బుధ కవచమ్

Of this Śrī Budha Kavaca hymn-mantra, Kaśyapa is the seer, anuṣṭubh the metre, Budha the deity; it is employed in recitation for the pleasing of Budha. Here begins the Armour of Budha: Budha, holding a book, his radiance like saffron, clothed in yellow, wearing yellow garlands and yellow unguents — may he protect me.

May the gentle one guard my waist, and Budha my head; may he whose very form is knowledge guard my eyes, and the beloved of night guard my ears.

May the lover of fragrance guard my nose, and the giver of learning my tongue; may the son of the Moon guard my throat, and he who is adorned with a book guard my arms.

May the fair-limbed guard my chest, and the son of Rohiṇī my heart; may he whom the gods adore guard my navel, and the lord of the sky my middle.

May the son of Rohiṇī guard my knees, and the giver of all things my calves; may the awakener guard my feet, and the gentle one guard my body entire.

Here begins the fruit of recitation: This divine armour destroys every sin, quells every disease, and wards off every sorrow.

It bestows long life, health and good fortune, and increases sons and grandsons. Whoever recites it, or even hears it, becomes victorious wherever he goes.