Devi Kavacham
The Devi Kavacham (the Armour of the Goddess) is one of the important parts of the Shri Durga Saptashati. It is read as a prayer for the Goddess’s grace and protection. Remembering the various forms of Mother Durga, it asks for protection of the different parts of the body and of all ten directions. The Devi Kavach describes the glory of the Navadurga, the Matrika Shaktis (mother goddesses) and many other forms of the Goddess. Recited with faith, it gives the devotee a sense of refuge in the Goddess, trust, and spiritual protection.
Atha Shri Devya Kavacham (॥ अथ श्री देव्याः कवचम् ॥)
ॐ अस्य श्रीचण्डीकवचस्य ब्रह्मा ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः,
चामुण्डा देवता, अङ्गन्यासोक्तमातरो बीजम्, दिग्बन्धदेवतास्तत्त्वम्,
श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीत्यर्थे सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः।
_Om Asya Shri-Chandi-Kavachasya Brahma Rishih, Anushtup Chhandah, _Chamunda Devata, Anganyasokta-Mataro Bijam, Digbandha-Devatas Tattvam, _Shri-Jagadamba-Prityarthe Saptashati-Pathangatvena Jape Viniyogah |
Meaning: The rishi of the Shri Chandi Kavach is Brahma, its metre is Anushtup and its deity is Chamunda. The Matrika Shaktis described in the anganyasa are considered its bija, and the goddesses who protect the directions are its shakti. This Kavach is chanted to please Shri Jagadamba and as part of the recitation of the Shri Durga Saptashati.
ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै॥
Om Namash Chandikayai ||
Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Chandika.
Markandeya Uvacha (मार्कण्डेय उवाच)
Verse 1
ॐ यद्गुह्यं परमं लोके सर्वरक्षाकरं नृणाम्।
यन्न कस्यचिदाख्यातंतन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह॥1॥
Om Yadguhyam Paramam Loke Sarva-Rakshakaram Nrinam |
Yanna Kasyachid Akhyatan Tan Me Bruhi Pitamaha || 1 ||
Meaning: The sage Markandeya says: “O Grandsire (Brahma)! Tell me that means which is the most secret in the world and which gives complete protection to human beings — the one you have not revealed to anyone.”
Brahma Uvacha (ब्रह्मोवाच)
Verse 2
अस्ति गुह्यतमं विप्र सर्वभूतोपकारकम्।
देव्यास्तु कवचं पुण्यं तच्छृणुष्व महामुने॥2॥
Asti Guhyatamam Vipra Sarva-Bhutopakarakam |
Devyastu Kavacham Punyam Tach Chhrinushva Mahamune || 2 ||
Meaning: Brahma says: “O learned one! There is such a sacred Kavach of the Goddess — most secret, and beneficial to all living beings. Listen to it, O great sage.”
Verse 3
प्रथमं शैलपुत्री च द्वितीयं ब्रह्मचारिणी।
तृतीयं चन्द्रघण्टेति कूष्माण्डेति चतुर्थकम्॥3॥
Prathamam Shailaputri Cha Dvitiyam Brahmacharini |
Tritiyam Chandraghanteti Kushmandeti Chaturthakam || 3 ||
Meaning: Of the nine forms of the Goddess, the first is Shailaputri, the second Brahmacharini, the third Chandraghanta and the fourth Kushmanda.
Verse 4
पञ्चमं स्कन्दमातेति षष्ठं कात्यायनीति च।
सप्तमं कालरात्रीति महागौरीति चाष्टमम्॥4॥
Panchamam Skandamateti Shashtham Katyayaniti Cha |
Saptamam Kalaratrim Mahagauriti Chashtamam || 4 ||
Meaning: The fifth form of the Goddess is Skandamata, the sixth Katyayani, the seventh Kalaratri and the eighth Mahagauri.
Verse 5
नवमं सिद्धिदात्री च नवदुर्गाः प्रकीर्तिताः।
उक्तान्येतानि नामानि ब्रह्मणैव महात्मना॥5॥
Navamam Siddhidatri Cha Navadurgah Prakirtitah |
Uktanyetani Namani Brahmanaiva Mahatmana || 5 ||
Meaning: The ninth form is Siddhidatri. These nine forms of the Goddess are thus called the Navadurga. All these names were declared by the great Brahma himself.
Verse 6
अग्निना दह्यमानस्तु शत्रुमध्ये गतो रणे।
विषमे दुर्गमे चैव भयार्ताः शरणं गताः॥6॥
Agnina Dahyamanastu Shatrumadhye Gato Rane |
Vishame Durgame Chaiva Bhayartah Sharanam Gatah || 6 ||
Meaning: A person who is surrounded by fire, trapped among enemies in battle, caught in some difficult situation or impassable place, and who, distressed by fear, takes refuge in the Goddess —
Verse 7
न तेषां जायते किञ्चिदशुभं रणसङ्कटे।
नापदं तस्य पश्यामि शोकदुःखभयं न हि॥7॥
Na Tesham Jayate Kinchid Ashubham Ranasankate |
Napadam Tasya Pashyami Shoka-Duhkha-Bhayam Na Hi || 7 ||
Meaning: Nothing inauspicious befalls him in battle or in times of crisis. He does not have to face calamity, grief, sorrow or fear. So it is said in praise of the Devi Kavach.
Verse 8
यैस्तु भक्त्या स्मृता नूनं तेषां वृद्धिः प्रजायते।
ये त्वां स्मरन्ति देवेशि रक्षसे तान्न संशयः॥8॥
Yaistu Bhaktya Smrita Nunam Tesham Vriddhih Prajayate |
Ye Tvam Smaranti Deveshi Rakshase Tanna Samshayah || 8 ||
Meaning: Those who remember the Goddess with devotion prosper. O Queen of the gods! You surely protect those who remember you.
Verse 9
प्रेतसंस्था तु चामुण्डा वाराही महिषासना।
ऐन्द्री गजसमारुढा वैष्णवी गरुडासना॥9॥
Pretasamstha Tu Chamunda Varahi Mahishasana |
Aindri Gaja-Samarudha Vaishnavi Garudasana || 9 ||
Meaning: Goddess Chamunda is seated on a corpse, and Goddess Varahi rides a buffalo. Aindri rides an elephant, and Vaishnavi is seated on Garuda.
Verse 10
माहेश्वरी वृषारुढा कौमारी शिखिवाहना।
लक्ष्मीः पद्मासना देवी पद्महस्ता हरिप्रिया॥10॥
Maheshvari Vrisharudha Kaumari Shikhivahana |
Lakshmih Padmasana Devi Padmahasta Haripriya || 10 ||
Meaning: Goddess Maheshvari rides a bull, and Kaumari is seated on a peacock. Goddess Lakshmi sits on a lotus seat; she holds lotuses in her hands and is beloved of Lord Vishnu.
Verse 11
श्वेतरूपधरा देवी ईश्वरी वृषवाहना।
ब्राह्मी हंससमारुढा सर्वाभरणभूषिता॥11॥
Shveta-Rupa-Dhara Devi Ishvari Vrishavahana |
Brahmi Hamsa-Samarudha Sarvabharana-Bhushita || 11 ||
Meaning: Goddess Ishvari takes a white form and rides a bull. Goddess Brahmi is seated on a swan and is adorned with every kind of ornament.
Verse 12
इत्येता मातरः सर्वाः सर्वयोगसमन्विताः।
नानाभरणशोभाढ्या नानारत्नोपशोभिताः॥12॥
Ityeta Matarah Sarvah Sarva-Yoga-Samanvitah |
Nanabharana-Shobhadhya Nanaratnopashobhitah || 12 ||
Meaning: All these Matrika Shaktis are endowed with divine powers. Adorned with many kinds of ornaments and various jewels, they shine in their splendour.
Verse 13
दृश्यन्ते रथमारुढा देव्यः क्रोधसमाकुलाः।
शङ्खं चक्रं गदां शक्तिं हलं च मुसलायुधम्॥13॥
Drishyante Rathamarudha Devyah Krodha-Samakulah |
Shankham Chakram Gadam Shaktim Halam Cha Musalayudham || 13 ||
Meaning: These goddesses appear seated in chariots, filled with anger towards the wicked. In their hands they hold weapons such as the conch, discus, mace, spear (shakti), plough and pestle.
Verse 14
खेटकं तोमरं चैव परशुं पाशमेव च।
कुन्तायुधं त्रिशूलं च शार्ङ्गमायुधमुत्तमम्॥14॥
Khetakam Tomaram Chaiva Parashum Pashameva Cha |
Kuntayudham Trishulam Cha Sharngam Ayudham Uttamam || 14 ||
Meaning: They also bear many other weapons, such as the shield, the tomara (lance), the axe, the noose, the spear, the trident, and Sharnga, the excellent bow of Lord Vishnu.
Verse 15
दैत्यानां देहनाशाय भक्तानामभयाय च।
धारयन्त्यायुधानीत्थं देवानां च हिताय वै॥15॥
Daityanam Dehanashaya Bhaktanam Abhayaya Cha |
Dharayanty Ayudhanittham Devanam Cha Hitaya Vai || 15 ||
Meaning: The goddesses bear these weapons to destroy the demons, to free the devotees from fear, and for the welfare of the gods.
Verse 16
नमस्तेऽस्तु महारौद्रे महाघोरपराक्रमे।
महाबले महोत्साहे महाभयविनाशिनि॥16॥
Namaste'stu Maharaudre Mahaghora-Parakrame |
Mahabale Mahotsahe Mahabhaya-Vinashini || 16 ||
Meaning: O Goddess of most fierce form, salutations to you! Your valour is tremendous. You are full of great power and energy, and you destroy even the greatest of fears.
Verse 17
त्राहि मां देवि दुष्प्रेक्ष्ये शत्रूणां भयवर्धिनि।
प्राच्यां रक्षतु मामैन्द्री आग्नेय्यामग्निदेवता॥17॥
Trahi Mam Devi Dushprekshye Shatrunam Bhaya-Vardhini |
Prachyam Rakshatu Mamaindri Agneyyam Agnidevata || 17 ||
Meaning: O Goddess, you who are most terrifying to enemies, protect me! May Goddess Aindri protect me in the east, and the Fire God (Agni) in the south-east.
Verse 18
दक्षिणेऽवतु वाराही नैर्ऋत्यां खड्गधारिणी।
प्रतीच्यां वारुणी रक्षेद् वायव्यां मृगवाहिनी॥18॥
Dakshine'vatu Varahi Nairrityam Khadga-Dharini |
Pratichyam Varuni Rakshed Vayavyam Mrigavahini || 18 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Varahi protect me in the south, the sword-bearing Goddess in the south-west, Goddess Varuni in the west, and the Goddess who rides the deer in the north-west.
Verse 19
उदीच्यां पातु कौमारी ऐशान्यां शूलधारिणी।
ऊर्ध्वं ब्रह्माणि मे रक्षेदधस्ताद् वैष्णवी तथा॥19॥
Udichyam Patu Kaumari Aishanyam Shuladharini |
Urdhvam Brahmani Me Rakshed Adhastad Vaishnavi Tatha || 19 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Kaumari protect me in the north and the trident-bearing Goddess in the north-east. May Brahmi protect me from above and Goddess Vaishnavi from below.
Verse 20
एवं दश दिशो रक्षेच्चामुण्डा शववाहना।
जया मे चाग्रतः पातु विजया पातु पृष्ठतः॥20॥
Evam Dasha Disho Rakshech Chamunda Shavavahana |
Jaya Me Chagratah Patu Vijaya Patu Prishthatah || 20 ||
Meaning: In this way, may Goddess Chamunda, who rides a corpse, protect me from all ten directions. May Goddess Jaya protect me in front and Goddess Vijaya behind.
Verse 21
अजिता वामपार्श्वे तु दक्षिणे चापराजिता।
शिखामुद्योतिनि रक्षेदुमा मूर्ध्नि व्यवस्थिता॥21॥
Ajita Vamaparshve Tu Dakshine Chaparajita |
Shikham Udyotini Raksheduma Murdhni Vyavasthita || 21 ||
Meaning: May Ajita protect me on the left and Aparajita on the right. May Goddess Udyotini protect the shikha (crown tuft) of my head, and may Goddess Uma, seated upon the top of my head, protect me.
Verse 22
मालाधरी ललाटे च भ्रुवौ रक्षेद् यशस्विनी।
त्रिनेत्रा च भ्रुवोर्मध्ये यमघण्टा च नासिके॥22॥
Maladhari Lalate Cha Bhruvau Rakshed Yashasvini |
Trinetra Cha Bhruvor Madhye Yamaghanta Cha Nasike || 22 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Maladhari protect my forehead and Goddess Yashasvini both my eyebrows. May Goddess Trinetra protect the space between the eyebrows and Goddess Yamaghanta my nose.
Verse 23
शङ्खिनी चक्षुषोर्मध्ये श्रोत्रयोर्द्वारवासिनी।
कपोलौ कालिका रक्षेत्कर्णमूले तु शाङ्करी॥23॥
Shankhini Chakshushor Madhye Shrotrayor Dvaravasini |
Kapolau Kalika Rakshet Karnamule Tu Shankari || 23 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Shankhini protect my eyes and Goddess Dvaravasini both my ears. May Kalika protect my cheeks and Goddess Shankari the roots of my ears.
Verse 24
नासिकायां सुगन्धा च उत्तरोष्ठे च चर्चिका।
अधरे चामृतकला जिह्वायां च सरस्वती॥24॥
Nasikayam Sugandha Cha Uttaroshthe Cha Charchika |
Adhare Chamritakala Jihvayam Cha Sarasvati || 24 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Sugandha protect my nose, Goddess Charchika my upper lip and Goddess Amritakala my lower lip. May Goddess Saraswati protect my tongue.
Verse 25
दन्तान् रक्षतु कौमारी कण्ठदेशे तु चण्डिका।
घण्टिकां चित्रघण्टा च महामाया च तालुके॥25॥
Dantan Rakshatu Kaumari Kanthadeshe Tu Chandika |
Ghantikam Chitraghanta Cha Mahamaya Cha Taluke || 25 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Kaumari protect my teeth, Goddess Chandika my throat, Goddess Chitraghanta the uvula, and Goddess Mahamaya my palate.
Verse 26
कामाक्षी चिबुकं रक्षेद् वाचं मे सर्वमङ्गला।
ग्रीवायां भद्रकाली च पृष्ठवंशे धनुर्धरी॥26॥
Kamakshi Chibukam Rakshed Vacham Me Sarvamangala |
Grivayam Bhadrakali Cha Prishtha-Vamshe Dhanurdhari || 26 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Kamakshi protect my chin, and Goddess Sarvamangala my speech. May Bhadrakali protect my neck and Goddess Dhanurdhari my spine.
Verse 27
नीलग्रीवा बहिःकण्ठे नलिकां नलकूबरी।
स्कन्धयोः खङ्गिनी रक्षेद् बाहू मे वज्रधारिणी॥27॥
Nilagriva Bahihkanthe Nalikam Nalakubari |
Skandhayoh Khangini Rakshed Bahu Me Vajradharini || 27 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Nilagriva protect the outer throat, Goddess Nalakubari the windpipe, Goddess Khadgini both my shoulders, and the Goddess who bears the thunderbolt (vajra) both my arms.
Verse 28
हस्तयोर्दण्डिनी रक्षेदम्बिका चाङ्गुलीषु च।
नखाञ्छूलेश्वरी रक्षेत्कुक्षौ रक्षेत्कुलेश्वरी॥28॥
Hastayor Dandini Rakshed Ambika Changulishu Cha |
Nakhan Chhuleshvari Rakshet Kukshau Rakshet Kuleshvari || 28 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Dandini protect my hands, Goddess Ambika my fingers and Goddess Shuleshvari my nails. May Goddess Kuleshvari protect both sides of my abdomen.
Verse 29
स्तनौ रक्षेन्महादेवी मनः शोकविनाशिनी।
हृदये ललिता देवी उदरे शूलधारिणी॥29॥
Stanau Rakshen Mahadevi Manah Shoka-Vinashini |
Hridaye Lalita Devi Udare Shuladharini || 29 ||
Meaning: May Mahadevi protect my chest, and the Goddess who destroys grief protect my mind. May Goddess Lalita protect my heart and the trident-bearing Goddess my stomach.
Verse 30
नाभौ च कामिनी रक्षेद् गुह्यं गुह्येश्वरी तथा।
पूतना कामिका मेढ्रं गुदे महिषवाहिनी॥30॥
Nabhau Cha Kamini Rakshed Guhyam Guhyeshvari Tatha |
Putana Kamika Medhram Gude Mahisha-Vahini || 30 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Kamini protect my navel, Goddess Guhyeshvari my private parts, Goddesses Putana and Kamika my organ of generation, and the Goddess who rides the buffalo my anus.
Verse 31
कट्यां भगवती रक्षेज्जानुनी विन्ध्यवासिनी।
जङ्घे महाबला रक्षेत्सर्वकामप्रदायिनी॥31॥
Katyam Bhagavati Rakshej Januni Vindhyavasini |
Janghe Mahabala Rakshet Sarva-Kama-Pradayini || 31 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Bhagavati protect my waist, Goddess Vindhyavasini my knees and Goddess Mahabala my calves. May the Goddess who fulfils all desires also protect me.
Verse 32
गुल्फयोर्नारसिंही च पादपृष्ठे तु तैजसी।
पादाङ्गुलीषु श्री रक्षेत्पादाधस्तलवासिनी॥32॥
Gulphayor Narasimhi Cha Padaprishthe Tu Taijasi |
Padangulishu Shri Rakshet Padadhastalavasini || 32 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Narasimhi protect both my ankles, Goddess Taijasi the tops of my feet, Shri Devi my toes, and Goddess Padadhastalavasini the soles of my feet.
Verse 33
नखान् दंष्ट्राकराली च केशांश्चैवोर्ध्वकेशिनी।
रोमकूपेषु कौबेरी त्वचं वागीश्वरी तथा॥33॥
Nakhan Damshtra-Karali Cha Keshamsh Chaivordhvakeshini |
Romakupeshu Kauberi Tvacham Vagishvari Tatha || 33 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Damshtrakarali protect my nails, Goddess Urdhvakeshini my hair, Goddess Kauberi the pores of my skin, and Goddess Vagishvari my skin.
Verse 34
रक्तमज्जावसामांसान्यस्थिमेदांसि पार्वती।
अन्त्राणि कालरात्रिश्च पित्तं च मुकुटेश्वरी॥34॥
Rakta-Majja-Vasa-Mamsany Asthi-Medamsi Parvati |
Antrani Kalaratrish Cha Pittam Cha Mukuteshvari || 34 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Parvati protect my blood, marrow, fat, flesh, bones and fatty tissue. May Kalaratri protect my intestines and Goddess Mukuteshvari my bile.
Verse 35
पद्मावती पद्मकोशे कफे चूडामणिस्तथा।
ज्वालामुखी नखज्वालामभेद्या सर्वसन्धिषु॥35॥
Padmavati Padmakoshe Kaphe Chudamanis Tatha |
Jvalamukhi Nakhajvalam Abhedya Sarva-Sandhishu || 35 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Padmavati protect the lotus-shaped inner parts of the body, Goddess Chudamani the phlegm, Goddess Jvalamukhi the radiance of the nails, and Goddess Abhedya all the joints.
Verse 36
शुक्रं ब्रह्माणि मे रक्षेच्छायां छत्रेश्वरी तथा।
अहङ्कारं मनो बुद्धिं रक्षेन्मे धर्मधारिणी॥36॥
Shukram Brahmani Me Rakshech Chhayam Chhatreshvari Tatha |
Ahankaram Mano Buddhim Rakshenme Dharma-Dharini || 36 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Brahmani protect the vital essence (shukra) of the body and Goddess Chhatreshvari my shadow. May Goddess Dharmadharini protect my ego, mind and intellect.
Verse 37
प्राणापानौ तथा व्यानमुदानं च समानकम्।
वज्रहस्ता च मे रक्षेत्प्राणं कल्याणशोभना॥37॥
Pranapanau Tatha Vyanamudanam Cha Samanakam |
Vajrahasta Cha Me Rakshet Pranam Kalyana-Shobhana || 37 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Vajrahasta protect the five vital airs — prana, apana, vyana, udana and samana. May the auspicious Goddess protect my life and my breath.
Verse 38
रसे रूपे च गन्धे च शब्दे स्पर्शे च योगिनी।
सत्त्वं रजस्तमश्चैव रक्षेन्नारायणी सदा॥38॥
Rase Rupe Cha Gandhe Cha Shabde Sparshe Cha Yogini |
Sattvam Rajas Tamash Chaiva Rakshen Narayani Sada || 38 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Yogini protect all the objects of the senses — taste, form, smell, sound and touch. May Goddess Narayani always protect the three gunas — sattva, rajas and tamas.
Verse 39
आयू रक्षतु वाराही धर्मं रक्षतु वैष्णवी।
यशः कीर्तिं च लक्ष्मीं च धनं विद्यां च चक्रिणी॥39॥
Ayu Rakshatu Varahi Dharmam Rakshatu Vaishnavi |
Yashah Kirtim Cha Lakshmim Cha Dhanam Vidyam Cha Chakrini || 39 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Varahi protect my lifespan and Goddess Vaishnavi my dharma. May the Goddess who bears the discus protect my fame, renown, fortune, wealth and learning.
Verse 40
गोत्रमिन्द्राणि मे रक्षेत्पशून्मे रक्ष चण्डिके।
पुत्रान् रक्षेन्महालक्ष्मीर्भार्यां रक्षतु भैरवी॥40॥
Gotram Indrani Me Rakshet Pashun Me Raksha Chandike |
Putran Rakshen Mahalakshmir Bharyam Rakshatu Bhairavi || 40 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Indrani protect my family and lineage (gotra). O Chandike, protect my cattle! May Mahalakshmi protect my children and Bhairavi my wife.
Verse 41
पन्थानं सुपथा रक्षेन्मार्गं क्षेमकरी तथा।
राजद्वारे महालक्ष्मीर्विजया सर्वतः स्थिता॥41॥
Panthanam Supatha Rakshen Margam Kshemakari Tatha |
Rajadvare Mahalakshmir Vijaya Sarvatah Sthita || 41 ||
Meaning: May Goddess Supatha protect my path when I travel, and Goddess Kshemakari the road. May Mahalakshmi protect me in the royal court or places of government, and may Goddess Vijaya protect me on all sides.
Verse 42
रक्षाहीनं तु यत्स्थानं वर्जितं कवचेन तु।
तत्सर्वं रक्ष मे देवि जयन्ती पापनाशिनी॥42॥
Rakshahinam Tu Yatsthanam Varjitam Kavachena Tu |
Tatsarvam Raksha Me Devi Jayanti Papanashini || 42 ||
Meaning: O Goddess Jayanti, destroyer of sin! Whatever place in my body or life has been left unprotected by this Kavach, please protect all of that too.
Verse 43
पदमेकं न गच्छेत्तु यदीच्छेच्छुभमात्मनः।
कवचेनावृतो नित्यं यत्र यत्रैव गच्छति॥43॥
Padamekam Na Gachchhettu Yadichchhech Chhubham Atmanah |
Kavachenavrito Nityam Yatra Yatraiva Gachchhati || 43 ||
Meaning: A person who desires his own welfare should not take even a single step without the protection of this Kavach — so it is said in praise of this Kavach. A person who, always protected by the Kavach, goes anywhere —
Verse 44
तत्र तत्रार्थलाभश्च विजयः सार्वकामिकः।
यं यं चिन्तयते कामं तं तं प्राप्नोति निश्चितम्।
परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यते भूतले पुमान्॥44॥
Tatra Tatrartha-Labhash Cha Vijayah Sarvakamikah |
Yam Yam Chintayate Kamam Tam Tam Prapnoti Nishchitam |
Paramaishvaryam Atulam Prapsyate Bhutale Puman || 44 ||
Meaning: — gains benefit and success everywhere. Whatever wish he thinks of, he surely attains. On earth he gains unequalled prosperity and wealth.
Verse 45
निर्भयो जायते मर्त्यः सङ्ग्रामेष्वपराजितः।
त्रैलोक्ये तु भवेत्पूज्यः कवचेनावृतः पुमान्॥45॥
Nirbhayo Jayate Martyah Sangrameshv Aparajitah |
Trailokye Tu Bhavetpujyah Kavachenavritah Puman || 45 ||
Meaning: A person protected by the Kavach becomes free from fear and is not defeated in conflicts. Such a person gains honour and reverence in all three worlds.
Verse 46
इदं तु देव्याः कवचं देवानामपि दुर्लभम्।
यः पठेत्प्रयतो नित्यं त्रिसन्ध्यं श्रद्धयान्वितः॥46॥
Idam Tu Devyah Kavacham Devanamapi Durlabham |
Yah Pathet Prayato Nityam Trisandhyam Shraddhayanvitah || 46 ||
Meaning: This Kavach of the Goddess is considered rare even for the gods. A person who, with a pure heart, recites it with faith every day at the three sandhyas (dawn, noon and dusk) —
Verse 47
दैवी कला भवेत्तस्य त्रैलोक्येष्वपराजितः।
जीवेद् वर्षशतं साग्रमपमृत्युविवर्जितः॥47॥
Daivi Kala Bhavettasya Trailokyeshv Aparajitah |
Jived Varshashatam Sagram Apamrityu-Vivarjitah || 47 ||
Meaning: — in him the power and grace of the Goddess become manifest, and he is regarded as invincible in the three worlds. He gains the fruit of living for more than a hundred years and of being saved from untimely death — so it is said in praise of the Kavach.
Verse 48
नश्यन्ति व्याधयः सर्वे लूताविस्फोटकादयः।
स्थावरं जङ्गमं चैव कृत्रिमं चापि यद्विषम्॥48॥
Nashyanti Vyadhayah Sarve Luta-Visphotakadayah |
Sthavaram Jangamam Chaiva Kritrimam Chapi Yadvisham || 48 ||
Meaning: By the power of this Kavach, all kinds of diseases and other afflictions are removed. It is described here that it gives protection from every kind of poison — from plants and minerals, from living creatures, and from man-made sources.
Verse 49
अभिचाराणि सर्वाणि मन्त्रयन्त्राणि भूतले।
भूचराः खेचराश्चैव जलजाश्चोपदेशिकाः॥49॥
Abhicharani Sarvani Mantra-Yantrani Bhutale |
Bhucharah Khecharash Chaiva Jalajash Chopadeshikah || 49 ||
Meaning: All kinds of harmful practices and the evil effects of mantras and yantras are removed. It also gives protection from negative influences that dwell on the earth, move through the sky or live in the water.
Verse 50
सहजा कुलजा माला डाकिनी शाकिनी तथा।
अन्तरिक्षचरा घोरा डाकिन्यश्च महाबलाः॥50॥
Sahaja Kulaja Mala Dakini Shakini Tatha |
Antariksha-Chara Ghora Dakinyashcha Mahabalah || 50 ||
Meaning: It is said here that the various negative forces — dakinis, shakinis, and the powerful and fearsome beings that roam the sky — cannot harm the person who takes refuge in the Kavach.
Verse 51
ग्रहभूतपिशाचाश्च यक्षगन्धर्वराक्षसाः।
ब्रह्मराक्षसवेतालाः कूष्माण्डा भैरवादयः॥51॥
Graha-Bhuta-Pishachash Cha Yaksha-Gandharva-Rakshasah |
Brahmarakshasa-Vetalah Kushmanda Bhairavadayah || 51 ||
Meaning: It also gives protection from all kinds of negative forces, such as the harmful influences of the planets, bhutas, pishachas, yakshas, gandharvas, rakshasas, brahmarakshasas, vetalas, kushmandas and bhairavas.
Verse 52
नश्यन्ति दर्शनात्तस्य कवचे हृदि संस्थिते।
मानोन्नतिर्भवेद् राज्ञस्तेजोवृद्धिकरं परम्॥52॥
Nashyanti Darshanat Tasya Kavache Hridi Samsthite |
Manonnatir Bhaved Rajnas Tejo-Vriddhi-Karam Param || 52 ||
Meaning: When this Kavach is held in the heart with faith, its power drives away negative forces. The person gains greater honour from the king or ruler, and his radiance and vigour increase greatly.
Verse 53
यशसा वर्धते सोऽपि कीर्तिमण्डितभूतले।
जपेत्सप्तशतीं चण्डीं कृत्वा तु कवचं पुरा॥53॥
Yashasa Vardhate So'pi Kirti-Mandita-Bhutale |
Japet Saptashatim Chandim Kritva Tu Kavacham Pura || 53 ||
Meaning: Such a person becomes famous and gains renown on earth. Therefore one should first recite the Devi Kavach and then recite the Chandi, that is, the Durga Saptashati.
Verse 54
यावद्भूमण्डलं धत्ते सशैलवनकाननम्।
तावत्तिष्ठति मेदिन्यां संततिः पुत्रपौत्रिकी॥54॥
Yavad Bhumandalam Dhatte Sashaila-Vana-Kananam |
Tavat Tishthati Medinyam Santatih Putra-Pautriki || 54 ||
Meaning: As long as this earth, with its mountains and forests, endures, so long will this practitioner’s children and lineage continue on earth — so it is said in praise of the Kavach.
Verse 55
देहान्ते परमं स्थानं यत्सुरैरपि दुर्लभम्।
प्राप्नोति पुरुषो नित्यं महामायाप्रसादतः॥55॥
Dehante Paramam Sthanam Yatsurairapi Durlabham |
Prapnoti Purusho Nityam Mahamaya-Prasadatah || 55 ||
Meaning: When the body comes to its end, by the grace of Mahamaya the practitioner attains that supreme abode which is said to be difficult to reach even for the gods.
Verse 56
लभते परमं रूपं शिवेन सह मोदते॥ॐ॥56॥
Labhate Paramam Rupam Shivena Saha Modate || Om || 56 ||
Meaning: The practitioner attains the supreme divine form and enjoys bliss with Lord Shiva. In this way, by the Goddess’s grace, he receives the highest spiritual fruit.
Conclusion
॥ इति देव्याः कवचं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
|| Iti Devyah Kavacham Sampurnam ||
The Devi Kavach asks the forms of the Goddess to protect every part of the body, the mind and one’s family, and it is traditionally recited before beginning the Shri Durga Saptashati.
