (eka eva) = alone; जगताम् (jagatām) = of all worlds; साक्षिणः (sākṣiṇaḥ) = witnesses; प्रह्लादः (prahlādaḥ) = Prahlada; विभीषणः (vibhīṣaṇaḥ) = Vibhishana; करिराट् (karirāṭ) = king of elephants (Gajendra); पाञ्चाली (pāñcālī) = Draupadi; अहल्या (ahalyā) = Ahalya; ध्रुवः (dhruvaḥ) = Dhruva
Translation: Due to His parental affection, His granting of fearlessness, His removal of distress, His generosity, His destruction of sins, and His bestowal of countless auspicious states — the Lord of Lakshmi (Shripati) alone is worthy of worship in all the worlds. The witnesses to this truth are Prahlada, Vibhishana, Gajendra (the elephant king), Draupadi, Ahalya, and Dhruva.
2 Second Verse — The Story of Prahlada
प्रह्लादास्ति यदीश्वरो वदहरिः सर्वत्र मे दर्शय
स्तम्भे चैवमितिब्रुवन्तमसुरं तत्राविरासीद्धरिः।
वक्षस्तस्य विदारयन्निजन-खैर्वात्सल्यमापाद-
यन्नार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
स्तम्भे चैवमितिब्रुवन्तमसुरं तत्राविरासीद्धरिः।
वक्षस्तस्य विदारयन्निजन-खैर्वात्सल्यमापाद-
यन्नार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
Word Meanings: प्रह्लाद (prahlāda) = O Prahlada; अस्ति यत् ईश्वरः (asti yat īśvaraḥ) = if there is a God; वद (vada) = tell; हरिः सर्वत्र मे दर्शय (hariḥ sarvatra me darśaya) = show me Hari everywhere; स्तम्भे च (stambhe ca) = even in this pillar; एवम् इति ब्रुवन्तम् असुरम् (evam iti bruvantam asuram) = the demon who spoke thus; तत्र आविरासीत् हरिः (tatra āvirāsīt hariḥ) = there Hari manifested; वक्षः तस्य विदारयन् (vakṣaḥ tasya vidārayan) = tearing open his chest; निजनखैः (nija-nakhaiḥ) = with His own nails; वात्सल्यम् आपादयन् (vātsalyam āpādayan) = bestowing parental love; आर्तत्राणपरायणः (ārta-trāṇa-parāyaṇaḥ) = devoted to the protection of the distressed; मे गतिः (me gatiḥ) = my refuge
Translation: "O Prahlada, if there is a God, show me Hari everywhere — even in this pillar!" When the demon (Hiranyakashipu) spoke thus, Lord Hari manifested right there as Narasimha. Tearing apart the demon's chest with His own nails while showering parental love upon Prahlada — that Lord Narayana, ever devoted to the protection of the distressed, is my refuge.
3 Third Verse — The Story of Vibhishana
श्रीरामात्र विभीषणोऽयमनघोरक्षोभयादागतः
सुग्रीवानय पालयैनमधुनापौलस्त्यमेवागतम्।
इत्युक्त्वाभयमस्यसर्वविदितं यो राघवो
दत्तवानार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
सुग्रीवानय पालयैनमधुनापौलस्त्यमेवागतम्।
इत्युक्त्वाभयमस्यसर्वविदितं यो राघवो
दत्तवानार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
Word Meanings: श्रीराम (śrīrāma) = O Lord Rama; अत्र (atra) = here; विभीषणः अयम् (vibhīṣaṇaḥ ayam) = this is Vibhishana; अनघः (anaghaḥ) = sinless; रक्षोभयात् आगतः (rakṣo-bhayāt āgataḥ) = having come out of fear of demons; सुग्रीव (sugrīva) = O Sugriva; आनय (ānaya) = bring him; पालय एनम् (pālaya enam) = protect him; अधुना (adhunā) = now; पौलस्त्यम् एव आगतम् (paulastyam eva āgatam) = even though he is of Pulastya's lineage; इति उक्त्वा (iti uktvā) = having spoken thus; अभयम् अस्य (abhayam asya) = fearlessness to him; सर्वविदितम् (sarvaviditam) = known to all; राघवः (rāghavaḥ) = descendant of Raghu (Rama); दत्तवान् (dattavān) = granted
Translation: "O Rama, this Vibhishana is sinless and has come seeking refuge out of fear of the rakshasas. O Sugriva, bring him and protect him now, even though he is of Ravana's lineage (descendant of Pulastya)." Having spoken thus, Lord Raghava granted him fearlessness known to all — that Lord Narayana, devoted to the protection of the distressed, is my refuge.
4 Fourth Verse — The Story of Gajendra
नक्रग्रस्तपदं समुद्धतकरंब्रह्मादयो भो सुराः
पाल्यन्तामिति दीनवाक्यकरिणंदेवेष्वशक्तेषु यः।
मा भैषीरिति यस्यनक्रहनने चक्रायुधः श्रीधर।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
पाल्यन्तामिति दीनवाक्यकरिणंदेवेष्वशक्तेषु यः।
मा भैषीरिति यस्यनक्रहनने चक्रायुधः श्रीधर।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
Word Meanings: नक्रग्रस्तपदम् (nakra-grasta-padam) = whose foot was seized by a crocodile; समुद्धतकरम् (samuddhata-karam) = with trunk raised; ब्रह्मादयः भो सुराः (brahmādayaḥ bho surāḥ) = O Brahma and gods; पाल्यन्ताम् (pālyantām) = protect me; दीनवाक्यकरिणम् (dīna-vākya-kariṇam) = the elephant uttering pitiful words; देवेषु अशक्तेषु (deveṣu aśakteṣu) = when the gods were powerless; मा भैषीः (mā bhaiṣīḥ) = fear not; नक्रहनने (nakra-hanane) = in slaying the crocodile; चक्रायुधः (cakrāyudhaḥ) = wielder of the discus; श्रीधरः (śrīdharaḥ) = bearer of Lakshmi
Translation: When the elephant king's foot was seized by a crocodile and he raised his trunk crying, "O Brahma and all gods, protect me!" — and while all the devas were powerless — the Lord who wielded His discus (Sudarshana Chakra) saying "Fear not!" and slew the crocodile — that Shridhara, Lord Narayana, devoted to protecting the distressed, is my refuge.
5 Fifth Verse — The Story of Draupadi
भो कृष्णाच्युत भो कृपालयहरे भो पाण्डवानां सखे
क्वासि क्वासि सुयोधनादपहृतांभो रक्ष मामातुराम्।
इत्युक्तोऽक्षयवस्त्रसंभृततनुंयोऽपालयद्द्रौपदी-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
क्वासि क्वासि सुयोधनादपहृतांभो रक्ष मामातुराम्।
इत्युक्तोऽक्षयवस्त्रसंभृततनुंयोऽपालयद्द्रौपदी-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
Word Meanings: भो कृष्ण (bho kṛṣṇa) = O Krishna; अच्युत (acyuta) = O Infallible One; कृपालय (kṛpālaya) = abode of mercy; हरे (hare) = O Hari; पाण्डवानां सखे (pāṇḍavānāṁ sakhe) = friend of the Pandavas; क्वासि क्वासि (kvāsi kvāsi) = where are You, where are You; सुयोधनात् अपहृताम् (suyodhanāt apahṛtām) = being disrobed by Suyodhana (Duryodhana); रक्ष माम् आतुराम् (rakṣa mām āturām) = protect me, the distressed; अक्षयवस्त्रसंभृततनुम् (akṣaya-vastra-saṁbhṛta-tanum) = whose body was covered with inexhaustible cloth; अपालयत् (apālayat) = protected; द्रौपदीम् (draupadīm) = Draupadi
Translation: "O Krishna! O Achyuta! O abode of mercy, Hari! O friend of the Pandavas! Where are You, where are You? Protect me, the distressed one, being disrobed by Duryodhana!" — When thus called, He who protected Draupadi by covering her body with inexhaustible cloth — that Lord Narayana, devoted to protecting the distressed, is my refuge.
6 Sixth Verse — The Story of Ahalya
यत्पादाब्जनखोदकं त्रिजगतांपापौघविध्वंसनं
यन्नामामृतपूरकं चपिबतां संसारसन्तारकम्।
पाषाणोऽपि यदङ्घ्रिपद्मरजसाशापान्मुनेर्मोचित।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
यन्नामामृतपूरकं चपिबतां संसारसन्तारकम्।
पाषाणोऽपि यदङ्घ्रिपद्मरजसाशापान्मुनेर्मोचित।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
Word Meanings: यत्पादाब्जनखोदकम् (yat-pādābja-nakha-udakam) = the water flowing from His lotus-foot nails (the Ganga); त्रिजगताम् (tri-jagatām) = of the three worlds; पापौघविध्वंसनम् (pāpa-ogha-vidhvaṁsanam) = destroyer of the flood of sins; यन्नाम (yan-nāma) = whose name; अमृतपूरकम् (amṛta-pūrakam) = filled with nectar; पिबताम् (pibatām) = for those who drink; संसारसन्तारकम् (saṁsāra-santārakam) = that which carries across the ocean of worldly existence; पाषाणः अपि (pāṣāṇaḥ api) = even a stone; यत् अङ्घ्रिपद्मरजसा (yat aṅghri-padma-rajasā) = by the dust of whose lotus feet; शापात् मुनेः मोचिता (śāpāt muneḥ mocitā) = freed from the sage's curse
Translation: He whose lotus-foot nail-water (the holy Ganga) destroys the flood of sins of the three worlds; He whose divine name, like nectar for those who drink it, carries one across the ocean of worldly existence; by the dust of whose lotus feet even a stone (Ahalya, cursed to become a stone by sage Gautama) was liberated from the curse — that Lord Narayana, devoted to protecting the distressed, is my refuge.
7 Seventh Verse — The Story of Dhruva
पित्रा भ्रातरमुत्तमासनगतंचौत्तानपादिध्रुवो दृष्ट्वा
तत्सममारुरुक्षुरधृतोमात्रावमानं गतः।
यं गत्वा शरणं यदापतपसा हेमाद्रिसिंहासन-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
तत्सममारुरुक्षुरधृतोमात्रावमानं गतः।
यं गत्वा शरणं यदापतपसा हेमाद्रिसिंहासन-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥
Word Meanings: पित्रा (pitrā) = by the father; भ्रातरम् उत्तमासनगतम् (bhrātaram uttama-āsana-gatam) = brother seated on the exalted seat (father's lap); चौत्तानपादिः ध्रुवः (cauttānapādiḥ dhruvaḥ) = Dhruva, son of Uttanapada; दृष्ट्वा (dṛṣṭvā) = seeing; तत्समम् आरुरुक्षुः (tatsamam ārurukṣuḥ) = desiring to sit likewise; अधृतः (adhṛtaḥ) = held back/prevented; मात्रावमानम् गतः (mātrā-avamānam gataḥ) = insulted by his step-mother; यं गत्वा शरणम् (yaṁ gatvā śaraṇam) = having gone to whom as refuge; तपसा (tapasā) = through penance; हेमाद्रिसिंहासनम् (hemādri-siṁhāsanam) = a throne surpassing the golden mountain (the Pole Star)
Translation: When young Dhruva, son of Uttanapada, saw his step-brother seated on his father's lap and desired the same but was prevented and insulted by his step-mother Suruchi — he went to take refuge in the Lord and performed intense penance. The Lord who granted him a throne (the Pole Star) surpassing even the golden mountain — that Lord Narayana, devoted to protecting the distressed, is my refuge.
✦ Eighth Verse — Phala Shruti (Fruit of Recitation)
आर्ता विषण्णाः शिथिलाश्च भीताघोरेषु च व्याधिषु वर्तमानाः।
सङ्कीर्त्य नारायणशब्दमात्रंविमुक्तदुःखाः सुखिनो भवन्ति॥
सङ्कीर्त्य नारायणशब्दमात्रंविमुक्तदुःखाः सुखिनो भवन्ति॥
Word Meanings: आर्ताः (ārtāḥ) = the distressed; विषण्णाः (viṣaṇṇāḥ) = the dejected; शिथिलाः (śithilāḥ) = the weakened; भीताः (bhītāḥ) = the frightened; घोरेषु व्याधिषु वर्तमानाः (ghoreṣu vyādhiṣu vartamānāḥ) = those afflicted with terrible diseases; सङ्कीर्त्य (saṅkīrtya) = by chanting; नारायणशब्दमात्रम् (nārāyaṇa-śabda-mātram) = merely the word "Narayana"; विमुक्तदुःखाः (vimukta-duḥkhāḥ) = freed from all sorrows; सुखिनः भवन्ति (sukhinaḥ bhavanti) = become happy
Translation: Those who are distressed, dejected, weakened, fearful, and suffering from terrible diseases — by merely chanting the sacred word "Narayana" — become freed from all sorrows and attain supreme happiness. This is the eternal promise of the Lord's divine name.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Narayana Ashtakam
- Supreme Protection: Grants the shelter of Lord Narayana Himself
- Removes Fear: Eliminates all fears of worldly existence
- Purifies Karma: Burns accumulated sins and karmic debts
- Bestows Devotion: Deepens love and surrender to the Lord
- Grants Peace: Brings profound inner tranquility
- Spiritual Wisdom: Illuminates the path of divine knowledge
- Removes Obstacles: Clears hindrances from spiritual progress
- Grants Liberation: Leads to moksha through Narayana's grace
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Light a lamp and incense before the image of Lord Narayana
- Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, or water to the Lord
- Chant with devotion and complete surrender
- Ideal times: Brahma Muhurta, Ekadashi, Thursdays, Kartik month
- Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum spiritual benefit
- Conclude with "Om Namo Narayanaya" meditation
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Narayana Ashtakam
Who composed the Shri Narayana Ashtakam?
The Shri Narayana Ashtakam was composed by Shri Kuresha Swami (also known as Kurattalvan), a renowned disciple of the great Vaishnavite philosopher-saint Sri Ramanujacharya. Kuresha was celebrated for his extraordinary devotion, scholarship, and humility, and this ashtakam reflects his deep surrender to Lord Narayana as the ultimate refuge of all beings.
What is the central theme of Narayana Ashtakam?
The central theme is "Aartatrana Parayanah" — that Lord Narayana is supremely devoted to the protection of the distressed. Each verse illustrates this through a famous episode from the Puranas: Prahlada's rescue from Hiranyakashipu, Vibhishana's acceptance by Rama, Gajendra's liberation from the crocodile, Draupadi's protection, Ahalya's redemption, and Dhruva's exaltation — all demonstrating how the Lord rushes to protect those who call upon Him in distress.
When is the best time to chant Narayana Ashtakam?
The most auspicious times to chant the Narayana Ashtakam are during Brahma Muhurta (approximately 4:00–5:30 AM), on Ekadashi (the 11th day of each lunar fortnight sacred to Lord Vishnu), on Thursdays (Guruvara, associated with Vishnu), and during the holy month of Kartik (October–November). However, being a prayer of surrender, it can be chanted at any time of need with sincere devotion.
What are the spiritual benefits of reciting this ashtakam?
Regular recitation of the Narayana Ashtakam grants divine protection and removes all fears of worldly existence. As stated in the Phala Shruti (verse 8), those who are distressed, dejected, weak, frightened, or suffering from diseases become freed from all sorrows simply by chanting the name of Narayana. The hymn purifies accumulated karma, deepens devotion, and ultimately leads the devotee toward moksha (liberation) through the Lord's grace.
What is the significance of the six devotees mentioned in verse 1?
The six devotees — Prahlada, Vibhishana, Gajendra (elephant king), Draupadi (Panchali), Ahalya, and Dhruva — are cited as "witnesses" (sakshinas) to Lord Narayana's unfailing protection. Each represents a different form of distress: Prahlada faced persecution by his father, Vibhishana sought refuge from unrighteousness, Gajendra was seized by a crocodile, Draupadi was humiliated in court, Ahalya was cursed into a stone, and Dhruva was rejected by his step-mother. In every case, Narayana responded to their sincere call.
Can Narayana Ashtakam be chanted by anyone?
Yes, the Narayana Ashtakam can be chanted by anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. The hymn itself declares in its Phala Shruti that merely uttering the word "Narayana" grants relief from suffering. There are no strict ritualistic prerequisites — sincere devotion and a surrendered heart are the only qualifications. It is particularly recommended for those going through difficult times, as the Lord is described as "Aartatrana Parayanah" — the one whose very nature is to protect the distressed.
Is Narayana Ashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Narayana Ashtakam in Tamil (தமிழ்) script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration for easier recitation.