Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram

Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram (literally meaning "Hymn Requesting the Protective Hand of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha") is a 12-verse devotional hymn composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Legend states that Shankaracharya composed this stotram while facing intense physical suffering or spiritual danger. Feeling like a person falling into a dark, terrifying ocean infested with poisonous serpents of worldly desire, Shankaracharya implored Lord Lakshmi Narasimha to extend His compassionate hand (Kara-Avalamba) and pull him out.

Each verse describes a terrifying metaphor of human suffering (falling into a dark well, trapped by serpents of karma, burned by fires of desire) and concludes with the moving refrain: "Lakṣmīnṛsiṃha Mama Dehi Karāvalambaṃ" ("O Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, give me the support of Your lotus hand!").

• Verse 1: O Lakshmi Narasimha, residing on milk ocean, give me the support of Your lotus hand!
• Verse 2: O Lord whose lotus feet are touched by crowns of Brahma and Indra, give me Your lotus hand!
• Verse 3: Burning in the forest fire of samsara, I take refuge at Your feet; give me Your lotus hand!
• Verses 4–11: Trapped in the dark well of samsara, bitten by desire-snakes; give me Your lotus hand!
• Verse 12 (Phalashruti): Reciting Shankara's stotram leads to Vishnu's supreme abode.

Spiritual Significance

The Karavalamba Stotram uses vivid metaphors of human suffering:

1. Forest Fire (Verse 3): Compares worldly existence to a raging forest fire (Samsara-Dava-Dahana).
2. : Compares worldly desires to venomous snakebites ().

According to scriptural tradition and verse 13 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram grants the following blessings:

• Rescue from Acute Suffering and Danger: Rescues devotees from life-threatening situations, severe illnesses, and accidents.
• Eradication of Fear and Anxiety: Destroys deep-seated fears, phobias, and depression.
• Grant of Financial and Family Protection: Bestows peace, wealth, and domestic harmony.
• Attainment of Vaikuntha Abode: Grants eternal refuge at the lotus feet of Sriman Narayana.

Whoever recites this holy Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya with deep faith will have all fears destroyed and attain the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Padam), enjoying endless bliss.

1. When should Karavalamba Stotram be chanted?

During moments of severe trial, illness, fear, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Narasimha Jayanti.

2. What does "Karavalambam" mean?

Kara means "Hand" and Avalambam means "Support/Protection"—it means "Giving the protective hand of support".