Sri Narayana Kavacham

Sri Narayana Kavacham: Mantra with Meaning

The Narayana Kavacham occurs in chapter eight of the sixth Skanda of Bhagavata Purana. It is an armor (protective shield of Lord Hari) to protect ourselves from enemies, either seen or unseen.

Raja Parikshit (the son of Abhimanyu) asks his teacher, Sage Shuka, for a means to protect himself from his enemies. Sage Shuka then teaches him the Narayana Kavacham, which was originally taught by Sage Vishvarupa (the son of Thwashtra), to Indra (King of Heaven).

According to Hindu literature, chanting of Narayana Kavacha regularly is the most powerful way to please Lord Narayana and get his blessings. To achieve the best result, one should perform recitation of this hymn in the early morning (after taking bath) and in front of the idol or picture of Lord Narayana. One should first understand its meaning to maximize the effect.

Regular recitation of Narayana Kavacha gives peace of mind and keeps away all the evils from our life and makes us healthy, wealthy and prosperous.

Composed By: Veda Vyasa

Vishvaroopa form of Lord Vishnu

Play the music, and sing the stotra along with it. The verses with blue background is the actual Stotra (as in the audio), but it is advised to read the whole discourse as a daily recitation.

॥ श्रीनारायणकवचम् ॥

ॐ श्री हरिः ।
अथ श्रीनारायणकवच ॥

Om, Salutations to Lord Hari.
Here starts Sri Narayana Kavacha (armor/protective chanting of Lord Narayana).

॥राजोवाच॥

यया गुप्तः सहस्राक्षः सवाहान् रिपु-सैनिकान् ।
क्रीडन्निव विनिर्जित्य त्रिलोक्या बुभुजे श्रियम् ।।१।।

King Parikshit said:
My Lord! Please kindly explain me that protective shield (armor) of Lord Narayana, by which the thousand-eyed Lord Indra was able to conquer the well-armed soldiers of his enemy (demons) effortlessly (as if it is a play),

भगवं-स्तन्ममाख्याहि वर्म नारायणात्मकम् ।
यथाऽस्ततायिनः शत्रून् येन गुप्तोऽजयन्मृधे ।।२।।

And gained control over the three worlds and wealth, and was safe in the battlefield and became victorious.

॥श्रीशुक उवाच॥

वृतः पुरोहितोस्त्वाष्ट्रो महेन्द्रायानु-पृच्छते ।
नारायणाख्यं वर्माह तदिहैकमनाः श्रृणु ।।३।।

Sage Shuka replied:
O King! Sage Vishvarupa (the son of Thwashtra) was the priest of Lord Indra, who taught him this auspicious hymn praising the shield of Lord Narayana. And I will teach you this divine hymn. Please listen to this carefully.

॥विश्वरूप उवाच॥

धौताङ्घ्रि-पाणिराचम्य सपवित्र उदङ्मुखः ।
कृतस्वाङ्ग-करन्यासो मन्त्राभ्यां वाग्यतः शुचिः ।।४।।

Sage Vishvarupa said:
When you are besieged with fear, perform ablutions (washing of feet and hands), do internal purification by Achamana, and take a seat on the sacred (Kusha) grass facing north wearing the ring made up of Kusha grass on your finger (of both hands). Recite the holy chants with hand symbols and attain cleanliness of speech.

नारायणमयं वर्म सन्नह्येद्-भय आगते ।
दैवभूतात्म-कर्मभ्यो नारायणमयः पुमान ॥ ५॥

You should then become silent, meditate upon Lord Narayana, and do suitable actions to tie yourself with the armor of Narayana.

पादयोर्जानु-नोरूर्वोः उदरे हृद्यथोरसि ।
मुखे शिरस्यानु-पूर्व्यादोङ्कारादीनि विन्यसेत् ।।६।।

Using the eight letters starting with Om, touch the feet, knees, thighs, belly, heart, chest, face and head.

ॐ नमो नारायणायेति विपर्यय-मथापि वा ।
करन्यासं ततः कुर्याद्-द्वादशाक्षर-विद्यया ।।७।।

Chanting the eight-lettered mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" either in ascending or descending order, you have to perform the knowledge of twelve letters (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya).

प्रणवादि-यकारन्तम्-अङ्गुल्यङ्गुष्ठ-पर्वसु ।
न्यसेद्-हृदय ॐकारं विकारमनु-मूर्धनि ।।८।।

Preceding each syllable by Pranava Mantra "Om", place the syllables of the Mantra on the tips of your fingers, beginning with the index finger of the right hand and concluding with the index finger of the left. The four remaining syllables should be placed on the joints of the thumbs. Now, placing the syllable "Om" in your heart, chant "Vi" by touching the top of your head.

षकारं तु भ्रुवोर्मध्ये णकारं शिखया दिशेत् ।
वेकारं नेत्रयोर्युञ्ज्यान्नकारं सर्वसन्धिषु ।।९।।

Recite "Sha" by touching the middle of the two eyebrows, recite "Na" by touching the tuft of the hair (Sikha) on your head. Recite "Ve" by touching both the eyes, and recite "Na" by touching all the joints.

मकार-मस्त्र-मुद्दिश्य मन्त्र-मूर्तिर्भवेद् बुधः ।
सविसर्गं फडन्तं तत् सर्वदिक्षु विनिर्दिशेत् ।
ॐ विष्णवे नम इति ।।१०।।

Now, meditate on the syllable "Ma", as being a weapon. Thereafter, chant the mantra "Mah Astraya Phat" in all directions, beginning from the east. In this way, all directions will be bound by the protective armor of the Mantra. Thus, chant "Om, Salutations to Lord Vishnu".

आत्मानं परमं ध्यायेद्-ध्येयं षट्शक्तिभिर्युतम् ।
विद्या-तेजस्तपो-मूर्तिमिमं मन्त्र-मुदाहरेत ।।११।।

Now, meditate upon the Atman supported by six major powers or strengths (wealth, prowess, charity, fame, wisdom, and renunciation) and recite the holy hymn praising the glories of Lord Narayana (known as Narayana Kavacha).

ॐ हरिर्विदध्यान्मम सर्वरक्षां न्यस्ताङ्घ्रि-पद्मः पतगेन्द्र-पृष्ठे ।
दरारि-चर्मासि-गदेषु-चाप-पाशान्-दधानोऽष्टगुणोऽष्टबाहुः ।।१२।।

The Supreme Lord (Lord Hari/Narayana), Who sits on the back of the bird 'Garuda' touching him with His lotus feet, Who is armed with eight weapons or mystic powers (known as conch, wheel, shield, sword, mace, bow, arrows, and a rope) on His eight hands, may that all-powerful God protect me always.

जलेषु मां रक्षतु मत्स्यमूर्तिः यादो-गणेभ्यो वरूणस्य पाशात् ।
स्थलेषु माया-वटु-वामनोऽव्यात् त्रिविक्रमः खे‌ऽवतु विश्वरूपः ।।१३।।

May Matsya (fish) incarnation of Lord Narayana protect me in the water from the fierce creatures that are associates of the demi-God Varuna. Let me be protected in the Land by Lord Vamana (the dwarf priest), and in the sky by Vishvarupa (conqueror of the three worlds, also known as Trivikrama) form.

दुर्गेष्वटव्याजि-मुखादिषु प्रभुः पायान्नृसिंहो‌ऽसुर-युथ-पारिः ।
विमुञ्चतो यस्य महाट्टहासं दिशो विनेदुर्न्यपतंश्च गर्भाः ।।१४।।

In forests, dangerous places and in war, let me be protected by Lord Narasimha (half-man and half-lion form of Lord Vishnu) Whose mighty roar shakes all directions, breaks open the army formation of Asuras and cause pregnant Asura women to have miscarriage.

रक्षत्वसौ मा‌ऽध्वनि यज्ञकल्पः स्वदंष्ट्रयोन्नीत-धरो वराहः ।
रामो‌ऽद्रिकूटेष्वथ विप्रवासे सलक्ष्मणोऽव्याद्-भरताग्रजोऽस्मान् ।।१५।।

May Lord Varaha (the Boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Who was originated from Yajna, Who by his fierce form with protruding teeth lifted and carried the earth to safety, protect my paths. May Lord Parashurama protect me on the mountains and hills. May Lord Rama, Who is the elder brother of Bharata and Lakshmana, protect me when I am away from my own land.

मामुग्र-धर्मादखिलात्-प्रमादात्-नारायणः पातु नरश्च हासात् ।
दत्तस्त्व-योगादथ योगनाथः पायाद्गुणेशः कपिलः कर्मबन्धात् ।।१६।।

Let me be protected and forgiven by Lord Narayana when I break the rules of righteousness and commit sins, may Sage Narada protect me from my pride. May Sage Dattatreya forgive me for not observing Yoga and meditation, and may Sage Kapila protect me from the bondage of Karma.

सनत्कुमारोऽवतु कामदेवाद्धयशीर्षा मां पथि देव-हेलनात् ।
देवर्षि-वर्यः पुरूषार्च-नान्तरात्-कूर्मो हरिर्मां निरयादशेषात् ।।१७।।

May Sage Sanat Kumara protect me from the cupid (arrows of Kamadeva), may Lord Hayagriva protect me while I am on travel as well as when I commit severe mistakes by disrespecting the Vedas or Scriptures. May Sage Narada protect me from sins of non-worship of Devas (demi-Gods), and may Lord Hari, who took the incarnation of tortoise, protect me from different types of hell.

धन्वन्तरिर्भगवान्-पात्व-पथ्याद्-द्वन्द्वाद्-भयादृषभो निर्जितात्मा ।
यज्ञश्च लोका-दवताज्जनान्ताद्-बलो गणात्-क्रोध-वशादहीन्द्रः ।।१८।।

May Lord Dhanvantari protect me from evil effects caused from the consumption of unsuitable (unhealthy) foods. May Lord Rishabha, Who conquered His inner and outer senses, protect me from the fear of contradictory dualities. May Sage Yajna protect me from the gossip of society, may Lord Balarama protect me from the enemies, and may Lord Adishesha protect me from envious serpents.

द्वैपायनो भगवान-प्रबोधाद्-बुद्धस्तु पाखण्ड-गणात्-प्रमादात् ।
कल्किः कलेः कालमलात्-प्रपातु धर्मा-वनायोरू-कृतावतारः ।।१९।।

May Sage Vyasa protect me from lack of wisdom and spiritual awakening, may Lord Buddha protect me from hypocrisy and ignorance. May Lord Kalki, Who is the savior of righteousness, protect me from the evil effects and thoughts of Kali era.

मां केशवो गदया प्रातरव्याद्-गोविन्द आसङ्गवमात्तवेणुः ।
नारायणः प्राह्ण उदात्तशक्तिः मध्यन्दिने विष्णुररीन्द्रपाणिः ।।२०।।

Let me be protected in the morning by Lord Keshava with His mace, may Lord Govinda protect me by His flute after dawn. May Lord Narayana, Who is equipped with all potencies, protect me before noon. And at noon, may Lord Vishnu protect me by His holy wheel.

देवोऽपराह्णे मधुहोग्र-धन्वा सायं-त्रिधामाऽवतु माधवो माम् ।
दोषे हृषीकेश उतार्धरात्रे निशीथ एकोऽवतु पद्मनाभः ।।२१।।

May Lord Madhusudanah, Who carries a great bow, protect me during the afternoon. In the evening, may Lord Madhava in the form of Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) protect me. After sunset, may Lord Hrsikesa protect me, and at the midnight, may Lord Padmanabha alone protect me.

श्रीवत्स-धामाऽपररात्र ईशः प्रत्यूष ईशो‌ऽसिधरो जनार्दनः ।
दामोदरो‌ऽव्यादनुसन्ध्यं प्रभाते विश्वेश्वरो भगवान्-कालमूर्तिः ।।२२।।

May the Lord Who bears Srivatsa (mark of Sri Lakshmi) on His chest protect me after midnight. May Lord Janardana, Who holds the sword, protect me just before dawn. Let me be protected at the time of sunrise by Lord Damodara, and by Lord Vishweshwara in the morning.

चक्रं युगान्ता-नलतिग्म-नेमि भ्रमत्-समन्ताद्-भगवत्प्रयुक्तम् ।
दन्दग्धि दन्दग्ध्यरि-सैन्यमाशु कक्षं यथा वातसखो हुताशः ।।२३।।

O Lord Sudarshana (holy wheel)! Your edges are like the raging fire at the time of deluge, You move at the will of Lord Narayana, You are fast and furious capable of burning everything into ashes (just like fire burns dry grass with the help of wind), I earnestly pray You to annihilate my enemies.

गदे‌ऽशनि-स्पर्शन-विस्फुलिङ्गे निष्पिण्ढि निष्पिण्ढ्यजित-प्रियासि ।
कूष्माण्ड-वैनायक-यक्ष-रक्षो-भूत-ग्रहांश्चूर्णय चूर्णयारीन् ।।२४।।

O holy mace! You are the dear servant of Lord Narayana. The sparks derived from the touches of Yours are unbearable like Vajra (weapon of Lord Indra). Please thrash off the evil spirits known as Kusmandas, Vainayakas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Bhutas, Grahas, and all my enemies.

त्वं यातुधान-प्रमथ-प्रेतमातृ-पिशाच-विप्र-ग्रहघोर-दृष्टीन् ।
दरेन्द्र विद्रावय कृष्ण-पूरितो भीम-स्वनो‌ऽरेर्हृदयानि कम्पयन् ।।२५।।

O holy conch! When Lord Krishna blows in You, You create a huge reverberating sound which causes the hearts of enemies to tremble, and drive away all the evils like ghouls, devils, ghosts, Pramadhas, Brahma Rakshasas, and other hideous creatures.

त्वं तिग्म-धारासि-वरारि-सैन्यमीश-प्रयुक्तो मम छिन्धि छिन्धि ।
चक्षूंषि चर्मञ्छतचन्द्र छादय द्विषामघोनां हर पाप-चक्षुषाम् ।।२६।।

O holy sword! You are the fierce weapon of Lord Narayana, shining brilliant like hundred moons. Please cut my enemies into pieces and forever close the eyes of my sinful enemies.

यन्नो भयं ग्रहेभ्योऽभूत्-केतुभ्यो नृभ्य एव च ।
सरीसृपेभ्यो दंष्ट्रिभ्यो भूतेभ्योंऽहोभ्य एव वा ।।२७।।

The fear that we have due to the influence of bad planets, comets, Ketu and kings; the fear that we have from serpents, ghosts and sins,

सर्वाण्येतानि भगवान्नाम-रूपास्त्र-कीर्तनात् ।
प्रयान्तु संक्षयं सद्यो ये नः श्रेयः प्रतीपकाः ।।२८।।

The fear that prevent our wellbeing; may all be destroyed, O Lord Narayana, by the praise of Your glories and fierce weapons.

गरूड़ो भगवान्-स्तोत्र-स्तोभश्छन्दोमयः प्रभुः ।
रक्षत्व-शेष-कृच्छ्रेभ्यो विष्वक्सेनः स्वनामभिः ।।२९।।

O Lord Garuda, Who is praised by the hymns of Vedas, Who is as powerful as Supreme Lord Himself, may You protect me from fearful serpents, and may Lord Vishwaksena also protect me from all dangers by the singing of His holy names.

सर्वापद्भ्यो हरेर्नाम-रूपयानायुधानि नः ।
बुद्धिन्द्रिय-मनः प्राणान् पान्तु पार्षद-भूषणाः ।।३०।।

Let the glorious names and forms of Lord Hari, His carriers and fierce weapons decorating Him as personal associates, protect my mind, senses and soul, and from all the dangers and sins.

यथा हि भगवानेव वस्तुतः सद-सच्चयत् ।
सत्यनानेन नः सर्वे यान्तु नाशमुपद्रवाः ।।३१।।

The Absolute Truth (Supreme Lord), Who dwells in all the living and non-living things, may destroy all the troubles that we face.

यथैकात्म्यानु-भावानां विकल्प-रहितः स्वयम् ।
भूषणायुध-लिङ्गाख्या धत्ते शक्तीः स्वमाययाः ।।३२।।

Those great savants (wise) who are advanced in spiritual knowledge sees all the Lord's bodily decorations, His names, attributes, forms, weapons and ornaments as the manifestations of the strength of His potency only (as they are indifferent from one another).

तेनैव सत्य-मानेन सर्वज्ञो भगवान् हरिः ।
पातु सर्वैः स्वरूपैर्नः सदा सर्वत्र सर्वगः ।।३३।।

And due to this truth (spiritual understanding), the omniscient Lord Who manifests in various forms, is present everywhere, and may He always protect me from all calamities.

विदिक्षु दिक्षूर्ध्व-मधः समन्ता-दन्तर्बहिर्भगवान्-नारसिंहः ।
प्रहा-पयंल्लोक-भयं स्वनेन स्वतेजसा ग्रस्त-समस्त-तेजाः ।।३४।।

Lord Narasimha, Who, due to His power, destroyed elephants, serpents and other evils and saved Prahlada. May He (in the same way) protect me from all the fears of the world, in all directions and every corner, above, below, within and without.

मघवन्निदमाख्यातं वर्म नारयणात्मकम् ।
विजेष्य-स्यञ्जसा येन दंशितो‌ऽसुर-यूथपान् ।।३५।।

(Sage Vishvarupa said) O Indra! Thus, I have told you the mystic (great) armor of Lord Narayana. Using this (as a protective covering), you will certainly be able to defeat the army of demons and protect yourself.

एतद्-धारयमाणस्तु यं यं पश्यति चक्षुषा ।
पदा वा संस्पृशेत्-सद्यः साध्वसात्स विमुच्यते ।।३६।।

If he, who wears this armor, sees anyone by his eyes or even touches him by his feet, that man would also be able to get rid of all the fears.

न कुतश्चिद्-भयं तस्य विद्यां धारयतो भवेत् ।
राज-दस्यु-ग्रहादिभ्यो व्याघ्रादिभ्यश्च कर्हिचित् ।।३७।।

He who wears this armor (or recites this holy hymn) of Lord Narayana will never have any fear from kings, enemies, animals and malefic planets.

इमां विद्यां पुरा कश्चित्-कौशिको धारयन् द्विजः ।
योग-धारणया स्वाङ्गं जहौ स मरूधन्वनि ।।३८।।

Long time ago, this knowledge was worn by a Brahmin from Koushika Gotra, who purposely gave up his life in a desert by the mystic power.

तस्योपरि विमानेन गन्धर्व-पतिरेकदा ।
ययौ चित्ररथः स्त्रीर्भिवृतो यत्र द्विजक्षयः ।।३९।।

One day, a celestial Gandharva (called Chitrarath) was travelling in a plane along with his ladies (Apsaras).

गगनान्न्य-पतत्-सद्यः सविमानो ह्यवाक्शिराः ।
स वालखिल्य-वचनादस्थी-न्यादाय विस्मितः ।
प्रास्य प्राची-सरस्वत्यां स्नात्वा धाम स्वमन्वगात् ।।४०।।

When the plane reaches just above where the Brahmin's body was lying, the plane took a sudden halt and fell down along with the Gandharva and his ladies. Soon, the sages (called Balakhilya) appeared before him and advised him to perform final rite for the Brahmin. Obeying the advice of the sages, he took the bones of the Brahmin, put them in the river Saraswati, took bath in the river and went back to his home. Thus, the Brahmin's soul attained salvation due to the devoutness he had attained by reciting the holy hymns of Narayana Kavacham.

॥श्रीशुक उवाच॥

य इदं श्रृणुयात्-काले यो धारयति चादृतः ।
तं नमस्यन्ति भूतानि मुच्यते सर्वतो-भयात् ।।४१।।

Sage Shuka said:
Whoever listens or recites this armor of Lord Narayana would be honored (saluted) by all beings and he would be freed from all fears and anxieties.

एतां विद्यामधिगतो विश्वरूपाच्छतक्रतुः ।
त्रैलोक्य-लक्ष्मीं बुभुजे विनिर्जित्य‌ मृधेऽसुरान् ।।४२।।

Learning this knowledge from Vishvarupa, King Indra won the battle over all Asuras, and after conquering them, He enjoyed all the opulences (luxuries) of the three worlds.

।। इति श्रीनारायणकवचं सम्पूर्णम् ।।

Thus ends the hymn Sri Narayana Kavacham (protective chanting of Lord Narayana).

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NOTE:
This is the original version of Narayana Kavacham. You may find that some texts do not match the words from the song. Know that, the texts written here is the correct and complete one. For easy reading, dash sign (-) is placed in the middle of texts, leaving space as it is. If you want the original format, just remove dash sign from all the verses.