Narayaneeyam: Dasakam: 25

Dashakam XXV

Shloka: 1

Gorah ravah tava abhoot-----------------A frightening roar of Yours ensued (to follow as a consequence or result)

Samaachoornayan karnau Hiranyakashipoh ---------------------splitting the ears of Hiranyakasipu

ghat^t^ayatah ( t^ is pronounced as t in cut)stambhe------------who was striking at the pillar

Aaghoornat-jagadand'a-kunda-kuharah------------------------which made everything inside the vessel of Brahmanda ( the cosmic egg) tremble or whirl

(d'a is pronounced as d in mud)

Shrutvaa yam ashrutam kadaa api poorvam----------------------on hearing that noise which is unheard before

Sampapaata Kila kaschana kampah----------------------there arose indeed in an indescribable (impossible to describe) manner

Daityaraaja-hrdaye-------------------------------------in the heart of the Asura-king, Hiranyakasipu

Ambhojabhooh api-----------------------------the lotus-born, Brahma too

Chalitah visht^araat---------------------was startled (alarmed, surprise suddenly) from his seat

Your frightening roar or terrifying prolonged noise (din) split the ears of Hiranyakasipu who was striking at the pillar with his demonaic strength and made everything inside the vessel of Brahmanda, the cosmic egg tremble. On hearing this noise which had never been heard before, an indescribable trembling arose in the heart of Asura King. Even the lotus-born Brahma was shaken from his seat in Satyaloka.

Shloka: 2

He Vibho-------------------------------------O All-Pervading Lord

Daitye mahaa-samrambhini-------------when that Asura was extremely angry

Visrshta-chakshushi dikshu--------------his eyes roaming in all directions

Sambhootam stambhatah te vapuh-----------there emerged from the pillar, Your form

Na mrgaatmakam na-manujaakaaram--------------neither the form of an animal, nor of a human

Asure----------------------------on seeing which, that Asura

Vyudbhraanta-chitte iti---------------------in an agitated state of mind, thus exclaimed

Kim Kim etat bheeshanamadbhutam------------------what, what is the terrifying and wonderful being?

Samaajrmbhathaah-------------------------------You did truly grow into

Visphoorjad-dhavalograroma-vikasad-varshmaa-----------------a huge form roaring like a thunder/ expanding white, sharp hair and shining body

One with a body on which the white and sharp hairs were bristling( aggressively brisk

When the eyes of the Asura who was extremely angry were roaming in all directions to find out the cause of the noise, O Lord, Your form which was neither that of an animal nor of a human being emerged from the pillar. While the Asura was wondering in an agitated state of mind with terrifying and wonderful being and You did grow into a huge form with white, sharp hairs bristling.

Shloka :3

Jeeyaat idam vapuh tava --------------------------------------Hail unto this wonderful divine form of Yours

Tapta-svarna-savarna-

ghoornat-atirooksha-aksham---------------------whose eyes with the colour of molten gold were rolling and looked very fierce

(Taptasvarna--molten gold, ghoornat--rolling, atirooksha --very fierce, Akshi--eye)

Sat^ aakesara-Protkampa-

Pranikumbitaambaram-aho---------------------whose shaking manes  covered the whole sky,

(sat^aakesara--mane, protkampa--shaking, pranikumbita--covered, ambaram--sky)

mane

The long hair along the top and sides of the neck of certain mammals, such as the horse and the male lion.

A long thick growth of hair on a person's head.

Vyaatta-vyaapta-mahaadaree-sakhamukham-----------------with the huge cave-like mouth wide open, and

Vyaata--open, mahaadaree--huge cave, sakha--like

Khadgogra-valgan-mahaa-jihvaa-nirgama-

drshyamaana-sumahaa-damsht*raayuga-ud'd'aamaram -------------terrifying on account of the two huge molars, which were revealed when the huge quivering (shaking/trembling) sword-like tongue was hanging out

(Khadgogra--fierce like a sword, valgan--quivering, mahaajihvaa--huge tongue, nirgama--hanging out, drshyamaana-- were revealed, sumahaadamshtraayuga--a pair of huge molars ud'd'aamaram--frightening)

(d' is pronounced as d in mud)

Hail unto that wondrous form of You, whose eyes were of the colour of molten gold, were rolling and very fierce, whose shaking manes covered the whole sky, whose huge cave-like mouth was wide open and which was most terrifying with a pair of huge molars, which were revealed when the huge quivering sword-like tongue hanged/lolled out.

FROM BHAGAVATAM, THE DESCRIPTION OF LORD NARASIMHA

Hiraṇyakaśipu studied the form of the Lord, trying to decide who the form of Nṛsiṁhadeva standing before him was. The Lord’s form was extremely fearsome because of His angry eyes, which resembled molten gold; His shining mane, which expanded the dimensions of His fearful face; His deadly teeth; and His razor-sharp tongue, which moved about like a dueling sword. His ears were erect and motionless, and His nostrils and gaping mouth appeared like caves of a mountain. His jaws parted fearfully, and His entire body touched the sky. His neck was very short and thick, His chest broad, His waist thin, and the hairs on His body as white as the rays of the moon. His arms, which resembled flanks of soldiers, spread in all directions as He killed the demons, rogues and atheists with His conchshell, disc, club, lotus and other natural weapons.

Shloka: 4

Namaami tat-----------------------I prostate/ salute before that

Narasimham vapuh bhavatah-------------------Narasimha, man-lion form of Yours

Utsarpat-valibhanga-bheeshana-hanu-------------with the cheeks looking fierce because of the folds of skin which were drawn upward, while roaring

Utsarpat--drawn upward, valibhanga--fold formation

Hrasva-sthaveeyastara-greevam--------------with a short and very stout neck

Peevara-doshshat-udgatah-nakha-

Krooraamshu-doorolbanam-----------------------most terrifying because of the sharp rays of light emanating (originating) from the claw-nails of numerous stout hands

(Peevara--stout, doshshat--hundred hands, udgatah--emanating, krooraamshu--sharp rays, doorolbanam--most terrifying)

Vyomollanghi----------------------touching the sky

Ghanaaghanopama-ghana-pradhvaana-

nirdhaavita-sparddhaaluprakaram-----------------------which put the hosts of enemies to flight/ which drove away the hosts of enemies by its fearsome/fierce roars similar to the thunder of dense rain clouds

Ghanaaghanopama-- like a thunder of thick cloud,ghana--fierce/fearsome, pradhvaana--roar,nirdhaavita--driven away sparddhaaluprakaram--the host of rivals

I salute that Narasimha form of Yours, with a chin looking fierce because of the folds on the skin which were drawn upward while roaring. This form has a short and stout neck, which was most terrifying with sharp rays of light emanating from the nails of the numerous stout hands, which touched the sky and it was driving away the hosts of rivals by its fierce roar similar to the thunder of a huge thick cloud.

Shloka: 5

Adhrthaah dorbhyaam prthubhyaam--------------You did catch hold of, with Your stout hands

Amum daityendram samupaadravantam------------------------that Asura king who was rushing towards You

Bhraamyat-gadaa-bheeshanam iti----------------------------- whirling a formidable (terrible, powerful, intense, fierce ful ) mace, shouting thus:

Ayam noonam vishnuh amum nihanmi-------------------'this is surely Vishnu. I shall kill him'

Atha veerah nirgalitah------------------then that brave Asura, slipping off from You

Grhnan khadga-phalakau---------------grabbing/holding a sword and shield

Vyaavrnvan vichitra-shramaan------------and displaying rare feats (an act of skill, deed, performance)of swordsmanship (a person who is well-versed in the art of the sword)

Punah aapapaata tvaam---------------again rushed towards You

Bhuvana-graasodyatam-----------------who were inclined (tendency, having a preference)to swallow the entire world

Aho ------------------------------------How marvellous?

That Asura king rushed towards You, fiercely whirling a mace and saying, "This must be Vishnu. I shall kill him". You did then hold him with Your two stout arms. However, that clever Asura sipped out of Your hold and displaying all kinds of feats with sword and shield, rushed towards You, who were in the mood to swallow the whole universe.

Shloka: 6

Atha punah api prodgrhya---------------then, again grasping/catching

Javaat dorbhyaam ditijaadhamam--------quickly with both hands, that wicked Asura

Bhraamyantam nipaatya------------------who was circling around,and throwing him

Dvaare ooruyuge vyutkhaaya--------------at the doorway/entrance on Your two thighs and thrusting/pushing

Nakharaan vakshobhuvi nirbhindan-----------your nails in to his chest, tearing it open

Paayam paayam baddhotsavam-------------and drinking again and again, gleefully/ joyfully

Adhigarbha-nirbhara-galat-raktaambu-----------------the blood that was gushing out from within

Udairayah bahu simhaaravaan------------You let out many lion-roars

Jagatsamhaari--------------------capable of destroying the whole universe

Then again, quickly catching with both the hands of that wicked Asura, who was circling around and throwing him down in Your thighs at the entrance to the hall, thrusting Your nail in to his chest tearing it open. Then, with great glee,You did drink again and again the blood gushing out from within, while at the same time emitting lion- roars which could destroy the whole universe.

Shloka: 7

Tvayi tyaktvaa hatam tam--------------------------when You, after leaving the dead Asura and

Aashu pratyutpatya-----------------------------quickly jumping up

Rakta-laharee-sikta-unnamadvarshmani--------------with Your gigantic body bathed in the flow of blood

Chaakhaadyamaane------------------------ were eating up

Samasta-daitya-pat^aleem aho--------- the entire host of Asuras, oh! Wonder of wonders

Charaacharam ----------------------------all the animate and inanimate beings

Dadau duhsthaam avasthaam---------fell into a most unbearable state

Bhraamyadbhoomi--------------------- with the earth whirling around

Vikampita-ambudhikulam-------------the oceans becoming turbulent (unsteady movement, turmoil)

vyaalola-shailotkaram----------------the mountain-ranges shaking

Protsarpatkhacharam-----------------the stars and heavenly bodies scattered

O Lord! Abandoning the dead Asura, You, with Your gigantic body drenched in Hiranyakasipu's blood and his intestines hanging around Your neck, sprang up andbstarted eating up the entire host of Asuras. Whereupon the entire world, all the animate and inanimate beings attained a chaoitic state with the earth whirling round. Because of Your assuming the gigantic form of Narasimha and stamping the earth, it lost its balance,  the oceans became turbulent, the mountain ranges trembled and the stars and heavenly bodies were scattered. What a wonder?

Shloka: 8

Bhuvane kah api na shashaaka------------No one in the world could dared

Abhyetum tvaam taavat---------------------approach You, who were, then

Ushitam madhye sabham------------------seated in the centre of that assembly

Maamsa-vapaa-karaala-vapusham----------with body terrifying because of flesh and fat smeared all over

Ghoraantra-maalaadharam------------------wearing a frightening garland of intestines and

Durvaaragurvaaravam iddha rosham-------------emitting unbearably fierce roars in great anger

Sharva-virincha-vaasava-mukhaah sarve-------------Gods headed by Shiva, Brahma and Indra, all

Bheeravah sthitaa doore------------------------- being frightened and staying at a distance

Astoshata pratyekam---------------------------sang in praise of You individually

O Lord! No one in the world was bold enough to approach You who sat in the centre of that assembly with aroused wrath (anger) and irresistible loud roars. Your body was forbidding (threatening) and terrible with the Asura's fat and flesh smeared all over. Hiranyakasipu's intestines dangled(hang loosely or swing) around Your neck like garlands. Shiva, Brahma, Indra and other Gods who were all terribly frightened, stood far away and each one sang Your praises individually.

Shloka: 9

Bhooyah api bhavati----------------Even after that, when You did remain

Akshata-roshadhaamni------------------the abode of unabated (maintaining full force with no decrease, undiminshed) anger

Baalbek prahlaade apabhaye-----------and the boy, Prahlada, free from fear

Namati padayoh bramaajnyayaa-----------prostrated at Your feet as instructed by Brahma

Tvam shaantah-------------------------You, having calm down

Kaarunyabhaaraakulah----------------and overcome with compassion/ overwhelmed with extreme compassion

Samadhaah karam asya moordhni------------placed Your hand on his crown/head

Atha tasya udgaayatah------------------------then to him, who was loudly extolling or praising

Stotraih tenitha varam-------------You with hymns, You did give boons

Api akaamadhiyah -----------------though he was desire less,

Cha anugraham lokaaya----------- and also blessings for the whole world

Inspite of the hymns of praises from Lord Brahma and other celestial beings,there was no abatement in Your anger. Therefore, the boy Prahlada, free from fear, prostrated at Your feet at the command of Brahma. Then You in extreme compassion, becoming calm, did place Your hand on his head and did give him a boon that he will rule demons for a period of one manvantara (308.571 million human years= 1000/14 chatur-yugas) and subsequent union with You. You also granted his father and the manes of 21 generations of his race release from hell.

He was singing Your praise loudly and worshipping You without any desires. And You also blessed the whole world.

It is said that Goddess Lakshmi, Lord's consort could not approach Him to appease/pacify when He was in full of rage after killing Hiranyakasipu. This is interpreted as mere acting by Goddess Lakshmi just to enhance the greatness of the great devotee Prahlada.

Shloka: 10

Vibho--------------------All-Pervading Lord

Evam naat^ita-raudra-chest^ita--------------------You did enact a drama of ferocity

(t^ is pronounced as t in cut)

Atyanta-shuddhaakrte--------------------------though absolutely pure by nature free from anger

Shreetaapaneeyaabhidha-shrutyanta-

sphuta-geeta-sarva-mahiman------------------------who possess all the excellences sung about clearly in the shruti known as SreeTaapaneeya upanishad

Punah kah parah langhayet tvaam------------------------ who else can surpass/overcome You

Tattaadrng-nikhilottaram aho-------------------------------who are incomparable and superior to all! What a wonder!

He marutpurapate he Prahlaada Priya--------------------O Lord of Guruvayoor ! O Lord, immensely fond of Prahlada

Paahi maam sarvaamayaat-------------------------save me from all ailments

O Lord! You are indeed the Supreme being with no attributes and not affected by Your actions. You are beyond the qualities of rajas and tamas and You are absolutely pure. You are the embodiment of bliss and real knowledge.Describing Your greatness, Upanishads proclaim that emotions like deire and anger do not come near You. If this is true, how come You did assume the fierce and terrible Man-Lion form?

To put an end to the sufferings of Your dear and great devotee Prahlada from his cruel father's oppression (control, prolonged unjust treatment), to release the devas from Hiranyakasipu's control  and also to release Jaya,Your door-keeper from his demoniac birth as Hiranyakasipu, You just acted a drama of ferocity and fierceness by appearing in the Man-Lion form.

There is a legend connected with this dashakam, when the author addressed the Lord with grief and depression (as his ailments were not cured fast) as Prahlada Priya-- Lord's darling is Prahlada, it is said that a voice from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple proclaiming that Prahlada alone is not my darling, all devotees are my darlings.