The Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram is a very powerful mantra composed by Adi Shankaracharya. The Lakshmi narasimha stotram consists of 13 stanzas and each of the stanza ends with the line “Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam”, which means O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

 

श्रीमत्पयोनिधिनिकेतन चक्रपाणे
भोगीन्द्रभोगमणिरञ्जितपुण्यमूर्ते ।
योगीश शाश्वत शरण्य भवाब्धिपोत
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥१॥
Shriimat-Payo-Nidhi-Niketana Cakra-Paanne
Bhogiindra-Bhoga-Manni-Ran.jita-Punnya-Muurte |
Yogiisha Shaashvata Sharannya Bhava-Abdhi-Pota
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||1||

Meaning:
1.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) Who resides on the Ocean of Milk, which is filled with Sri (Beauty and Auspiciousness), holding a Chakra (Discus) on His Hand, …
1.2: … with His Divine Face Shining with the Divine Light emanating from the Gems on the Hoods of Serpent Adi Sesha,
1.3: Who is the Lord of Yoga, and Eternal, and giver of Refuge to the Devotees like a Boat over the Ocean of Samsara (Worldly Existence),
1.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

ब्रह्मेन्द्ररुद्रमरुदर्ककिरीटकोटि_
सङ्घट्टिताङ्घ्रिकमलामलकान्तिकान्त ।
लक्ष्मीलसत्कुचसरोरुहराजहंस
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥२॥
Brahmendra-Rudra-Marud-Arka-Kiriitta-Kotti_
Sangghattttita-Angghri-Kamala-Amala-Kaanti-Kaanta |
Lakssmii-Lasat-Kuca-Saro-Ruha-Raajahamsa
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||2||

Meaning:
2.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) Millions of Diadems (i.e. Decorated Heads) of Brahma, Rudra, Maruts (Wind-Gods) and Arka (Sun-God) …
2.2: … assembles at Whose Stainless, Pure Feet, desiring to obtain Its Splendour,
2.3: Who is a Royal Swan floating on the Lake within the Heart of Devi Lakshmi, …
2.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारघोरगहने चरतो मुरारे
मारोग्रभीकरमृगप्रवरार्दितस्य ।
आर्तस्य मत्सरनिदाघनिपीडितस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥३॥
Samsaara-Ghora-Gahane Carato Muraare
Maaro[a-U]gra-Bhiikara-Mrga-Pravara-Arditasya |
Aartasya Matsara-Nidaagha-Nipiidditasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||3||

Meaning:
3.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) In this Dense Forest of Samsara (Worldly Existence), I wander, O Murari (the enemy of demon Mura),
3.2: Many Formidable and Ferocious Animals (in this forest of Samsara), torments me with various Desires and rouses deep Fear in me,
3.3: I am deeply Afflicted and Hurt in this Selfishness and Heat (of the Samsara),
3.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारकूपमतिघोरमगाधमूलं
सम्प्राप्य दुःखशतसर्पसमाकुलस्य ।
दीनस्य देव कृपणापदमागतस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥४॥
Samsaara-Kuupam-Ati-Ghoram-Agaadha-Muulam
Sampraapya Duhkha-Shata-Sarpa-Samaakulasya |
Diinasya Deva Krpanna-[A]apadam-Aagatasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||4||

Meaning:
4.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) In this Well of Samsara (Worldly Existence), which is exceedingly Terrible; to its Unfathomable Depth ….
4.2: … I have reached; where it is filled with hundreds of Snakes of Sorrows,
4.3: To this Miserable soul, O Deva, who is wretched and afflicted with various Calamities, …
4.4: … O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारसागरविशालकरालकाल_
नक्रग्रहग्रसननिग्रहविग्रहस्य ।
व्यग्रस्य रागरसनोर्मिनिपीडितस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥५॥
Samsaara-Saagara-Vishaala-Karaala-Kaala_
Nakra-Graha-Grasana-Nigraha-Vigrahasya |
Vyagrasya Raaga-Rasano[a-U]rmi-Nipiidditasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||5||

Meaning:
5.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) In this Huge Ocean of Samsara (Worldly Existence), where Kala (Time) cleaves asunder everything …
5.2: … like a Crocodile; my life is restrained and being eaten away like Rahu restrains and devours the Planet (i.e. Moon), …
5.3: … and my senses being engrossed in the Waves of the Rasa (Juice) of Raga (Passion) is squeezing away my life, …
5.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारवृक्षमघबीजमनन्तकर्म_
शाखाशतं करणपत्रमनङ्गपुष्पम् ।
आरुह्य दुःखफलितं पततो दयालो
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥६॥
Samsaara-Vrkssam-Agha-Biijam-Ananta-Karma_
Shaakhaa-Shatam Karanna-Patram-Anangga-Pusspam |
Aaruhya Duhkha-Phalitam Patato Dayaalo
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||6||

Meaning:
6.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) In this Tree of Samsara (Worldly Existence) – Evil is whose Seed, Endless Activities …
6.2: … are whose hundreds of Branches, Sense Organ is whose Leaf, Ananga (Kamadeva) is whose Flower;
6.3: I have mounted that Tree (of Samsara) and having reaped its Fruits of Sorrows, is now falling down; O Compassionate One, …
6.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारसर्पघनवक्त्रभयोग्रतीव्र_
दंष्ट्राकरालविषदग्धविनष्टमूर्तेः ।
नागारिवाहन सुधाब्धिनिवास शौरे 
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥७॥
Samsaara-Sarpa-Ghana-Vaktra-Bhayo[a-U]gra-Tiivra_
Damssttraa-Karaala-Vissa-Dagdha-Vinasstta-Muurteh |
Naagaari-Vaahana Sudhaa-[A]bdhi-Nivaasa Shaure
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||7||

Meaning:
7.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) This all-destroying Serpent of Samsara (Worldly Existence) with its Dreadful Face …
7.2: … and Sharp Fangs, has burnt and destroyed me with its Terrible Poison,
7.3: O the One riding the Enemy of Serpents (Garuda) (who can kill the serpents of Samsara), O the One Who Dwell in the Ocean of Nectar (which can heal out burnt beings), O Shauri (Vishnu), …
7.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारदावदहनातुरभीकरोरु_
ज्वालावलीभिरतिदग्धतनूरुहस्य ।
त्वत्पादपद्मसरसीशरणागतस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥८॥
Samsaara-Daava-Dahana-[A]atura-Bhiikaro-Ru_
Jvaalaa-Valiibhir-Ati-Dagdha-Tanuuruhasya |
Tvat-Paada-Padma-Sarasii-Sharannaagatasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||8||

Meaning:
8.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) The Burning Heat of this Samsara (Worldly Existence) which creates Fear in us and makes us Suffer, …
8.2: … It’s Blazing Flame is Burning every part of my Body,
8.3: Your Lotus Feet is a (Cooling) Lake giving Refuge (to the Burnt Souls),
8.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारजालपतितस्य जगन्निवास
सर्वेन्द्रियार्तवडिशार्थझषोपमस्य ।
प्रोत्खण्डितप्रचुरतालुकमस्तकस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥९॥
Samsaara-Jaala-Patitasya Jagan-Nivaasa
Sarve[a-I]ndriya-[A]arta-Vaddisha-[A]artha-Jhasso[a-U]pamasya |
Protkhannddita-Pracura-Taaluka-Mastakasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||9||

Meaning:
9.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) (Like the one who) Living in this World has fallen in the Samsara Jala (Net of Worldly attachment), …
9.2: … and whose all Indriyas (Sense Organs) have become afflicted like a Hooked Fish, …
9.3: … (The Fish) whose Palate and Head has been profusely Torn (by the many Fish Hooks on the Sense Organs) (Such is my condition, so), …
9.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

संसारभीकरकरीन्द्रकराभिघात_
निष्पिष्टमर्मवपुषः सकलार्तिनाश ।
प्राणप्रयाणभवभीतिसमाकुलस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥१०॥
Samsaara-Bhiikara-Kariindra-Kara-Abhighaata_
Nisspisstta-Marma-Vapussah Sakala-[A]arti-Naasha |
Praanna-Prayaanna-Bhava-Bhiiti-Samaakulasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||10||

Meaning:
10.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) This Samsara (Worldly Existence), like a Huge Dreadful Elephant, has struck me with its Trunk, …
10.2: … and (with its Feet) has Crushed my Vitals; O Lord, You Who are the most Beautiful and destroyer of all Pains, …
10.3: … To me who is filled with the Fear of Death in this World, …
10.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

अन्धस्य मे हृतविवेकमहाधनस्य
चोरैः प्रभो बलिभिरिन्द्रियनामधेयैः ।
मोहान्धकूपकुहरे विनिपातितस्य
लक्ष्मीनृसिंह मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥११॥
Andhasya Me Hrta-Viveka-Mahaa-Dhanasya
Coraih Prabho Balibhir-Indriyanaam-Adheyaih |
Moha-Andha-Kuupa-Kuhare Vinipaatitasya
Lakssmii-Nrsimha Mama Dehi Kara-Avalambam ||11||

Meaning:
11.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) My Blindness due to seizing away my Viveka (Power of discrimination between good and bad), the great Wealth, …
11.2: … by Theft, O Lord, by the Indriyas (Sense Organs) which prompted for constant Oblations, …
11.3: … has made my Life Fall inside the Dark Well of Delusion, …
11.4: O Lakshmi Nrisimha, Please give me Your Refuge by holding me with Your Divine Hands.

लक्ष्मीपते कमलनाभ सुरेश विष्णो
वैकुण्ठ कृष्ण मधुसूदन पुष्कराक्ष ।
ब्रह्मण्य केशव जनार्दन वासुदेव
देवेश देहि कृपणस्य करावलम्बम् ॥१२॥
Lakssmii-Pate Kamala-Naabha Suresha Vissnno
Vaikunnttha Krssnna Madhusuudana Pusskara-Akssa |
Brahmannya Keshava Janaardana Vaasudeva
Devesha Dehi Krpannasya Kara-Avalambam ||12||

Meaning:
12.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) O Lakshmipati (Consort of Devi Lakshmi), O Kamalanabha (With Lotus on the Navel), O Suresha (Lord of the Suras), O Vishnu, …
12.2: … O Vaikuntha, O Krishna, O Madhusudana, O Pushkaraksha (Lotus-Eyed), …
12.3: … O Brahmanya, O Keshava, O Janardhana, O Vasudeva, …
12.4: … O Devesha (Lord of Devas); Please give Refuge to this Pitiable one by holding with Your Divine Hands.

यन्माययोर्जितवपुःप्रचुरप्रवाह_
मग्नार्थमत्र निवहोरुकरावलम्बम् ।
लक्ष्मीनृसिंहचरणाब्जमधुव्रतेन
स्तोत्रं कृतं सुखकरं भुवि शङ्करेण ॥१३॥
Yan-Maayayo[a-U]rjita-Vapuh-Pracura-Pravaaha_
Magna-Artham-Atra Nivaho[a-U]ru-Kara-Avalambam |
Lakssmii-Nrsimha-Caranna-Abja-Madhuvratena
Stotram Krtam Sukha-Karam Bhuvi Shangkarenna ||13||

Meaning:
13.1: (Salutations to Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) (By) Which Power of Maya (originating from the Divine Source) is strenghtened the Beautiful Form (of Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha) with flow of abundant Divinity, …
13.2: … (From the same Divine Source) For the sake of rescuing the ones immersed in Delusion has been extended the all-encompassing Hand of Refuge (of Lakshmi Nrisimha),
13.3: By being engrossed in the Nectar of the Lotus-Feet of Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha, …
13.4: … this Stotra has been composed by Shankara (i.e. Sri Adi Shankaracharya), which gives great Joy in this World (upon deeply meditating on it).