Narayan stuti by adi shankaracharya biography

It is taken from Chapter 11 of the glorious Devi Mahatmyam. It is a part of the Markandeya Mahapurana, which relates to the history of the various Manvantaras age of a Manu. It is during the story of the eight Manu called Savarni that the chapters of the Chandi Paath occurred. Goddess Durga an incarnation of Parvati is also known as Narayani because She is revered to be the younger sister of Lord Narayana Vishnu.

4 disciples of adi shankaracharya

The Devi Mahatmyam describes the story of the battle between good and evil, where the Devi manifesting as Goddess Durga leads the forces of good against the demon Mahishasura. After a fierce battle with the forces of evil, the Devi killed Mahishasura bringing peace to the Universe to the demi-Gods. She also killed the most powerful demons Sumbha and Nisumbha along with their armies.

The Devas led by Indra were once again joyous, and it is then when the Devas sang a popular prayer called the Narayani Stuti, as a respect to the Goddess, praising Her glorious deeds and attributes. It is well known that Veda Vyasa is the composer of the 18 Maha Puranas and the divider of the Vedas. Therefore, since Devi Mahatmyam is a part of Markandeya Purana one of the 18 Maha Puranas , and Narayani Stuti is taken from the Chapter 11 of the Devi Mahatmyam, there is no doubt in saying that this beautiful hymn is composed by no other than Maharshi Veda Vyasa himself.

Veda Vyasa is revered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and therefore he is capable of knowing anything of past, present, and future through his meditative power. In this hymn, the Devas have explained that the Goddess comes to aid those who seek refuge in Her grace.