śrīnārāyaṇakavacam

Shri Narayana Kavacham

Om, reverent salutations to the divine and auspicious Lord Ganesha.

Om. I offer my profound obeisance and complete surrender to Lord Narayana, the Supreme, All-Pervading Divine Consciousness.

The Sacred Consecration of the Limbs

Om, Om, salutations unto the two feet.

Om. Obeisance to the sacred syllable *Nam*, established upon both knees.

Om. Salutations [with the sacred syllable] *Mom* unto the thighs.

Om, salutations to the sacred syllable *Nām*, consecrated upon the abdomen.

Om, obeisance to Rām, in the heart.

Om, salutations; I establish the sacred syllable *Yam* upon my chest.

Om. Salutations, placing the sacred syllable *ṇāṁ* upon the mouth.

Om. Salutations, [placing the seed-syllable] *Yam* upon the head.

The Sacred Consecration of the Hands (Kara-Nyāsa)

Om Om, salutations [established] upon the right index finger.

Om. Obeisances to the sacred syllable *Naṁ*, established upon the middle finger of the right hand.

Om. Obeisances to the syllable 'Mom' on the right ring finger.

Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Bhaṁ*, established upon the right little finger.

Om, obeisance to the sacred syllable *Gam*, established upon the left little finger.

Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Vam*, established upon the left ring finger.

Om. Salutations unto the sacred syllable *Tem*, consecrated upon the left middle finger.

Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Vām*, established upon the left index finger.

Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Suṁ*, established upon the upper joint of the right thumb.

Om. Salutations to the joint of the right thumb, consecrated with the syllable 'Dem'.

Om. Obeisances to the seed-syllable Vāṁ, established upon the upper joint of the left thumb.

Om. Salutations to the joint of the left thumb, consecrated with the sacred syllable Yaṁ.

The Placement of the Six-Syllable Mantra of Lord Vishnu

Om, Om; obeisance to the heart.

Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Viṃ*, consecrated upon the crown of the head.

Om. Reverent salutations to the sacred syllable *Ṣaṁ*, established in the space between the eyebrows.

Om, salutations to the divine essence represented by the syllable 'ṇaṁ', invoked at (or for the protection of) the spiritual apex (śikhā) on the crown of the head.

Om, salutations to the divine essence represented by the syllable 'veṁ', invoked for the sacred protection of the two eyes, granting divine vision and perception.

Om, salutations to the divine essence represented by the syllable 'naṁ', invoked for the comprehensive protection of all joints and vital connections, ensuring the holistic integrity of body, mind, and spirit.

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the East!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the Southeast!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the South!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the Southwest!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the West!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the Northwest!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the North!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from the Northeast!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from above!

Om, with the potent syllable 'maḥ' and the empowering 'phaṭ', I invoke the divine weapon to strike and utterly dispel all negativity and obstacles from below!

Thus begins the auspicious and supremely protective Armor (Kavacham) of Shri Narayana.

The King (Parikshit) spoke (or inquired).

By which (divine armor), Sahasraksha (Indra), being thus protected,

playfully, as it were, completely vanquished the enemy armies with their mounts, and thereafter enjoyed the glorious sovereignty of the three worlds.

O revered Bhagavān, please narrate to me that divine armor,

which is imbued with the very essence of Narayana, and by means of which, being divinely protected, Indra conquered the assailing enemies in battle.

Shri Shuka said:

The priest, Vishvarūpa, son of Tvashta, being entreated by Mahendra (Indra) who was inquiring,

then revealed the armor known as Narayana. Now, listen to that account here with utmost single-mindedness.

Vishvarūpa said:

One should first purify one's hands and feet, perform `ācamana` (ritual sipping of water), wear the `pavitra` (sacred ring of Kuśa grass), and face north.

Having performed `aṅga-nyāsa` and `kara-nyāsa` (ritual placement of mantra parts on the body and hands) with sacred mantras, one should remain silent and be in a state of absolute purity.

When fear or danger arises, one should mentally don the armor imbued with Narayana's essence,

by performing `nyāsa` (placement of mantras) on the feet, knees, thighs, abdomen, heart, and then on the chest.

Then, on the face and on the head, one should sequentially place the syllables starting with Om (of the mantra 'Om Namo Narayanaya'),

or even in reverse order, as an alternative method.

Thereafter, one should perform `kara-nyāsa` (placement of mantra syllables on the hands and fingers) using the potent knowledge of the twelve-syllable mantra.

Starting with Praṇava (Om) and ending with the letter 'ya', one should place [the syllables] on the joints of the fingers and thumb.

One should place the syllable 'Om' on the heart, and the syllable 'vi' subsequently on the head.

And the syllable 'ṣa' in the middle of the eyebrows, and the syllable 'ṇa' one should direct to the topknot (śikhā).

One should apply the syllable 've' to the two eyes, and the syllable 'na' to all the joints.

Designating the syllable 'ma' as a weapon, the wise person should become an embodiment of the mantra's power.

That [mantra/weapon], including the visarga and ending with phaṭ, one should project in all directions.

Thus [is the mantra]: Om Salutations to Vishnu.

One should meditate upon the Supreme Self, the ultimate object of meditation, who is endowed with the six divine opulences.

One should utter this mantra, [meditating on Him as] the embodiment of supreme knowledge, spiritual radiance, and unwavering austerity.

Om, may Hari grant me all protection,

—He who has placed His lotus feet upon the back of the king of birds (Garuda),

—He who bears the conch, discus, shield, sword, mace, arrow, bow,

and noose, possessing eight divine attributes and having eight arms.

May the Fish Incarnation protect me in the waters

from hosts of aquatic creatures and from Varuna's noose.

May Lord Narasimha, the Supreme Master and Destroyer of demon hordes, protect us in inaccessible places, in dense forests, on the battlefronts, and from all such primordial dangers.

At the very moment He unleashed His mighty, thunderous roar, the cardinal directions themselves vibrated intensely, and even unborn life within the womb miscarried in overwhelming terror.

May that very Varaha, who embodies the sacred Yajna (sacrifice) and who with His own divine tusk majestically raised the submerged Earth from the cosmic waters, protect me on my journey (physical or spiritual).

May Lord Rama, the elder brother of Bharata, accompanied by Lakshmana, protect us amidst the formidable mountain peaks (representing daunting challenges) and during periods of exile or separation (moments of vulnerability).

May Lord Narayana protect me from all fierce circumstances, harsh karmic repercussions, and every form of negligence or error; and may Nara (His eternal companion)

protect me from ridicule, scorn, and any situation that might cause me to lose my dignity or earnestness.

May Dattatreya, the revered Lord of Yoga, protect me from any deviation from the path of spiritual union (ayoga) or from the inability to achieve that union. And may Kapila, the Sage who masterfully understands and controls the Gunas (qualities of material nature), protect me from the entanglements and bondage of karma.

May Sanatkumara protect me from the powerful allure of Kamadeva (lust and all worldly desires); and may Hayagriva (the embodiment of sacred knowledge)

protect me on my path (of life and spiritual practice) from any blasphemy, disrespect, or error in understanding towards the divine.

May the foremost among the divine sages (Narada) protect me from any internal or external impediment to the profound worship of the Supreme Purusha (the cosmic being); and may Lord Kurma, in His form as Hari, protect me from all forms of hellish existence, from complete ruin and suffering.

May the venerable Lord Dhanvantari protect me from all unwholesome regimens and detrimental practices (that lead to illness and imbalance). And may Rishabha, the one who has completely subdued his self and conquered his inner being,

protect me from the dualities of existence (like pleasure and pain, gain and loss) and from all forms of fear.

And may Lord Yajna protect me from the perils emanating from the populace, from public censure or ill-will. May Balarama, the great King of Serpents,

protect me from unruly crowds or mobs, and from being overwhelmed by the force of anger, whether my own or others'.

May the venerable Lord Dvaipayana (Vyasa), protect me from spiritual ignorance, from a lack of true awakening or understanding.

He who is roused against the delusive heedlessness of the hosts of heretics,

May Kalki fully guard [me] from the spiritual defilements of the Kali Yuga, He whose glorious incarnation is for the preservation of Dharma.

May Kesava protect me in the morning with His mace;

May Govinda, holding His flute, protect in the forenoon.

May Narayana, with His exalted potency, protect in the late morning;

May Vishnu, wielding the King of Weapons (Sudarshana Chakra), protect at midday.

May Lord Madhuhā, with His formidable bow, protect in the afternoon; and Madhava, the Lord of Three Aspects, protect me in the evening.

May Hrishikesha protect at dusk; and at midnight, may the peerless Padmanabha protect me in the deep night.

May the Lord marked with Shrivatsa protect in the latter part of the night; and at dawn, Janardana, the Lord wielding His sword.

May Damodara guard at every junction of time; and at daybreak, the Blessed Lord Vishveshvara, the very embodiment of Time.

O Chakra, whose incisive rim blazes like the destructive fire at the end of ages, ever-whirling on all sides, impelled by the Lord,

Burn, burn intensely and swiftly the armies of my adversaries, just as fire, befriended by the wind, consumes dry forests.

O Mace, whose very touch is a thunderbolt, emitting fierce sparks! Crush, crush! You are cherished by the Invincible Lord.

Pulverize the Kuṣmāṇḍas, Vināyakas, Yakṣas, Rakṣasas,

Bhūtas, and malevolent seizing spirits; pulverize all enemies!

O excellent Conch, You,

drive away fiends, tormenting spirits, ghosts, fierce Matrikas, Pishachas, adverse planetary influences, and those with malevolent gazes.

filled by Krishna, with a formidable sound that causes the hearts of enemies to tremble.

O sharp-edged Sword, You, wielded by the Lord,

utterly cut down my formidable enemy hosts!

O Shield, brilliant like a hundred moons, blind the eyes of my wicked foes, and obliterate their malevolent vision.

Whatever fear has arisen for us from planets, comets, or from human beings;

from reptiles, from fanged creatures, from malevolent spirits, or from sins themselves;

May all these (fears), by the glorification of the Lord's names, forms, and weapons,

immediately meet utter destruction, all those who are adversaries to our welfare and prosperity.

May Lord Garuda, the master, who embodies hymns, Vedic intonations, and all poetic meters,

protect us from all boundless tribulations. May Vishvaksena protect us by his sacred names.

May Hari's names, forms, vehicles, and weapons –

indeed, His divine attendants and glorious attributes – protect us from all calamities, safeguarding our intellect, senses, mind, and vital life forces.

Just as the Supreme Lord alone, in reality, is both the existent and the non-existent, and indeed all that exists;

By the power of this Truth, may all our adversities be utterly annihilated.

Just as for those who have realized the oneness of the Self, He Himself remains free from all distinctions and dualities,

Yet through His own creative power (Māyā), He assumes diverse forms with distinctive ornaments and weapons, and manifests His energies;

By that very established truth (of His non-dual yet manifest nature), may the omniscient, divine Lord Hari,

The all-pervading One, always and everywhere protect us through all His myriad forms.

In all intermediate directions, cardinal directions, above, below, and all around,

Within and without, may the divine Lord Narasimha,

Whose formidable roar dispels all worldly fear, and whose blazing effulgence has eclipsed the radiance of all others, afford us complete protection.

O Maghavan (Indra), this armor, which is the very essence of Narayana, has been revealed to you.

Clad in it, you shall effortlessly conquer the chiefs of the demon hordes.

Indeed, whoever bears this (Kavacham), whomever he perceives with his eyes,

Or touches with his foot, that very person is instantly freed from all fear and apprehension.

For him who bears this sacred knowledge (the Kavacham), there shall be no fear from any quarter,

Never from kings, thieves, planetary influences, or even from formidable beasts like tigers, at any time whatsoever.

Formerly, a certain brahmin of the Kaushika lineage, bearing this sacred knowledge (the Kavacham)...

By the power of Yogic absorption, he (the Brahmin) relinquished his own body in the desert. ||38||

One day, above that very spot, the lord of Gandharvas,

Chitraratha, surrounded by women, was passing by in his celestial vehicle, where the Brahmin's body lay departed. ||39||

Suddenly, he fell from the sky, along with his aerial car, head-first.

Astonished, he (Chitraratha) collected the bones upon the instruction of the Valakhilyas.

Having cast them into the Eastern Sarasvati river and bathed therein, he returned to his own abode. ||40||

Shri Shukadeva Goswami said:

He who listens to this (Kavacham) at the proper time, and he who reverently cherishes it (or wears it),

all beings bow down to him, and he is liberated from all fears. ||41||

Having obtained this knowledge (the Narayana Kavacham) from Vishvarupa, Shatakratu (Indra)

enjoyed the opulence of the three worlds, having completely conquered the Asuras in battle. ||42||

Thus, in the glorious Srimad Bhagavatam, the great Purana, in the compendium for paramahamsas, in the Sixth Canto, ends the eighth chapter named 'The Narration of Narayana's Armor'.