Narsimha Chalisa
नृसिंह चालीसा
40-verse fierce protective hymn to Lord Narasimha — Vishnu's most ferocious avatara who manifested at twilight from a pillar to slay the demon-king Hiranyakashipu and save the child-devotee Prahlada. The Chalisa describes the awesome form: lion-faced with a flowing mane, blazing eyes, fangs, claws like thunderbolts, tearing the demon's chest open on his thigh at the threshold (neither inside nor outside), at twilight (neither day nor night), with his nails (neither weapon made by man nor god).
Significance
The supreme protective hymn in the entire Vaishnava tradition. Narasimha is the ugra-rakshaka (fierce protector) of devotees — the avatara invoked when no other deity's protection is sufficient. The Chalisa is the primary recitation of the Ahobilam Narasimha temple complex (9 manifestations across the hills of Andhra Pradesh) and is considered the most authoritative remedy for black magic (abhichara), chronic enemy harassment, court cases involving threat to life, and severe Shani-Rahu-Ketu malefic afflictions in the horoscope. Many Sri Vaishnava households recite it at every twilight (sandhya).
When recited: Narasimha Jayanti (Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi — the only Vishnu avatara birthday celebrated at twilight), every Saturday for protection from enemies and black magic, before traveling through dangerous areas, during Sade Sati Shani affliction, when facing legal or supernatural threats
Benefits
- Protection from black magic, tantrik attacks, and abhichara karma
- Removal of chronic enemy harassment and legal threats to life
- Relief from severe Shani sade-sati, Rahu, and Ketu mahadasha afflictions
- Granting of fierce courage to face seemingly insurmountable obstacles
- Protection during travel through forests, dangerous areas, and at twilight hours
- Removal of fear of premature death (akala-mrityu) and accidents
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Narsimha Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय नृसिंह नरहरि देवा, प्रह्लाद के प्राण रक्षेवा॥
खम्भ फाड़ कर तुम प्रकटे, हिरण्यकश्यप का गर्व मिटाये॥
सन्ध्या काल में देहली पर, उग्र रूप धर वध किया तत्पर॥
नख से चीर के पेट उघारा, असुर का अन्त किया तुम न्यारा॥
भक्त प्रह्लाद को गोद बिठाये, अभय वरदान दिया वहीं पर॥
जो नर श्रद्धा से नित गाये, शत्रु भय नाशे टोटका जाये॥
Meaning
Victory to Narasimha, the man-lion deity, protector of Prahlada's life. Bursting forth from the pillar, you destroyed the pride of Hiranyakashipu. At twilight, on the threshold, in fierce form you performed the slaying immediately. With your nails you tore open the demon's belly — uniquely you ended the asura. You placed devotee Prahlada in your lap and granted the boon of fearlessness right there. Whoever recites with faith daily — fear of enemies is destroyed and black magic is dispelled. Recited at every Narasimha Jayanti, on Saturdays for protection from enemies and at twilight by Sri Vaishnavas as a daily protective mantra. The most authoritative remedy across Hindu tradition for abhichara karma and enemy threats to life.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: