॥ श्री नारायणाष्टकम् ॥
वात्सल्यादभयप्रदान-समयादार्तिनिर्वापणा-
दौदार्यादघशोषणाद-गणितश्रेयःपदप्रापणात्।
सेव्यः श्रीपतिरेक एवजगतामेतेऽभवन्साक्षिणः
प्रह्लादश्च विभीषणश्चकरिराट् पाञ्चाल्यहल्या ध्रुवः॥1॥
प्रह्लादास्ति यदीश्वरो वदहरिः सर्वत्र मे दर्शय
स्तम्भे चैवमितिब्रुवन्तमसुरं तत्राविरासीद्धरिः।
वक्षस्तस्य विदारयन्निजन-खैर्वात्सल्यमापाद-
यन्नार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥2॥
श्रीरामात्र विभीषणोऽयमनघोरक्षोभयादागतः
सुग्रीवानय पालयैनमधुनापौलस्त्यमेवागतम्।
इत्युक्त्वाभयमस्यसर्वविदितं यो राघवो
दत्तवानार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥3॥
नक्रग्रस्तपदं समुद्धतकरंब्रह्मादयो भो सुराः
पाल्यन्तामिति दीनवाक्यकरिणंदेवेष्वशक्तेषु यः।
मा भैषीरिति यस्यनक्रहनने चक्रायुधः श्रीधर।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥4॥
भो कृष्णाच्युत भो कृपालयहरे भो पाण्डवानां सखे
क्वासि क्वासि सुयोधनादपहृतांभो रक्ष मामातुराम्।
इत्युक्तोऽक्षयवस्त्रसंभृततनुंयोऽपालयद्द्रौपदी-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥5॥
यत्पादाब्जनखोदकं त्रिजगतांपापौघविध्वंसनं
यन्नामामृतपूरकं चपिबतां संसारसन्तारकम्।
पाषाणोऽपि यदङ्घ्रिपद्मरजसाशापान्मुनेर्मोचित।
आर्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥6॥
पित्रा भ्रातरमुत्तमासनगतंचौत्तानपादिध्रुवो दृष्ट्वा
तत्सममारुरुक्षुरधृतोमात्रावमानं गतः।
यं गत्वा शरणं यदापतपसा हेमाद्रिसिंहासन-
मार्तत्राणपरायणः सभगवान्नारायणो मे गतिः॥7॥
आर्ता विषण्णाः शिथिलाश्च भीताघोरेषु च व्याधिषु वर्तमानाः।
सङ्कीर्त्य नारायणशब्दमात्रंविमुक्तदुःखाः सुखिनो भवन्ति॥8॥
॥ इति श्रीकूरेशस्वामिविरचितं श्रीनारायणाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
Introduction to Shree Narayan Ashtakam
Overview of the Hymn
The Shree Narayan Ashtakam is a revered Sanskrit hymn composed by Sage Markandeya, dedicated to Lord Narayan (Vishnu). It consists of eight stanzas that extol his virtues and seek his blessings.
Significance of the Hymn
Reciting the Shree Narayan Ashtakam is believed to invoke Lord Narayan's blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is especially auspicious during the festival of Diwali.
Historical Context
Composed by Sage Markandeya, the hymn reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India, highlighting the reverence for deities who ensure the well-being and prosperity of devotees.
Deity Worshipped
Lord Narayan, also known as Vishnu, is revered as the preserver of the universe. He is worshipped for maintaining cosmic order and protecting devotees from evil forces.
Global Reverence
While primarily worshipped in India, especially in temples like the Badrinath Temple, Lord Narayan's significance transcends borders. His temples and depictions underscore the universal need for divine protection and well-being.
Structure of the Ashtakam
Verse 1
The first verse praises Lord Narayan as the embodiment of eternal bliss, the dispeller of fears, and the source of all beauty. It acknowledges him as the direct manifestation of the supreme deity.
Verse 2
This verse describes Lord Narayan adorned with various jewels, his body fragrant with sandalwood, and his residence in the sacred city of Kashi. It emphasizes his role as the provider of alms and the remover of all miseries.
Verse 3
The third verse highlights Lord Narayan's ability to grant bliss through yoga, destroy enemies, and establish righteousness. It portrays him as a protective force for the three worlds.
Verse 4
This verse venerates Lord Narayan as the consort of Goddess Lakshmi, residing in the caves of Mount Kailash. It acknowledges him as the personification of the sacred syllable 'Om' and the gatekeeper of liberation.
Verse 5
The fifth verse lauds Lord Narayan's omnipresence, his control over the visible and invisible realms, and his role in imparting knowledge. It underscores him as the source of all spiritual wisdom.
Verse 6
This verse depicts Lord Narayan as the mother of all beings, always bestowing food and joy upon his devotees. It portrays him as the eternal source of happiness and prosperity.
Verse 7
The seventh verse describes Lord Narayan as the embodiment of all alphabets, the three gunas (qualities), and the three forms of energy. It emphasizes his role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
Verse 8
The final verse venerates Lord Narayan adorned with various ornaments, holding a bowl of sweet milk, and fulfilling the desires of his devotees. It concludes with a plea for his blessings of food and prosperity.
Benefits of Reciting the Ashtakam
Spiritual Upliftment
Regular recitation of the Shree Narayan Ashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the divine.
Material Prosperity
Devotees believe that chanting this hymn attracts material wealth and abundance, as Lord Narayan is the provider of all sustenance.
Protection from Misery
The hymn is said to shield devotees from miseries and hardships, invoking the divine grace to remove obstacles and ensure well-being.
Enhancement of Knowledge
Reciting the Ashtakam is believed to enhance one's intellect and wisdom, as Lord Narayan is also revered as the deity of knowledge.
Peace and Harmony
The hymn promotes inner peace and harmony, fostering a balanced and content life for those who recite it with devotion.
How to Recite the Ashtakam
Best Time for Recitation
The ideal time to recite the Shree Narayan Ashtakam is during early morning hours, preferably after a bath, to ensure purity and focus.
Method of Recitation
It is recommended to recite the Ashtakam with a clean heart and mind, preferably facing north or east, while seated on a clean mat or cloth.
Number of Recitations
Chanting the Ashtakam 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even a single recitation with sincerity is believed to yield benefits.
Accompanying Rituals
Lighting a lamp or incense while reciting the hymn can enhance its effectiveness, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to devotion.
Group Chanting
Participating in group recitations, especially during festivals or auspicious days, is believed to amplify the blessings of Lord Narayan.
Conclusion
Summary of the Ashtakam
The Shree Narayan Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that praises Lord Narayan's virtues and seeks his blessings for protection, strength, and spiritual growth.
Significance in Daily Life
Incorporating the recitation of this Ashtakam into daily life is believed to bring about positive changes, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being.
Encouragement for Devotees
Devotees are encouraged to recite the Shree Narayan Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity, trusting in Lord Narayan's grace to fulfill their needs and desires.
Final Blessing
May the recitation of the Shree Narayan Ashtakam bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all who chant it with a pure heart.
The Shree Narayan Ashtakam is a revered Sanskrit hymn composed by Sage Markandeya, dedicated to Lord Narayan (Vishnu). It consists of eight stanzas that extol his virtues and seek his blessings.
Reciting the Shree Narayan Ashtakam is believed to invoke Lord Narayan's blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is especially auspicious during the festival of Diwali.
Composed by Sage Markandeya, the hymn reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India, highlighting the reverence for deities who ensure the well-being and prosperity of devotees.
Lord Narayan, also known as Vishnu, is revered as the preserver of the universe. He is worshipped for maintaining cosmic order and protecting devotees from evil forces.
While primarily worshipped in India, especially in temples like the Badrinath Temple, Lord Narayan's significance transcends borders. His temples and depictions underscore the universal need for divine protection and well-being.
The first verse praises Lord Narayan as the embodiment of eternal bliss, the dispeller of fears, and the source of all beauty. It acknowledges him as the direct manifestation of the supreme deity.
This verse describes Lord Narayan adorned with various jewels, his body fragrant with sandalwood, and his residence in the sacred city of Kashi. It emphasizes his role as the provider of alms and the remover of all miseries.
The third verse highlights Lord Narayan's ability to grant bliss through yoga, destroy enemies, and establish righteousness. It portrays him as a protective force for the three worlds.
This verse venerates Lord Narayan as the consort of Goddess Lakshmi, residing in the caves of Mount Kailash. It acknowledges him as the personification of the sacred syllable 'Om' and the gatekeeper of liberation.
The fifth verse lauds Lord Narayan's omnipresence, his control over the visible and invisible realms, and his role in imparting knowledge. It underscores him as the source of all spiritual wisdom.
This verse depicts Lord Narayan as the mother of all beings, always bestowing food and joy upon his devotees. It portrays him as the eternal source of happiness and prosperity.
The seventh verse describes Lord Narayan as the embodiment of all alphabets, the three gunas (qualities), and the three forms of energy. It emphasizes his role in the creation and sustenance of the universe.
The final verse venerates Lord Narayan adorned with various ornaments, holding a bowl of sweet milk, and fulfilling the desires of his devotees. It concludes with a plea for his blessings of food and prosperity.
Regular recitation of the Shree Narayan Ashtakam is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the divine.
Devotees believe that chanting this hymn attracts material wealth and abundance, as Lord Narayan is the provider of all sustenance.
The hymn is said to shield devotees from miseries and hardships, invoking the divine grace to remove obstacles and ensure well-being.
Reciting the Ashtakam is believed to enhance one's intellect and wisdom, as Lord Narayan is also revered as the deity of knowledge.
The hymn promotes inner peace and harmony, fostering a balanced and content life for those who recite it with devotion.
The ideal time to recite the Shree Narayan Ashtakam is during early morning hours, preferably after a bath, to ensure purity and focus.
It is recommended to recite the Ashtakam with a clean heart and mind, preferably facing north or east, while seated on a clean mat or cloth.
Chanting the Ashtakam 108 times is considered highly auspicious, though even a single recitation with sincerity is believed to yield benefits.
Lighting a lamp or incense while reciting the hymn can enhance its effectiveness, creating a sacred atmosphere conducive to devotion.
Participating in group recitations, especially during festivals or auspicious days, is believed to amplify the blessings of Lord Narayan.
The Shree Narayan Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that praises Lord Narayan's virtues and seeks his blessings for protection, strength, and spiritual growth.
Incorporating the recitation of this Ashtakam into daily life is believed to bring about positive changes, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being.
Devotees are encouraged to recite the Shree Narayan Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity, trusting in Lord Narayan's grace to fulfill their needs and desires.
May the recitation of the Shree Narayan Ashtakam bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all who chant it with a pure heart.
