Shri Narasimha Nakha Stuti

Shri Narasimha Nakha Stuti is a powerful 2-verse hymn composed by the great 13th-century philosopher-saint Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya (founder of the Dvaita / Tattvavada Vedanta school).

It is traditional in the Madhva Sampradaya to recite these two verses of Nakha Stuti immediately before and after chanting Trivikrama Panditacharya's Hari Vayu Stuti.

In this stotram, Sri Madhvacharya praises the diamond-hard, radiant claws (Nakha) of Lord Narasimha. These claws pierced the chest of the invincible demon Hiranyakashipu while granting supreme protection, peace, and spiritual illumination to devotees.

• Verse 1: May the dust of the beautiful, diamond-hard claws of Lord Narasimha—which tore open the elephant-like demon Hiranyakashipu—protect us all!
• Verse 2: May Goddess Sarasvati, who emerged from the lotus dust of Lord Vishnu's feet and cuts the root of samsara, grant us brilliant intellect and speech!

Spiritual Significance

Nakha Stuti holds a unique place in Madhva worship:

1. Prelude to Hari Vayu Stuti: It is mandatory to recite Nakha Stuti at the beginning and end of Hari Vayu Stuti.
2. Lion Analogy: Verse 1 compares Hiranyakashipu's demon army to an intoxicated elephant, and Narasimha's claws to a lion easily splitting open the elephant's temple.
3. Prahlada's Joy: Verse 2 describes Lord Narasimha as the divine swan swimming in the lotus pond of Prahlada's heart.

According to scriptural tradition and Dvaita Sampradaya, daily recitation of Shri Narasimha Nakha Stuti grants the following blessings:

• Eradication of All Obstacles and Fear: Destroys physical and spiritual impediments.
• Protection from Enemies and Evil Energies: Shields against evil spirits, black magic, and planetary afflictions.
• Attainment of Supreme Devotion and Knowledge (Bhakti-Jnana): Grants unwavering faith in Lord Sriman Narayana.
• Absolute Spiritual Victory: Ensures success in all noble endeavors.

Whoever recites this Narasimha Nakha Stuti composed by Sri Madhvacharya before starting any sacred chant or daily worship will have all obstacles shattered by Lord Narasimha's claws and receive the combined blessings of Lord Narasimha, Vayu Deva, and Goddess Sarasvati.

1. When should Narasimha Nakha Stuti be chanted?

Daily during morning Puja, before chanting Hari Vayu Stuti, and during Narasimha Jayanti.

2. Why are Lord Narasimha's claws praised specifically?

Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu using His bare claws (Nakha) at twilight on His lap, without violating Brahma's boons. Hence, His claws represent ultimate divine power.