Subramanya Ashtakam (Karavalamba Stotram) — Benefits & How to Chant
सुब्रह्मण्याष्टकम् (करावलम्ब स्तोत्र)
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Subramanya Ashtakam (Karavalamba Stotram)
Murugan's signature hymn
a nine-verse Subrahmanya Ashtakam, also called the Karavalamba Stotram, beginning 'He Swaminatha Karunakara Dheenabandho'
Each verse adores Lord Murugan (Kartikeya / Subrahmanya) and ends with the plea 'Vallisha-natha mama dehi karavalambam'
'O Lord of Valli, give me the support of your hand'
Its closing verse promises that reciting it at dawn destroys the sins of ten million births and leads to liberation by Murugan's grace
Recited especially on Skanda Shashti, on Tuesdays and Krittika nakshatra days, and at Murugan temples such as Tiruchendur and Palani
Invoked for the removal of disease, the cooling of the 'fevers' of lust and ego, courage, and the protecting grace of the Lord's hand
A heartfelt prayer of surrender, calling on Murugan to take the devotee by the hand
How to Chant Subramanya Ashtakam (Karavalamba Stotram)
Instructions
Recite at dawn after a bath, before an image of Lord Murugan with his Vel (spear). Chant all eight verses with the refrain 'Vallisha-natha mama dehi karavalambam', then the closing phala-shruti. It is a prayer of surrender — recite it slowly, dwelling on the plea for the Lord to take you by the hand, and it is especially honoured during the six days of Skanda Shashti.
Origin & History
Source: A traditional hymn to Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan)
Author: Traditional
The Subrahmanya Ashtakam, or Karavalamba Stotram, is among the most beloved hymns to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya / Subrahmanya), the warrior-son of Shiva who rides the peacock and wields the Vel. In nine impassioned verses it adores the Lord — destroyer of the demons Taraka, Krauncha and Surapadma, commander of the gods, worshipped by Vishnu, Indra and the sages — and each verse ends with the same surrendering plea: 'Vallisha-natha mama dehi karavalambam', 'O Lord of Valli, give me the support of your hand'. Its closing verse promises that reciting it at dawn dissolves the sins of countless births. It is cherished above all during the six days of Skanda Shashti.