Lakshmi Narasimha Stotram
Lakshmi Narasimha Stotram
By
Adi Sankara Bhagawat Pada
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
Introduction*
Adi Sankara had once given his consent to a cruel Kapalika to take his
head and offer it as a sacrifice to Goddess Kali in order to win favours
from her. Kapalikas were followers of a particular Saiva sect (the left-hand
order) who always carried human skulls, wore them as garlands around
their necks and even ate and drank from these macabre vessels. Lord
Siva himself is hailed as Kapali. The Lord of the famous temple in
Mylapore in Chennai is worshipped as Kapaliswara; why is another story.
This Kapalika had been nursing a grievance against Adi Sankara whom he
viewed as a potential threat to his faith and sect. He took the Acharya to a
nearby cave, made necessary arrangements for the sacrifice-ritual and
prepared himself to behead Adi Sankara. The Acharya was all along in a
trance.
However, when the Kapalika lifted his sword and readied himself to chop
off his head Sankara's disciple Padmapada (also known as Sanandana)
envisioned this murderous scheme in his mind. He rushed to the cave in a
trice. In an 'avesa' (possessed with divine powers) of Lord Narasimha he,
verily, became the man-lion Lord himself temporarily. He had attained
Narasimha mantra siddhi and, becoming frightfully ferocious, caught hold
of the villainous Kapalika and tore him to pieces.
Sankara Vijaya, published by the Ramakrishna Math in Chennai, describes
how Padmapada leapt into the sky, scattering away the clouds with a
slash of his mane, and literally flew into the cave, stunning all beholders.
It was a re-enactment of the Narasimha incarnation once again when the
demon Hiranyakasipu was disembowelled by the Lord with his leonine
claws.
Adi Sankara, hearing the thunderous roars of a lion, awoke from his
trance and witnessed the gory scene. Padmapada's body was smeared
with the blood of the vile Kapalika while his face glowed with divine
splendour like a galaxy of suns. The Acharya saw before him the
awesome Lord Narasimha himself and pacified him with soothing and
overflowing devotion.
And I have taken refuge in the lake of your lotus feet, and so,
Please give me the protection of your hands.
Samsara Jala pathithasya Jagan nivasa,
Sarvendriyartha badisartha jashopamasya,
Proth Ganditha prachoora thaluka masthakasya,
Lakshmi Nrsimha Mama Dehi Karavalambam.
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Oh king of devas,
Who is the Lord of Lakshmi, who has a lotus on his belly,
Who is Vishnu, the lord of all heavenly beings, who is Vaikunta,
Who is Krishna , who is the slayer of Madhu,
Who is one with lotus eyes, Who is the knower of Brahman,
Who is Kesava, Janardhana, Vasudeva,
Please give me the protection of your hands.
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Just as you took a form to remove the sorrows of Prahlada, and so,
Please give me the protection of your hands.
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