नृसिंह गायत्री मंत्र — Word-by-Word Meaning
नृसिंह गायत्री मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
the primordial sound, the Supreme Brahman
वज्रनखाय
Vajranakhaya
to the one with thunderbolt-like (adamantine) claws
विद्महे
Vidmahe
may we know / we seek to know
तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्राय
Tikshnadamshtraya
to the one with sharp fangs (the man-lion form)
धीमहि
Dhimahi
we meditate upon
तन्नः
Tannah
therefore, for us / may that
नृसिंहः
Nrisimhah
Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu
प्रचोदयात्
Prachodayat
may he inspire and illumine (our intellect)
Complete Translation
ॐ। हम वज्र के समान नखों वाले को जानें, तीक्ष्ण दाढ़ों वाले का ध्यान करें; वे भगवान नृसिंह हमारी बुद्धि को प्रेरित व प्रकाशित करें।
Origin & History
Source: The Gayatri mantra of Lord Narasimha
Author: Traditional (Vedic)
Beyond the universal Gayatri Mantra, the Vedic tradition gives each great deity its own Gayatri — a prayer in the sacred Gayatri meter calling upon that deity to illumine the intellect. The Narasimha Gayatri invokes Lord Narasimha, the fierce man-lion avatar of Vishnu who tore apart the demon Hiranyakashipu to protect the boy-saint Prahlada. Addressing him as the lord of thunderbolt claws and sharp fangs, the mantra follows the timeless pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat" and is chanted above all for protection and fearlessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Narasimha Gayatri Mantra?▼
It is the Gayatri mantra of Lord Narasimha: "Om Vajranakhaya Vidmahe Tikshnadamshtraya Dhimahi. Tanno Nrisimhah Prachodayat". Set in the sacred Gayatri meter, it invokes the man-lion avatar of Vishnu to protect devotees and illumine the intellect, in the pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat".
What are the benefits of the Narasimha Gayatri Mantra?▼
It is chanted above all for protection, fearlessness and courage — guarding against enemies, negativity, black magic and danger. As a Gayatri mantra it is also purifying and steadying, awakening clarity of mind and drawing the fierce, loving grace of Lord Narasimha.
When and how many times should it be chanted?▼
Chant it 108 times on a mala, ideally at dawn and the other sandhya times, facing east. Narasimha Jayanti and Saturdays are especially auspicious. It can be made part of a daily Gayatri sadhana.
Why is Lord Narasimha shown with claws and fangs?▼
Narasimha is Vishnu's half-man, half-lion avatar who appeared to slay the demon Hiranyakashipu and save the child-devotee Prahlada. His thunderbolt claws (vajra-nakha) and sharp fangs (tikshna-damshtra), praised in this mantra, represent the unstoppable power that destroys evil and shields the devotee.
Can anyone chant the Narasimha Gayatri Mantra?▼
Yes — deity Gayatri mantras may be chanted by anyone with devotion. It is recited at dawn after a bath, with a clean mind, and makes a gentle yet powerful daily practice, often chosen for protection of oneself and one's family.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →