Shri Lakshmi Narayana Ashtakam

Shri Lakshmi Narayana Ashtakam (popularly known by its opening verse "Ārtānāṁ Duḥkha-Śamane Dīkṣitaṁ Prabhumavyayam") is a deeply revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayana—the combined divine presence of Lord Maha Vishnu, the supreme preserver of the cosmos, and Mother Mahalakshmi, the goddess of fortune, auspiciousness, and spiritual grace.

In Vaishnava tradition, Lord Narayana is inseparable from Goddess Lakshmi ("Ananyā Rāghaveṇāhaṁ Bhāskareṇa Prabhā Yathā"). When worshipped together as Lakshmi Narayana, the supreme Lord bestows both material abundance (Bhukti) and spiritual liberation (Mukti).

This sacred Ashtakam consists of 8 profound Sanskrit verses interspersed with a joyful devotional Sankirtana refrain ("Nārāyaṇa Nārāyaṇa Om Namo Nārāyaṇa" and "Jagadoddhāraka Jagadānandā"), celebrating the Lord as the dispeller of all miseries, the ocean of mercy, the eternal refuge of living beings, and the ultimate protector.

Chanting Shri Lakshmi Narayana Ashtakam regularly with pure faith yields manifold spiritual and worldly blessings:

• Eradication of Sufferings and Sorrows (Ārta-Duḥkha-Śamana): The Lord is solemnly vowed to dispel the afflictions and distress of those who take refuge in Him.
• Relief from Calamities (Āpad-Bāndhava): Lord Narayana acts as the supreme relative and savior during sudden crises and adverse times.
• Bestowal of Fearlessness (Abhaya-Prada): His divine right hand blesses devotees with protection from inner fears, anxieties, and negative influences.
• Family Peace and Prosperity: Removes domestic discord and ushers in lasting peace, financial stability, and spiritual harmony.
• Freedom from the Cycle of Birth and Death: Cleanses past karmic debts and secures the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha.

Chorus:
Nārāyaṇa Nārāyaṇa Om Namo Nārāyaṇa |
Nārāyaṇa Nārāyaṇa Jai Śrīman Nārāyaṇa ||

Verse 1

Ārtānāṁ duḥkha-śamane dīkṣitaṁ prabhum-avyayam |
Aśeṣa-jagad-ādhāraṁ Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇaṁ bhaje || 1 ||

Verse 2

Apāra-karuṇāmbhodhiṁ āpad-bāndhavam-acyutam |
Aśeṣa-duḥkha-śāntyarthaṁ Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇaṁ bhaje || 2 ||

Refrain:
Jagadoddhāraka Jagadānandā – Paravaśiñci pāḍēmu Nārāyaṇa nāmaṁ |
Cintalanni bāpēṭi tiruvaṅgā dhāmaṁ – Ādariñci sēda tīrcu kuvalayābhirāmaṁ ||
Nārāyaṇa Nārāyaṇa Om Namo Nārāyaṇa |
Nārāyaṇa Nārāyaṇa Jai Śrīman Nārāyaṇa ||

Verse 3

Bhaktānāṁ vatsalaṁ bhakti-gamyaṁ sarva-guṇākaram |
Aśeṣa-jagad-ādhāraṁ Śrī-Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇaṁ bhaje || 3 ||

Verse 4

Suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ sarva-lakṣaṇa-saṁyutam |
Aśeṣa-duḥkha-śāntyarthaṁ Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇaṁ bhaje || 4 ||

Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇāṣṭakaṁ yaḥ paṭhet bhaktimān naraḥ |
Sarva-duḥkha-vinirmukto Viṣṇulokaṁ sa gacchati || 9 ||

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this auspicious Shri Lakshmi Narayana Ashtakam with devotion and sincere surrender is completely liberated from all miseries and worldly griefs (Sarva-Duḥkha-Vinirmuktaḥ), and ultimately attains the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu (Viṣṇulokam).

Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya |
Śrīman Nārāyaṇa Caraṇau Śaraṇaṁ Prapadye |
Śrīmate Nārāyaṇāya Namaḥ ||

May the divine grace of Mother Mahalakshmi and Lord Sriman Narayana bless all homes with peace, wisdom, good health, and eternal auspiciousness.

Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ ||

• Verse 1: I worship Lord Lakshmi Narayana, the imperishable Supreme Lord who is committed to ending the distress of the suffering, and who is the unshakeable foundation of the entire universe.
• Verse 2: For the total pacification of all grief and afflictions, I worship Lord Lakshmi Narayana—the boundless ocean of boundless compassion, the infallible helper in times of dire need.
• Devotional Refrain: O Savior of the cosmos, source of universal joy! With hearts brimming with devotion, we chant the sacred name of Narayana. Chanting in Tiruvanga Dhama removes all worldly anxieties, comforting and soothing all living beings.
• Verse 3: I worship Sri Lakshmi Narayana, the support of the boundless universe, who is deeply affectionate toward His devotees, attainable only through loving devotion, and the embodiment of all divine virtues.
• Verse 4: For the pacification of every distress, I worship Lord Lakshmi Narayana, the true well-wishing friend of all creatures and endowed with every auspicious divine quality.
• Verse 5: I worship Sri Lakshmi Narayana, who is the cosmic foundation of all animate (chit) and inanimate (achit) beings, the supreme giver of boons, and the pillar of the creation.
• : I worship Lord Lakshmi Narayana to dissolve all afflictions—the divine Lord holding the conch and discus, the master of all worlds, and the storehouse of infinite compassion.

• Auspicious Days: Thursdays and Fridays are especially sacred for worshipping Lord Lakshmi Narayana. Chanting on Ekadashi, Purnima, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Diwali brings immense spiritual merit.
• Ideal Time: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or during the evening Sandhya period.
• Purity and Setup: Take a bath, wear clean clothing, sit on a clean mat facing East or North.
• Offerings: Light a pure cow ghee lamp and incense. Offer fresh yellow or lotus flowers, and Tulasi leaves to Lord Narayana.
• Count: Chant 1, 3, or 11 times with devotion. Can be sung melodiously with the refrains during family prayers or Satsangs.