Narayana Stotram
The Narayana Stotram is a revered Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Narayana, a principal form of Lord Vishnu, the preserver deity in the Hindu trinity. Composed by the illustrious philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya, this devotional stotra (hymn of praise) encapsulates the divine attributes, stories, and glories of Narayana, inviting devotees to immerse themselves in his boundless compassion and power.
Narayana Stotram
Narayana, Narayana Jaya Govinda Hare ॥
Narayana, Narayana Jaya Gopala Hare ॥
Karunaaparaavara varunalaya Gambeera ॥1॥
Ghana neeradha Sankasa, krutha kali kalmasha nasana ॥2॥
Yamuna theera vihara, drutha kousthubha mani hara ॥3॥
Peethambara paridhana, sura kalyani nidhana ॥4॥
Manjula Gunja bhoosha, maya manisha vesha ॥5॥
Radhadhara Madhu rasika, rajanikara kula thilaka ॥6॥
Murali Gana Vinodha, Veda sthuthi bhoo pada ॥7॥
Barhi nibarha peeda, nata naataka phani kreeda ॥8॥
Varija bhooshabharana Varija puthree ramana ॥9॥
Jalaruha sannibha netha, Jagadarambaka Suthra ॥10॥
Pathakara janee samhara, karunalaya mamudhara ॥11॥
Aghabhakakshaya kamsare, Kesava Krishna Murare ॥12॥
Hataka nibha peethambhara, Abhayam kuru may mavara ॥13॥
Dasaratha Raja Kumara, dhanava madha Samhara ॥14॥
Govardhana giri Ramana, Gopi Manasa Harana ॥15॥
Sarayu theera vihara, sajjana rishi mandhara ॥16॥
Viswamithra Maghathra, Vividha parasu charithra ॥17॥
Dwaja vajarangusa pada, Dharani sudha saha modha ॥18॥
Janaka sutha prathipala, jaya jaya samsmruthi leela ॥19॥
Dasaradha Vadruthi bhara, Dandaka Vana Sanchara ॥20॥
Mushtika chanura samhara, muni manasa vihara ॥21॥
Bali vinigraha Sourya, Vara Sugreeva hitharya ॥22॥
Mamuralidhara Veera, Palaya, palaya sree vara ॥23॥
Jala nidhi bandhana Dheera, Ravana kanda vidhara ॥24॥
Thatee madha dalanaadya, Nataguna vida Ganadya ॥25॥
Gowthama pathnee poojana, Karuna Ghanava lokana ॥26॥
Sambrhama seethe Haara, Sangetha pura Vihara ॥27॥
Achalodhruthi chanchalkara, Bhakthanugraha thalpara ॥28॥
Naigama gana vinodha, Raksha Sutha prahladha ॥29॥
bharata yatavarasankara namamṛtamakhilāntara ॥30॥
Origins of Narayana Stotram
The Narayana Stotram is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. Shankaracharya is renowned for composing numerous stotras, including the Kanakadhara Stotram and Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram, which are celebrated for their poetic beauty and spiritual depth. The Narayana Stotram is one of his compositions dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in his form as Narayana, a name derived from the Sanskrit words nara (human or cosmic waters) and ayana (resting place or goal), signifying Vishnu as the eternal refuge of all beings.
Spiritual Significance
The Narayana Stotram is considered a powerful spiritual practice with several benefits:
- Devotional Connection: Reciting the stotra fosters bhakti (devotion), helping devotees feel a personal bond with Narayana. Its vivid imagery makes the divine accessible, encouraging emotional engagement.
- Cleansing of Sins: The stotra’s verses emphasize Narayana’s ability to destroy sins (kalmasha nasana), making it a favored hymn for seeking forgiveness and purification.
- Mental Peace and Happiness: Devotees believe that regular recitation promotes tranquility, reduces stress, and brings joy, aligning with the stotra’s reputation for fostering a “happy and peaceful life.”
- Protection and Liberation: The stotra’s appeals for protection (abhayam kuru) and liberation (mamuddhara) resonate with devotees seeking divine intervention in worldly challenges or spiritual salvation (moksha).
- Versatility in Worship: The stotra is often chanted during Vishnu-related festivals like Ekadashi, Janmashtami, or Vaikuntha Ekadashi, as well as in daily prayers, temple rituals, or personal meditation.
Variations and Other Narayana Stotras
While the Narayana Stotram attributed to Shankaracharya is the most widely known, other hymns with similar names exist. For example:
- Narayana Stotram by Mrigashringa: A distinct composition found in sources like Stotra Nidhi, attributed to the sage Mrigashringa, focusing on Narayana’s cosmic roles.
- Narayana Hrudaya Stotram: A hymn centered on Narayana’s heart, emphasizing devotion and surrender.
- Narayana Ashtakam: An eight-verse praise of Narayana, highlighting his protective qualities.
These variations underscore the diversity of devotional literature dedicated to Narayana, each offering unique perspectives while sharing the common goal of glorifying Vishnu.
