ಓಂ ಶ್ರೀಗಣೇಶಾಯ ನಮಃ ।
Om, reverent salutations to the divine and auspicious Lord Ganesha.
ಓಂ ನಮೋ ನಾರಾಯಣಾಯ ।
Om. I offer my profound obeisance and complete surrender to Lord Narayana, the Supreme, All-Pervading Divine Consciousness.
ಅಙ್ಗನ್ಯಾಸಃ -
The Sacred Consecration of the Limbs
ಓಂ ಓಂ ನಮಃ ಪಾದಯೋಃ ।
Om, Om, salutations unto the two feet.
ಓಂ ನಂ ನಮಃ ಜಾನುನೋಃ ।
Om. Obeisance to the sacred syllable *Nam*, established upon both knees.
ಓಂ ಮೋಂ ನಮಃ ಊರ್ವೋಃ ।
Om. Salutations [with the sacred syllable] *Mom* unto the thighs.
ಓಂ ನಾಂ ನಮಃ ಉದರೇ ।
Om, salutations to the sacred syllable *Nām*, consecrated upon the abdomen.
ಓಂ ರಾಂ ನಮಃ ಹೃದಿ ।
Om, obeisance to Rām, in the heart.
ಓಂ ಯಂ ನಮಃ ಉರಸಿ ।
Om, salutations; I establish the sacred syllable *Yam* upon my chest.
ಓಂ ಣಾಂ ನಮಃ ಮುಖೇ ।
Om. Salutations, placing the sacred syllable *ṇāṁ* upon the mouth.
ಓಂ ಯಂ ನಮಃ ಶಿರಸಿ ॥
Om. Salutations, [placing the seed-syllable] *Yam* upon the head.
ಕರನ್ಯಾಸಃ -
The Sacred Consecration of the Hands (Kara-Nyāsa)
ಓಂ ಓಂ ನಮಃ ದಕ್ಷಿಣತರ್ಜನ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
Om Om, salutations [established] upon the right index finger.
ಓಂ ನಂ ನಮಃ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಮಧ್ಯಮಾಯಾಮ್ ।
Om. Obeisances to the sacred syllable *Naṁ*, established upon the middle finger of the right hand.
ಓಂ ಮೋಂ ನಮಃ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾನಾಮಿಕಾಯಾಮ್ ।
Om. Obeisances to the syllable 'Mom' on the right ring finger.
ಓಂ ಭಂ ನಮಃ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಕನಿಷ್ಠಿಕಾಯಾಮ್ ।
Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Bhaṁ*, established upon the right little finger.
ಓಂ ಗಂ ನಮಃ ವಾಮಕನಿಷ್ಠಿಕಾಯಾಮ್ ।
Om, obeisance to the sacred syllable *Gam*, established upon the left little finger.
ಓಂ ವಂ ನಮಃ ವಾಮಾನಾಮಿಕಾಯಾಮ್ ।
Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Vam*, established upon the left ring finger.
ಓಂ ತೇಂ ನಮಃ ವಾಮಮಧ್ಯಮಾಯಾಮ್ ।
Om. Salutations unto the sacred syllable *Tem*, consecrated upon the left middle finger.
ಓಂ ವಾಂ ನಮಃ ವಾಮತರ್ಜನ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Vām*, established upon the left index finger.
ಓಂ ಸುಂ ನಮಃ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾಂಗುಷ್ಠೋರ್ಧ್ವಪರ್ವಣಿ ।
Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Suṁ*, established upon the upper joint of the right thumb.
ಓಂ ದೇಂ ನಮಃ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾಂಗುಷ್ಠಾಯ ಪರ್ವಣಿ ।
Om. Salutations to the joint of the right thumb, consecrated with the syllable 'Dem'.
ಓಂ ವಾಂ ನಮಃ ವಾಮಾಂಗುಷ್ಠೋರ್ಧ್ವಪರ್ವಣಿ ।
Om. Obeisances to the seed-syllable Vāṁ, established upon the upper joint of the left thumb.
ಓಂ ಯಂ ನಮಃ ವಾಮಾಂಗುಷ್ಠಾಯ ಪರ್ವಣಿ ॥
Om. Salutations to the joint of the left thumb, consecrated with the sacred syllable Yaṁ.
ವಿಷ್ಣುಷಡಕ್ಷರನ್ಯಾಸಃ -
The Placement of the Six-Syllable Mantra of Lord Vishnu
ಓಂ ಓಂ ನಮಃ ಹೃದಯೇ ।
Om, Om; obeisance to the heart.
ಓಂ ವಿಂ ನಮಃ ಮೂರ್ಧನಿ ।
Om. Salutations to the sacred syllable *Viṃ*, consecrated upon the crown of the head.
ಓಂ ಷಂ ನಮಃ ಭ್ರುವೋರ್ಮಧ್ಯೇ ।
Om. Reverent salutations to the sacred syllable *Ṣaṁ*, established in the space between the eyebrows.
ಓಂ ಣಂ ನಮಃ ಶಿಖಾಯಾಮ್ ।
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.
ಓಂ ವೇಂ ನಮಃ ನೇತ್ರಯೋಃ ।
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.
ಓಂ ನಂ ನಮಃ ಸರ್ವಸನ್ಧಿಷು ।
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.
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಪ್ರಾಚ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಆಗ್ನೇಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ದಕ್ಷಿಣಸ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ನೈರೃತ್ಯೇ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಪ್ರತೀಚ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ವಾಯವ್ಯೇ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಉದೀಚ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಐಶಾನ್ಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಊರ್ಧ್ವಾಯಾಮ್ ।
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!
ಓಂ ಮಃ ಅಸ್ತ್ರಾಯ ಫಟ್ ಅಧರಾಯಾಮ್ ॥
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!
ಅಥ ಶ್ರೀನಾರಾಯಣಕವಚಮ್ ।
Thus begins the auspicious and supremely protective Armor (Kavacham) of Shri Narayana.
ರಾಜೋವಾಚ ।
The King (Parikshit) spoke (or inquired).
ಯಯಾ ಗುಪ್ತಃ ಸಹಸ್ರಾಕ್ಷಃ ಸವಾಹಾನ್ರಿಪುಸೈನಿಕಾನ್ ।
By which (divine armor), Sahasraksha (Indra), being thus protected,
ಕ್ರೀಡನ್ನಿವ ವಿನಿರ್ಜಿತ್ಯ ತ್ರಿಲೋಕ್ಯಾ ಬುಭುಜೇ ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ ॥ ೧॥
playfully, as it were, completely vanquished the enemy armies with their mounts, and thereafter enjoyed the glorious sovereignty of the three worlds.
ಭಗವಂಸ್ತನ್ಮಮಾಖ್ಯಾಹಿ ವರ್ಮ ನಾರಾಯಣಾತ್ಮಕಮ್ ।
O revered Bhagavān, please narrate to me that divine armor,
ಯಥಾಽಽತತಾಯಿನಃ ಶತ್ರೂನ್ ಯೇನ ಗುಪ್ತೋಽಜಯನ್ಮೃಧೇ ॥ ೨॥
which is imbued with the very essence of Narayana, and by means of which, being divinely protected, Indra conquered the assailing enemies in battle.
ವೃತಃ ಪುರೋಹಿತಸ್ತ್ವಾಷ್ಟ್ರೋ ಮಹೇನ್ದ್ರಾಯಾನುಪೃಚ್ಛತೇ ।
The priest, Vishvarūpa, son of Tvashta, being entreated by Mahendra (Indra) who was inquiring,
ನಾರಾಯಣಾಖ್ಯಂ ವರ್ಮಾಹ ತದಿಹೈಕಮನಾಃ ಶೃಣು ॥ ೩॥
then revealed the armor known as Narayana. Now, listen to that account here with utmost single-mindedness.
ಧೌತಾಙ್ಘ್ರಿಪಾಣಿರಾಚಮ್ಯ ಸಪವಿತ್ರ ಉದಙ್ಮುಖಃ ।
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.
ಕೃತಸ್ವಾಙ್ಗಕರನ್ಯಾಸೋ ಮನ್ತ್ರಾಭ್ಯಾಂ ವಾಗ್ಯತಃ ಶುಚಿಃ ॥ ೪॥
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.
ನಾರಾಯಣಮಯಂ ವರ್ಮ ಸನ್ನಹ್ಯೇದ್ಭಯ ಆಗತೇ ।
When fear or danger arises, one should mentally don the armor imbued with Narayana's essence,
ಪಾದಯೋರ್ಜಾನುನೋರೂರ್ವೋರುದರೇ ಹೃದ್ಯಥೋರಸಿ ॥ ೫॥
by performing `nyāsa` (placement of mantras) on the feet, knees, thighs, abdomen, heart, and then on the chest.
ಮುಖೇ ಶಿರಸ್ಯಾನುಪೂರ್ವ್ಯಾದೋಙ್ಕಾರಾದೀನಿ ವಿನ್ಯಸೇತ್ ।
Then, on the face and on the head, one should sequentially place the syllables starting with Om (of the mantra 'Om Namo Narayanaya'),
ಓಂ ನಮೋ ನಾರಾಯಣಾಯೇತಿ ವಿಪರ್ಯಯಮಥಾಪಿ ವಾ ॥ ೬॥
or even in reverse order, as an alternative method.
ಕರನ್ಯಾಸಂ ತತಃ ಕುರ್ಯಾದ್ದ್ವಾದಶಾಕ್ಷರವಿದ್ಯಯಾ ।
Thereafter, one should perform `kara-nyāsa` (placement of mantra syllables on the hands and fingers) using the potent knowledge of the twelve-syllable mantra.
ಪ್ರಣವಾದಿಯಕಾರಾನ್ತಮಙ್ಗುಲ್ಯಙ್ಗುಷ್ಠಪರ್ವಸು ॥ ೭॥
Starting with Praṇava (Om) and ending with the letter 'ya', one should place [the syllables] on the joints of the fingers and thumb.
ನ್ಯಸೇದ್ಧೃದಯ ಓಙ್ಕಾರಂ ವಿಕಾರಮನು ಮೂರ್ಧನಿ ।
One should place the syllable 'Om' on the heart, and the syllable 'vi' subsequently on the head.
ಷಕಾರಂ ತು ಭ್ರುವೋರ್ಮಧ್ಯೇ ಣಕಾರಂ ಶಿಖಯಾ ದಿಶೇತ್ ॥ ೮॥
And the syllable 'ṣa' in the middle of the eyebrows, and the syllable 'ṇa' one should direct to the topknot (śikhā).
ವೇಕಾರಂ ನೇತ್ರಯೋರ್ಯುಞ್ಜ್ಯಾನ್ನಕಾರಂ ಸರ್ವಸನ್ಧಿಷು ।
One should apply the syllable 've' to the two eyes, and the syllable 'na' to all the joints.
ಮಕಾರಮಸ್ತ್ರಮುದ್ದಿಶ್ಯ ಮನ್ತ್ರಮೂರ್ತಿರ್ಭವೇದ್ಬುಧಃ ॥ ೯॥
Designating the syllable 'ma' as a weapon, the wise person should become an embodiment of the mantra's power.
ಸವಿಸರ್ಗಂ ಫಡನ್ತಂ ತತ್ ಸರ್ವದಿಕ್ಷು ವಿನಿರ್ದಿಶೇತ್ ।
That [mantra/weapon], including the visarga and ending with phaṭ, one should project in all directions.
ಓಂ ವಿಷ್ಣವೇ ನಮ ಇತಿ ॥ ೧೦॥
Thus [is the mantra]: Om Salutations to Vishnu.
ಆತ್ಮಾನಂ ಪರಮಂ ಧ್ಯಾಯೇದ್ಧ್ಯೇಯಂ ಷಟ್ಶಕ್ತಿಭಿರ್ಯುತಮ್ ।
One should meditate upon the Supreme Self, the ultimate object of meditation, who is endowed with the six divine opulences.
ವಿದ್ಯಾತೇಜಸ್ತಪೋಮೂರ್ತಿಮಿಮಂ ಮನ್ತ್ರಮುದಾಹರೇತ್ ॥ ೧೧॥
One should utter this mantra, [meditating on Him as] the embodiment of supreme knowledge, spiritual radiance, and unwavering austerity.
ಓಂ ಹರಿರ್ವಿದಧ್ಯಾನ್ಮಮ ಸರ್ವರಕ್ಷಾಂ
ನ್ಯಸ್ತಾಙ್ಘ್ರಿಪದ್ಮಃ ಪತಗೇನ್ದ್ರಪೃಷ್ಠೇ ।
Om, may Hari grant me all protection,
ದರಾರಿಚರ್ಮಾಸಿಗದೇಷುಚಾಪ-
—He who has placed His lotus feet upon the back of the king of birds (Garuda),
ಪಾಶಾನ್ದಧಾನೋಽಷ್ಟಗುಣೋಽಷ್ಟಬಾಹುಃ ॥ ೧೨॥
—He who bears the conch, discus, shield, sword, mace, arrow, bow,
ಜಲೇಷು ಮಾಂ ರಕ್ಷತು ಮತ್ಸ್ಯಮೂರ್ತಿ-
and noose, possessing eight divine attributes and having eight arms.
ರ್ಯಾದೋಗಣೇಭ್ಯೋ ವರುಣಸ್ಯ ಪಾಶಾತ್ ।
May the Fish Incarnation protect me in the waters
ಸ್ಥಲೇಷು ಮಾಯಾವಟುವಾಮನೋಽವ್ಯಾತ್
ತ್ರಿವಿಕ್ರಮಃ ಖೇಽವತು ವಿಶ್ವರೂಪಃ ॥ ೧೩॥
from hosts of aquatic creatures and from Varuna's noose.
ದುರ್ಗೇಷ್ವಟವ್ಯಾಜಿಮುಖಾದಿಷು ಪ್ರಭುಃ
ಪಾಯಾನ್ನೃಸಿಂಹೋಽಸುರಯೂಥಪಾರಿಃ ।
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.
ವಿಮುಞ್ಚತೋ ಯಸ್ಯ ಮಹಾಟ್ಟಹಾಸಂ
ದಿಶೋ ವಿನೇದುರ್ನ್ಯಪತಂಶ್ಚ ಗರ್ಭಾಃ ॥ ೧೪॥
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.
ರಕ್ಷತ್ವಸೌ ಮಾಧ್ವನಿ ಯಜ್ಞಕಲ್ಪಃ
ಸ್ವದಂಷ್ಟ್ರಯೋನ್ನೀತಧರೋ ವರಾಹಃ ।
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).
ರಾಮೋಽದ್ರಿಕೂಟೇಷ್ವಥ ವಿಪ್ರವಾಸೇ
ಸಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣೋಽವ್ಯಾದ್ಭರತಾಗ್ರಜೋಽಸ್ಮಾನ್ ॥ ೧೫॥
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).
ಮಾಮುಗ್ರಧರ್ಮಾದಖಿಲಾತ್ಪ್ರಮಾದಾ-
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)
ನ್ನಾರಾಯಣಃ ಪಾತು ನರಶ್ಚ ಹಾಸಾತ್ ।
protect me from ridicule, scorn, and any situation that might cause me to lose my dignity or earnestness.
ದತ್ತಸ್ತ್ವಯೋಗಾದಥ ಯೋಗನಾಥಃ
ಪಾಯಾದ್ಗುಣೇಶಃ ಕಪಿಲಃ ಕರ್ಮಬನ್ಧಾತ್ ॥ ೧೬॥
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.
ಸನತ್ಕುಮಾರೋಽವತು ಕಾಮದೇವಾ-
May Sanatkumara protect me from the powerful allure of Kamadeva (lust and all worldly desires); and may Hayagriva (the embodiment of sacred knowledge)
ದ್ಧಯಶೀರ್ಷಾ ಮಾಂ ಪಥಿ ದೇವಹೇಲನಾತ್ ।
protect me on my path (of life and spiritual practice) from any blasphemy, disrespect, or error in understanding towards the divine.
ದೇವರ್ಷಿವರ್ಯಃ ಪುರುಷಾರ್ಚನಾನ್ತರಾತ್
ಕೂರ್ಮೋ ಹರಿರ್ಮಾಂ ನಿರಯಾದಶೇಷಾತ್ ॥ ೧೭॥
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.
ಧನ್ವನ್ತರಿರ್ಭಗವಾನ್ಪಾತ್ವಪಥ್ಯಾ-
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,
ದ್ದ್ವನ್ದ್ವಾದ್ಭಯಾದೃಷಭೋ ನಿರ್ಜಿತಾತ್ಮಾ ।
protect me from the dualities of existence (like pleasure and pain, gain and loss) and from all forms of fear.
ಯಜ್ಞಶ್ಚ ಲೋಕಾದವತಾಞ್ಜ್ಜನಾನ್ತಾ-
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,
ದ್ಬಲೋ ಗಣಾತ್ಕ್ರೋಧವಶಾದಹೀನ್ದ್ರಃ ॥ ೧೮॥
protect me from unruly crowds or mobs, and from being overwhelmed by the force of anger, whether my own or others'.
ದ್ವೈಪಾಯನೋ ಭಗವಾನಪ್ರಬೋಧಾ-
May the venerable Lord Dvaipayana (Vyasa), protect me from spiritual ignorance, from a lack of true awakening or understanding.
ದ್ಬುದ್ಧಸ್ತು ಪಾಖಣ್ಡಗಣಪ್ರಮಾದಾತ್ ।
He who is roused against the delusive heedlessness of the hosts of heretics,
ಕಲ್ಕಿಃ ಕಲೇಃ ಕಾಲಮಲಾತ್ಪ್ರಪಾತು
ಧರ್ಮಾವನಾಯೋರುಕೃತಾವತಾರಃ ॥ ೧೯॥
May Kalki fully guard [me] from the spiritual defilements of the Kali Yuga, He whose glorious incarnation is for the preservation of Dharma.
ಮಾಂ ಕೇಶವೋ ಗದಯಾ ಪ್ರಾತರವ್ಯಾ-
May Kesava protect me in the morning with His mace;
ದ್ಗೋವಿನ್ದ ಆಸಙ್ಗವಮಾತ್ತವೇಣುಃ ।
May Govinda, holding His flute, protect in the forenoon.
ನಾರಾಯಣಃ ಪ್ರಾಹ್ಣ ಉದಾತ್ತಶಕ್ತಿ-
May Narayana, with His exalted potency, protect in the late morning;
ರ್ಮಧ್ಯನ್ದಿನೇ ವಿಷ್ಣುರರೀನ್ದ್ರಪಾಣಿಃ ॥ ೨೦॥
May Vishnu, wielding the King of Weapons (Sudarshana Chakra), protect at midday.
ದೇವೋಽಪರಾಹ್ನೇ ಮಧುಹೋಗ್ರಧನ್ವಾ
ಸಾಯಂ ತ್ರಿಧಾಮಾವತು ಮಾಧವೋ ಮಾಮ್ ।
May Lord Madhuhā, with His formidable bow, protect in the afternoon; and Madhava, the Lord of Three Aspects, protect me in the evening.
ದೋಷೇ ಹೃಷೀಕೇಶ ಉತಾರ್ಧರಾತ್ರೇ
ನಿಶೀಥ ಏಕೋಽವತು ಪದ್ಮನಾಭಃ ॥ ೨೧॥
May Hrishikesha protect at dusk; and at midnight, may the peerless Padmanabha protect me in the deep night.
ಶ್ರೀವತ್ಸಧಾಮಾಪರರಾತ್ರ ಈಶಃ
ಪ್ರತ್ಯೂಷ ಈಶೋಽಸಿಧರೋ ಜನಾರ್ದನಃ ।
May the Lord marked with Shrivatsa protect in the latter part of the night; and at dawn, Janardana, the Lord wielding His sword.
ದಾಮೋದರೋಽವ್ಯಾದನುಸನ್ಧ್ಯಂ ಪ್ರಭಾತೇ
ವಿಶ್ವೇಶ್ವರೋ ಭಗವಾನ್ ಕಾಲಮೂರ್ತಿಃ ॥ ೨೨॥
May Damodara guard at every junction of time; and at daybreak, the Blessed Lord Vishveshvara, the very embodiment of Time.
ಚಕ್ರಂ ಯುಗಾನ್ತಾನಲತಿಗ್ಮನೇಮಿ
ಭ್ರಮತ್ಸಮನ್ತಾದ್ಭಗವತ್ಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತಮ್ ।
O Chakra, whose incisive rim blazes like the destructive fire at the end of ages, ever-whirling on all sides, impelled by the Lord,
ದನ್ದಗ್ಧಿ ದನ್ದಗ್ಧ್ಯರಿಸೈನ್ಯಮಾಶು
ಕಕ್ಷಂ ಯಥಾ ವಾತಸಖೋ ಹುತಾಶಃ ॥ ೨೩॥
Burn, burn intensely and swiftly the armies of my adversaries, just as fire, befriended by the wind, consumes dry forests.
ಗದೇಽಶನಿಸ್ಪರ್ಶನವಿಸ್ಫುಲಿಙ್ಗೇ
ನಿಷ್ಪಿಣ್ಢಿ ನಿಷ್ಪಿಣ್ಢ್ಯಜಿತಪ್ರಿಯಾಸಿ ।
O Mace, whose very touch is a thunderbolt, emitting fierce sparks! Crush, crush! You are cherished by the Invincible Lord.
ಕೂಷ್ಮಾಣ್ಡವೈನಾಯಕಯಕ್ಷರಕ್ಷೋ-
Pulverize the Kuṣmāṇḍas, Vināyakas, Yakṣas, Rakṣasas,
ಭೂತಗ್ರಹಾಂಶ್ಚೂರ್ಣಯ ಚೂರ್ಣಯಾರೀನ್ ॥ ೨೪॥
Bhūtas, and malevolent seizing spirits; pulverize all enemies!
ತ್ವಂ ಯಾತುಧಾನಪ್ರಮಥಪ್ರೇತಮಾತೃ-
ಪಿಶಾಚವಿಪ್ರಗ್ರಹಘೋರದೃಷ್ಟೀನ್ ।
drive away fiends, tormenting spirits, ghosts, fierce Matrikas, Pishachas, adverse planetary influences, and those with malevolent gazes.
ದರೇನ್ದ್ರ ವಿದ್ರಾವಯ ಕೃಷ್ಣಪೂರಿತೋ
ಭೀಮಸ್ವನೋಽರೇರ್ಹೃದಯಾನಿ ಕಮ್ಪಯನ್ ॥ ೨೫॥
filled by Krishna, with a formidable sound that causes the hearts of enemies to tremble.
ತ್ವಂ ತಿಗ್ಮಧಾರಾಸಿವರಾರಿಸೈನ್ಯ-
O sharp-edged Sword, You, wielded by the Lord,
ಮೀಶಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತೋ ಮಮ ಛಿನ್ಧಿ ಛಿನ್ಧಿ ।
utterly cut down my formidable enemy hosts!
ಚಕ್ಷೂಂಷಿ ಚರ್ಮಞ್ಛತಚನ್ದ್ರ ಛಾದಯ
ದ್ವಿಷಾಮಘೋನಾಂ ಹರ ಪಾಪಚಕ್ಷುಷಾಮ್ ॥ ೨೬॥
O Shield, brilliant like a hundred moons, blind the eyes of my wicked foes, and obliterate their malevolent vision.
ಯನ್ನೋ ಭಯಂ ಗ್ರಹೇಭ್ಯೋಽಭೂತ್ಕೇತುಭ್ಯೋ ನೃಭ್ಯ ಏವ ಚ ।
Whatever fear has arisen for us from planets, comets, or from human beings;
ಸರೀಸೃಪೇಭ್ಯೋ ದಂಷ್ಟ್ರಿಭ್ಯೋ ಭೂತೇಭ್ಯೋಂಽಹೋಭ್ಯ ಏವ ಚ ॥ ೨೭॥
from reptiles, from fanged creatures, from malevolent spirits, or from sins themselves;
ಸರ್ವಾಣ್ಯೇತಾನಿ ಭಗವನ್ನಾಮರೂಪಾಸ್ತ್ರಕೀರ್ತನಾತ್ ।
May all these (fears), by the glorification of the Lord's names, forms, and weapons,
ಪ್ರಯಾನ್ತು ಸಙ್ಕ್ಷಯಂ ಸದ್ಯೋ ಯೇ ನಃ ಶ್ರೇಯಃಪ್ರತೀಪಕಾಃ ॥ ೨೮॥
immediately meet utter destruction, all those who are adversaries to our welfare and prosperity.
ಗರುಡೋ ಭಗವಾನ್ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಸ್ತೋಭಶ್ಛನ್ದೋಮಯಃ ಪ್ರಭುಃ ।
May Lord Garuda, the master, who embodies hymns, Vedic intonations, and all poetic meters,
ರಕ್ಷತ್ವಶೇಷಕೃಚ್ಛ್ರೇಭ್ಯೋ ವಿಷ್ವಕ್ಸೇನಃ ಸ್ವನಾಮಭಿಃ ॥ ೨೯ ॥
protect us from all boundless tribulations. May Vishvaksena protect us by his sacred names.
ಸರ್ವಾಪದ್ಭ್ಯೋ ಹರೇರ್ನಾಮರೂಪಯಾನಾಯುಧಾನಿ ನಃ ।
May Hari's names, forms, vehicles, and weapons –
ಬುದ್ಧೀನ್ದ್ರಿಯಮನಃಪ್ರಾಣಾನ್ಪಾನ್ತು ಪಾರ್ಷದಭೂಷಣಾಃ ॥ ೩0॥
indeed, His divine attendants and glorious attributes – protect us from all calamities, safeguarding our intellect, senses, mind, and vital life forces.
ಯಥಾ ಹಿ ಭಗವಾನೇವ ವಸ್ತುತಃ ಸದಸಚ್ಚ ಯತ್ ।
Just as the Supreme Lord alone, in reality, is both the existent and the non-existent, and indeed all that exists;
ಸತ್ಯೇನಾನೇನ ನಃ ಸರ್ವೇ ಯಾನ್ತು ನಾಶಮುಪದ್ರವಾಃ ॥ ೩೧॥
By the power of this Truth, may all our adversities be utterly annihilated.
ಯಥೈಕಾತ್ಮ್ಯಾನುಭಾವಾನಾಂ ವಿಕಲ್ಪರಹಿತಃ ಸ್ವಯಮ್ ।
Just as for those who have realized the oneness of the Self, He Himself remains free from all distinctions and dualities,
ಭೂಷಣಾಯುಧಲಿಙ್ಗಾಖ್ಯಾ ಧತ್ತೇ ಶಕ್ತೀಃ ಸ್ವಮಾಯಯಾ ॥ ೩೨॥
Yet through His own creative power (Māyā), He assumes diverse forms with distinctive ornaments and weapons, and manifests His energies;
ತೇನೈವ ಸತ್ಯಮಾನೇನ ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞೋ ಭಗವಾನ್ ಹರಿಃ ।
By that very established truth (of His non-dual yet manifest nature), may the omniscient, divine Lord Hari,
ಪಾತು ಸರ್ವೈಃ ಸ್ವರೂಪೈರ್ನಃ ಸದಾ ಸರ್ವತ್ರ ಸರ್ವಗಃ ॥ ೩೩॥
The all-pervading One, always and everywhere protect us through all His myriad forms.
ವಿದಿಕ್ಷು ದಿಕ್ಷೂರ್ಧ್ವಮಧಃ ಸಮನ್ತಾ-
In all intermediate directions, cardinal directions, above, below, and all around,
ದನ್ತರ್ಬಹಿರ್ಭಗವಾನ್ನಾರಸಿಂಹಃ ।
Within and without, may the divine Lord Narasimha,
ಪ್ರಹಾಪಯಁಲೋಕಭಯಂ ಸ್ವನೇನ
ಸ್ವತೇಜಸಾ ಗ್ರಸ್ತಸಮಸ್ತತೇಜಾಃ ॥ ೩೪॥
Whose formidable roar dispels all worldly fear, and whose blazing effulgence has eclipsed the radiance of all others, afford us complete protection.
ಮಘವನ್ನಿದಮಾಖ್ಯಾತಂ ವರ್ಮ ನಾರಾಯಣಾತ್ಮಕಮ್ ।
O Maghavan (Indra), this armor, which is the very essence of Narayana, has been revealed to you.
ವಿಜೇಷ್ಯಸ್ಯಞ್ಜಸಾ ಯೇನ ದಂಶಿತೋಽಸುರಯೂಥಪಾನ್ ॥ ೩೫॥
Clad in it, you shall effortlessly conquer the chiefs of the demon hordes.
ಏತದ್ಧಾರಯಮಾಣಸ್ತು ಯಂ ಯಂ ಪಶ್ಯತಿ ಚಕ್ಷುಷಾ ।
Indeed, whoever bears this (Kavacham), whomever he perceives with his eyes,
ಪದಾ ವಾ ಸಂಸ್ಪೃಶೇತ್ಸದ್ಯಃ ಸಾಧ್ವಸಾತ್ಸ ವಿಮುಚ್ಯತೇ ॥ ೩೬॥
Or touches with his foot, that very person is instantly freed from all fear and apprehension.
ನ ಕುತಶ್ಚಿದ್ಭಯಂ ತಸ್ಯ ವಿದ್ಯಾಂ ಧಾರಯತೋ ಭವೇತ್ ।
For him who bears this sacred knowledge (the Kavacham), there shall be no fear from any quarter,
ರಾಜದಸ್ಯುಗ್ರಹಾದಿಭ್ಯೋ ವ್ಯಾಘ್ರಾದಿಭ್ಯಶ್ಚ ಕರ್ಹಿಚಿತ್ ॥ ೩೭॥
Never from kings, thieves, planetary influences, or even from formidable beasts like tigers, at any time whatsoever.
ಇಮಾಂ ವಿದ್ಯಾಂ ಪುರಾ ಕಶ್ಚಿತ್ಕೌಶಿಕೋ ಧಾರಯನ್ ದ್ವಿಜಃ ।
Formerly, a certain brahmin of the Kaushika lineage, bearing this sacred knowledge (the Kavacham)...
ಯೋಗಧಾರಣಯಾ ಸ್ವಾಙ್ಗಂ ಜಹೌ ಸ ಮರುಧನ್ವನಿ ॥ ೩೮॥
By the power of Yogic absorption, he (the Brahmin) relinquished his own body in the desert. ||38||
ತಸ್ಯೋಪರಿ ವಿಮಾನೇನ ಗನ್ಧರ್ವಪತಿರೇಕದಾ ।
One day, above that very spot, the lord of Gandharvas,
ಯಯೌ ಚಿತ್ರರಥಃ ಸ್ತ್ರೀಭಿರ್ವೃತೋ ಯತ್ರ ದ್ವಿಜಕ್ಷಯಃ ॥ ೩೯ ॥
Chitraratha, surrounded by women, was passing by in his celestial vehicle, where the Brahmin's body lay departed. ||39||
ಗಗನಾನ್ನ್ಯಪತತ್ಸದ್ಯಃ ಸವಿಮಾನೋ ಹ್ಯವಾಕ್ಶಿರಾಃ ।
Suddenly, he fell from the sky, along with his aerial car, head-first.
ಸ ವಾಲಖಿಲ್ಯವಚನಾದಸ್ಥೀನ್ಯಾದಾಯ ವಿಸ್ಮಿತಃ ।
Astonished, he (Chitraratha) collected the bones upon the instruction of the Valakhilyas.
ಪ್ರಾಸ್ಯ ಪ್ರಾಚೀಸರಸ್ವತ್ಯಾಂ ಸ್ನಾತ್ವಾ ಧಾಮ ಸ್ವಮನ್ವಗಾತ್ ॥ ೪೦॥
Having cast them into the Eastern Sarasvati river and bathed therein, he returned to his own abode. ||40||
ಶ್ರೀಶುಕ ಉವಾಚ।
Shri Shukadeva Goswami said:
ಯ ಇದಂ ಶೃಣುಯಾತ್ಕಾಲೇ ಯೋ ಧಾರಯತಿ ಚಾದೃತಃ ।
He who listens to this (Kavacham) at the proper time, and he who reverently cherishes it (or wears it),
ತಂ ನಮಸ್ಯನ್ತಿ ಭೂತಾನಿ ಮುಚ್ಯತೇ ಸರ್ವತೋ ಭಯಾತ್ ॥ ೪೧॥
all beings bow down to him, and he is liberated from all fears. ||41||
ಏತಾಂ ವಿದ್ಯಾಮಧಿಗತೋ ವಿಶ್ವರೂಪಾಚ್ಛತಕ್ರತುಃ ।
Having obtained this knowledge (the Narayana Kavacham) from Vishvarupa, Shatakratu (Indra)
ತ್ರೈಲೋಕ್ಯಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಂ ಬುಭುಜೇ ವಿನಿರ್ಜಿತ್ಯ ಮೃಧೇಽಸುರಾನ್ ॥ ೪೨॥
enjoyed the opulence of the three worlds, having completely conquered the Asuras in battle. ||42||
॥ ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ಭಾಗವತಮಹಾಪುರಾಣೇ ಪಾರಮಹಂಸ್ಯಾಂ ಸಂಹಿತಾಯಾಂ
ಷಷ್ಠಸ್ಕನ್ಧೇ ನಾರಾಯಣವರ್ಮಕಥನಂ ನಾಮಾಷ್ಟಮೋಽಧ್ಯಾಯಃ ॥
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'.
