Shri Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam
Shri Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Complete 8 verses praying for Lord Murugan's protecting hand against Kuja Dosha and enemies in IAST English transliteration, Phalashruti, and English meaning.
Verses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stotram Name | Shri Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam |
| Primary Deity | Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya / Murugan) |
| Composer | Sri Adi Shankaracharya |
| Source Text | Sri Adi Shankara Granthavali |
| Language | IAST English Transliteration |
Introduction
Shri Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam is an 8-verse devotional masterpiece composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, addressed to Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya, Murugan, Skanda).
Karavalambam means extending a supporting hand of grace (Kara) to pull a devotee drowning in the turbulent ocean of worldly distress (Samsara-Sagara).
Adi Shankaracharya praises Lord Subrahmanya's six faces (Shadanana), His peacock mount (Mayura Vahana), His invincible lance (Shakti Ayudha), His destruction of demon Taraka (Tarakari), and His divine consorts Valli and Devasena. Each verse concludes with the heartfelt prayer: "Subrahmaṇya Mama Dehi Karāvalambam" ("O Lord Subrahmanya, extend Your supporting hand of protection to me!").
Verses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stotram Name | Shri Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam |
| Primary Deity | Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya / Murugan) |
| Composer | Sri Adi Shankaracharya |
| Source Text | Sri Adi Shankara Granthavali |
| Language | IAST English Transliteration |
Meaning
- Karavalambam Shelter: Prayers for divine intervention during overwhelming life challenges.
- Kuja Dosha Relief: Worshipping Subrahmanya mitigates Martian astrological afflictions.
- Six Divine Faces: Symbolizes mastery over the five elements plus cosmic mind.
Benefits
According to scriptural tradition and verse 8 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam grants:
- Neutralization of Kuja Dosha (Manglik Dosha) & Naga Dosha: Removes delays in marriage and relationship conflicts caused by planet Mars (Mangala/Kuja).
- Destruction of Hostile Enemies & Litigation: Shields against competitors, ill-wishers, and court troubles with Lord Murugan's Vel.
- Blessing of Noble Children (Santana Prapti): Chanting on Sashti tithi blesses childless couples with healthy offspring.
- Cure of Blood and Skin Diseases: Alleviates nerve disorders, blood pressure imbalances, and chronic ailments governed by Mars.
- Attainment of Liberation (Moksha): Grants unwavering courage in life and supreme liberation (Sayujya).
Iti Śrīmac-Chaṅkarācārya-Viracitaṃ Śrī-Subrahmaṇya-Karāvalamba-Aṣṭakaṃ Saṃpūrṇam ॥
Meaning of Phalashruti
Whoever recites this sacred Subrahmanya Karavalamba Ashtakam composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya with sincere faith will have all noble desires fulfilled () and receive Lord Murugan's eternal protection in this life and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should Subrahmanya Ashtakam be recited?
On Tuesdays (Kuja-varam), Skanda Sashti, Krittika Nakshatra days, and during morning Puja.