Preface

Srimad Ānandathērtha was a 12th century saint who re-established the Vēdānta doctrine of 'tatvavāda', the doctrine based on realism and theism. His 'tatvavāda' philosophy is mostly famous as 'Dvaita', the Dualistic Vēdānta. He is usually referred to as Madhvāchārya, however his signature in many of his writings refers to him as "Srimad Ānandathērtha Bhagavad Pādāchārya".

The Narasimha-nakha-stotram (“Hymn to the Claws of Narasiṃha”), composed by Śrī Madhvācārya, is a compact yet theologically profound hymn that celebrates the divine claws (nakha) of Lord Narasiṃha as the supreme instruments of protection, justice, and liberation. Rather than praising the Lord in a general or abstract manner, Madhva deliberately focuses on the claws that tore apart Hiraṇyakaśipu, presenting them as the tangible manifestation of Viṣṇu’s irresistible power (aiśvarya) and unfailing grace toward devotees.

Within the Tatvavāda framework, the hymn underscores the real distinction between God and soul, portraying Narasiṃha as an eternally independent, all-powerful Viṣṇu who intervenes decisively in history to uphold dharma. The claws are invoked not merely as weapons of destruction but as purifiers that annihilate ignorance, fear, and bondage, while safeguarding Prahlāda-like devotion. Thus, the Narasimha-nakha-stotram stands as both a devotional prayer and a philosophical statement, encapsulating Madhva’s vision of a personal, supremely powerful God who is simultaneously terrifying to evil and infinitely compassionate to the faithful.

- Madhukrishna Sudhindra