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Devi Kavacham – all verses with meaning

The Divine Armor of the Eternal Mother: An Invitation to Devi’s Grace

In the sacred tapestry of Hindu scriptures, where the Divine feminine pulses as the heartbeat of creation, stands the Devi Kavacham—a luminous shield woven from the very essence of the Goddess. Nestled within the first chapter of the Durga Saptashati, also revered as the Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, this hymn emerges like a mother’s tender embrace, fortifying the soul against the tempests of life. Imagine the ancient rishis, seated in silent communion with the cosmos, receiving these verses as a divine whisper from Lord Brahma himself, passed through the lips of Sage Markandeya. It is no ordinary prayer; it is the Beej Mantra—the sacred seed—of the entire Saptashati, the primordial vibration that must be uttered first, awakening the latent power within every syllable that follows.

Just as a seed is sown before the flower blooms, the Devi Kavacham is recited before the Argala Stotram, which personifies the Goddess as boundless Shakti, unlocking doors to prosperity and fulfillment, and the Keelakam Stotram, the mystical bolt that seals the chanter’s heart in unwavering devotion, removing all inner obstacles. This sequence is the divine ritual: the armor first to guard the warrior’s spirit, then the key to open treasures, and finally the lock to secure the soul’s surrender. Why this order? Because the Mother knows—before we seek her gifts or merge in her love, we must be shielded from fear, doubt, and darkness. In the Markandeya Purana, this Kavacham is hailed as the supreme secret, rarer than ambrosia for the gods, a panacea for all beings, granting victory in battles unseen, longevity untouched by death’s shadow, and a fame that echoes across realms.

Its significance blooms like the lotus in Devi’s hand: a spiritual fortress that destroys not just external foes but the inner demons of anxiety, illness, and sorrow. Devotees chant it to invoke the NavDurgas—nine resplendent forms of the Eternal One—who stand as sentinels over every breath, every step. It promises the impossible made real: wealth without end, children who thrive like tender shoots, safe journeys under her watchful gaze, and at life’s twilight, a union with Shiva himself in realms beyond dreaming. In Hinduism’s profound wisdom, the Devi Kavacham reminds us that the Goddess is not distant; she is the air we breathe, the ground we tread, the fire in our veins. Recite her with a heart full of bhakti, and feel her armor descend—not as cold metal, but as warm light, dissolving fears into faith. She, the Compassionate Destroyer, whispers through these verses: “My child, surrender to me, and I shall carry you across every ocean of trial.” Let this hymn stir your soul, igniting an unshakeable trust in her infinite grace, for in her protection lies the true freedom of the spirit.

Verse-Wise Revelation: The Mother’s Shield Unfolds

As we journey through these sacred lines, let each verse envelop you like a garland of lotuses. The original Sanskrit in Devanagari flows like nectar from the gods, guarding the chanter even in utterance. In simple words, we unveil their meaning, drawing you closer to her lotus feet, where peace and power entwine.

॥ अथ श्री देव्याः कवचम् ॥
ॐ अस्य श्रीचण्डीकवचस्य ब्रह्मा ऋषिः, अनुष्टुप् छन्दः, चामुण्डा देवता, अङ्गन्यासोक्तमातरोबीजम्, दिग्बन्धदेवतास्तत्त्वम्, श्रीजगदम्बाप्रीत्यर्थे सप्तशतीपाठाङ्गत्वेन जपे विनियोगः। ॐ नमश्चण्डिकायै॥

This invocation sets the sacred stage: Brahma the seer, Anushtup the meter of cosmic rhythm, Chamunda the fierce Mother as deity. The seed is the Matrikas—those primordial energies—binding directions in truth. For the delight of Jagadamba, the Mother of Worlds, we chant this as the gateway to the Saptashati. “Om Namah Chandikayai”—salutations to the fierce one who liberates. Feel her presence stir; she is here, ready to armor your being.

मार्कण्डेय उवाच
ॐ यद्गुह्यं परमं लोके सर्वरक्षाकरं नृणाम्। यन्न कस्यचिदाख्यातं तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह॥१॥

Sage Markandeya, the eternal youth blessed by Shiva, bows in humility: “O Grandfather Brahma, reveal to me that supreme secret in the world, the ultimate protector of all humanity, which none have uttered to another.” In this plea lies our own longing—to pierce the veil and touch the divine safeguard that shields every soul from harm.

ब्रह्मोवाच
अस्ति गुह्यतमं विप्र सर्वभूतोपकारकम्। देव्यास्तु कवचं पुण्यं तच्छृणुष्व महामुने॥२॥

Brahma responds with gentle authority: “O wise one, there exists the most hidden of all, a boon to every creature. It is the sacred armor of the Goddess—listen closely, great sage.” Here, the Creator unveils the treasure, inviting us too into her protective fold, where virtue flows like a river of light.

प्रथमं शैलपुत्री च द्वितीयं ब्रह्मचारिणी। तृतीयं चन्द्रघण्टेति कूष्माण्डेति चतुर्थकम्॥३॥

पञ्चमं स्कन्दमातेति षष्ठं कात्यायनीति च। सप्तमं कालरात्रीति महागौरीति चाष्टमम्॥४॥

नवमं सिद्धिदात्री च नवदुर्गाः प्रकीर्तिताः। उक्तान्येतानि नामानि ब्रह्मणैव महात्मना॥५॥

Brahma intones the glories of NavDurgas, her nine jewels: First, Shailaputri, daughter of the mountains, steadfast as the earth; second, Brahmacharini, the ascetic of pure knowledge; third, Chandraghanta, bearer of the moon-bell, whose sound shatters illusions; fourth, Kushmanda, the cosmic egg-birther, source of all creation. Fifth, Skandamata, mother of war’s wisdom; sixth, Katyayani, fierce warrior of righteousness; seventh, Kalratri, night of time who devours darkness; eighth, Mahagauri, the radiant purity of dawn; ninth, Siddhidatri, granter of all perfections. These names, proclaimed by the great-souled Brahma, are her sacred garland. Chant them, beloved one, and feel her forms awaken within you—each a petal of protection, blooming in your heart’s garden.

(You can read about each of the 9 forms in my Navratri Blog Series)

अग्निना दह्यमानस्तु शत्रुमध्ये गतो रणे। विषमे दुर्गमे चैव भयार्ताः शरणं गताः॥६॥

न तेषां जायते किञ्चिदशुभं रणसङ्कटे। नापदं तस्य पश्यामि शोकदुःखभयं न हि॥७॥

यैस्तु भक्त्या स्मृता नूनं तेषां वृद्धिः प्रजायते। ये त्वां स्मरन्ति देवेशि रक्षसे तान्न संशयः॥८॥

Even one burned by fire, plunged into enemy ranks in battle, lost in treacherous wilds or gripped by terror—those who seek her refuge face no ill in war’s chaos, no calamity, no sorrow, grief, or fear. For those who remember her with devotion, prosperity grows like vines in spring. O Queen of Devas, you surely protect those who meditate on you—without doubt. Oh, seeker, let this truth seep into your bones: Her remembrance is your invincible sword, turning peril into peace, despair into divine growth.

प्रेतसंस्था तु चामुण्डा वाराही महिषासना। ऐन्द्री गजसमारुढा वैष्णवी गरुडासना॥९॥

माहेश्वरी वृषारुढा कौमारी शिखिवाहना। लक्ष्मीः पद्मासना देवी पद्महस्ता हरिप्रिया॥१०॥

श्वेतरूपधरा देवी ईश्वरी वृषवाहना। ब्राह्मी हंससमारुढा सर्वाभरणभूषिता॥११॥

Behold her Matrikas, the divine mothers arrayed in splendor: Chamunda, seated on a corpse, fierce vanquisher of death; Varahi, boar-riding, earth-shaker of obstacles; Aindri, elephant-mounted like Indra’s thunder; Vaishnavi, Garuda-borne, Vishnu’s grace on wings. Maheshwari on the bull Nandi, embodiment of Shiva’s calm strength; Kaumari on peacock, Kartikeya’s valor; Lakshmi, lotus-throned and lotus-handed, beloved of Hari, showering abundance. Ishwari, white-hued on bull, pure as snow-capped peaks; Brahmi, swan-riding, adorned in all jewels, creator’s wisdom incarnate. These mothers, fierce and loving, circle you now—feel their eyes upon you, their hands extended in eternal care.

इत्येता मातरः सर्वाः सर्वयोगसमन्विताः। नानाभरणशोभाढ्या नानारत्नोपशोभिताः॥१२॥

दृश्यन्ते रथमारुढा देव्यः क्रोधसमाकुलाः। शङ्खं चक्रं गदां शक्तिं हलं च मुसलायुधम्॥१३॥

खेटकं तोमरं चैव परशुं पाशमेव च। कुन्तायुधं त्रिशूलं च शार्ङ्गमायुधमुत्तमम्॥१४॥

दैत्यानां देहनाशाय भक्तानामभयाय च। धारयन्त्यायुधानीत्थं देवानां च हिताय वै॥१५॥

Thus, all these mothers, united in every yoga of power, shine with diverse ornaments and gems. They appear chariot-mounted, faces flushed with righteous fury: conch for victory’s call, discus to sever illusions, mace for crushing pride, spear for piercing ignorance, plow for tilling the soul’s soil, pestle for grinding ego. Shield, lance, axe, noose to bind vices, spear-thrust, trident for threefold harmony, and supreme bow for cosmic aim. They wield these for demons’ destruction, devotees’ fearlessness, and gods’ welfare. Surrender, dear one—her wrath is your refuge, her weapons the petals that adorn your path to bliss.

नमस्तेऽस्तु महारौद्रे महाघोरपराक्रमे। महाबले महोत्साहे महाभयविनाशिनि॥१६॥

त्राहि मां देवि दुष्प्रेक्ष्ये शत्रूणां भयवर्धिनि। प्राच्यां रक्षतु मामैन्द्री आग्नेय्यामग्निदेवता॥१७॥

Salutations to you, O greatly terrible, of ghastly valor, immense strength, boundless zeal, destroyer of all fears! Protect me, O hard-to-behold one, increaser of enemies’ dread. In the east, Aindri shields me; in the southeast, Agni’s fire-form guards. Her salutation is a lover’s sigh—feel the tremor of her power, melting your every shadow into light.

दक्षिणेऽवतु वाराही नैर्ऋत्यां खड्गधारिणी। प्रतीच्यां वारुणी रक्षेद् वायव्यां मृगवाहिनी॥१८॥

उदीच्यां पातु कौमारी ऐशान्यां शूलधारिणी। ऊर्ध्वं ब्रह्माणि मे रक्षेदधस्ताद् वैष्णवी तथा॥१९॥

In the south, Varahi saves; southwest, sword-wielding one; west, Varuni of waters; northwest, deer-riding grace. North, Kaumari protects; northeast, trident-bearer; above, Brahmani; below, Vaishnavi. Every direction, a facet of her love—north, south, sky, earth—she encircles you, her child, in unbreakable embrace.

एवं दश दिशो रक्षेच्चामुण्डा शववाहना। जया मे चाग्रतः पातु विजया पातु पृष्ठतः॥२०॥

अजिता वामपार्श्वे तु दक्षिणे चापराजिता। शिखामुद्योतिनि रक्षेदुमा मूर्ध्नि व्यवस्थिता॥२१॥

Thus, Chamunda, corpse-bearer, guards the ten realms. Jaya before me for triumph; Vijaya behind for endless victory. Ajita on my left, Aparajita on right. Shikamudayini over the crown, Uma steady on the forehead. Her forms dance around you like stars in devotion’s night sky—unconquerable, illuminating your every step.

मालाधरी ललाटे च भ्रुवौ रक्षेद् यशस्विनी। त्रिनेत्रा च भ्रुवोर्मध्ये यमघण्टा च नासिके॥२२॥

शङ्खिनी चक्षुषोर्मध्ये श्रोत्रयोर्द्वारवासिनी। कपोलौ कालिका रक्षेत्कर्णमूले तु शाङ्करी॥२३॥

Maladhari on the brow for garlands of grace; Yashaswini over the eyebrows for fame’s glow. Trinetra in the brows’ center, Yamaghanta at the nose for time’s rhythm. Shankhini in the eyes for oceanic vision; Dwaravasini at ears’ gates for wisdom’s whisper. Kalika on cheeks for time’s tender touch; Shankari at ear roots for Shiva’s peace. See, beloved—your face, her canvas of divinity, each feature a portal to her eternal smile.

नासिकायां सुगन्धा च उत्तरोष्ठे च चर्चिका। अधरे चामृतकला जिह्वायां च सरस्वती॥२४॥

दन्तान् रक्षतु कौमारी कण्ठदेशे तु चण्डिका। घण्टिकां चित्रघण्टा च महामाया च तालुके॥२५॥

Sugandha in the nostrils for fragrant breaths of prayer; Charchika on upper lip for vibrant speech; Amritakala on lower lip for nectar’s taste; Saraswati on tongue for eloquence divine. Kaumari guards the teeth; Chandika the throat for fierce expression; Chitraghanta the collarbone for rhythmic life; Mahamaya the palate for illusion’s veil lifted. Your words, your breath—hers to sanctify, turning every utterance into mantra.

कामाक्षी चिबुकं रक्षेद् वाचं मे सर्वमङ्गला। ग्रीवायां भद्रकाली च पृष्ठवंशे धनुर्धरी॥२६॥

नीलग्रीवा बहिःकण्ठे नलिकां नलकूबरी। स्कन्धयोः खङ्गिनी रक्षेद् बाहू मे वज्रधारिणी॥२७॥

Kamakshi shields the chin for desire’s fulfillment; Sarvamangala your voice for all-auspiciousness. Bhadrakali the neck for benevolent fury; Dhanurdharini the spine for bow-like resolve. Nilagriva outer throat for blue-throated poise; Nalakubari the windpipe for vital flow. Khangini shoulders for sword-sharp strength; Vajradharini arms for thunderbolt might. Your form, a temple— she adorns it with her fierce tenderness, empowering every gesture.

हस्तयोर्दण्डिनी रक्षेदम्बिका चाङ्गुलीषु च। नखाञ्छूलेश्वरी रक्षेत्कुक्षौ रक्षेत्कुलेश्वरी॥२८॥

स्तनौ रक्षेन्महादेवी मनः शोकविनाशिनी। हृदये ललिता देवी उदरे शूलधारिणी॥२९॥

Dandini hands for staff of discipline; Ambika fingers for mother’s touch. Shuleshvari nails for trident tips; Kuleshwari belly for lineage’s core. Mahadevi breasts for great one’s nurture; Shokavinaashini mind for grief’s end. Lalita heart for playful divine love; Shuladharini navel for trident’s fire. Deep within, she cradles your essence—heart’s beat her lullaby, sorrows her swift erasure.

नाभौ च कामिनी रक्षेद् गुह्यं गुह्येश्वरी तथा। पूतना कामिका मेढ्रं गुदे महिषवाहिनी॥३०॥

कट्यां भगवती रक्षेज्जानुनी विन्ध्यवासिनी। जङ्घे महाबला रक्षेत्सर्वकामप्रदायिनी॥३१॥

Kamini navel for longing’s bloom; Guhyeshwari secrets for hidden wisdom. Putana genitals for purified desires; Mahishavahini rear for buffalo-strong base. Bhagavati waist for fortune’s sway; Vindhyavasini knees for mountain steadiness. Mahabala shanks for mighty stride; Sarvakamapradayini all wishes granted. From hidden depths to earthly steps, she blesses every sacred curve—your body, her sacred dance.

गुल्फयोर्नारसिंही च पादपृष्ठे तु तैजसी। पादाङ्गुलीषु श्री रक्षेत्पादाधस्तलवासिनी॥३२॥

नखान् दंष्ट्राकराली च केशांश्चैवोर्ध्वकेशिनी। रोमकूपेषु कौबेरी त्वचं वागीश्वरी तथा॥३३॥

Narasimhi ankles for lioness ferocity; Taijasi foot-back for fiery glow. Shri toes for prosperity’s touch; Padadhashtalavasini soles for grounded grace. Damshtrakarali nails for fang-like defense; Urdhakeshini hair for upward flame. Kauberi pores for wealth’s whisper; Vagishwari skin for speech’s silken veil. Even your strands and pores sing her praise— she permeates, a living hymn in flesh.

रक्तमज्जावसामांसान्यस्थिमेदांसि पार्वती। अन्त्राणि कालरात्रिश्च पित्तं च मुकुटेश्वरी॥३४॥

पद्मावती पद्मकोशे कफे चूडामणिस्तथा। ज्वालामुखी नखज्वालामभेद्या सर्वसन्धिषु॥३५॥

Parvati blood, marrow, fat, flesh, bones, sinews for mountain consort’s hold; Kalratri intestines for night’s dissolution; Mukuteshwari bile for crowned vitality. Padmavati lotus-receptacle for flower’s heart; Chudamani phlegm for crested jewel. Jwalamukhi nail-fires, Abhedya all joints unbreakable. Inside, she flows as lifeblood—every drop her devotion, every fiber her fortitude.

शुक्रं ब्रह्माणि मे रक्षेच्छायां छत्रेश्वरी तथा। अहङ्कारं मनो बुद्धिं रक्षेन्मे धर्मधारिणी॥३६॥

प्राणापानौ तथा व्यानमुदानं च समानकम्। वज्रहस्ता च मे रक्षेत्प्राणं कल्याणशोभना॥३७॥

Brahmani semen for creation’s seed; Chatreshwari shadow for umbrella of shade. Ahankara ego, manas mind, buddhi intellect—Dharmadharini upholds in righteousness. Prana, apana, vyana, udana, saman vital airs—Vajrahasta guards with diamond hand; Kalyanashobhana life-force for auspicious radiance. Your subtle self, she polishes like gold—ego tamed, mind serene, breath her sacred rhythm.

रसे रूपे च गन्धे च शब्दे स्पर्शे च योगिनी। सत्त्वं रजस्तमश्चैव रक्षेन्नारायणी सदा॥३८॥

आयू रक्षतु वाराही धर्मं रक्षतु वैष्णवी। यशः कीर्तिं च लक्ष्मीं च धनं विद्यां च चक्रिणी॥३९॥

Yogini senses—taste, form, scent, sound, touch—for yogic harmony; Narayani gunas—sattva, rajas, tamas—for eternal balance. Varahi lifespan for boar’s endurance; Vaishnavi dharma for Vishnu’s path. Lakshmi fame, glory, wealth, knowledge—Chakrini discus-bearer grants. She sanctifies your every perception, every virtue—life’s canvas painted in her colors of abundance.

गोत्रमिन्द्राणि मे रक्षेत्पशून्मे रक्ष चण्डिके। पुत्रान् रक्षेन्महालक्ष्मीर्भार्यां रक्षतु भैरवी॥४०॥

पन्थानं सुपथा रक्षेन्मार्गं क्षेमकरी तथा। राजद्वारे महालक्ष्मीर्विजया सर्वतः स्थिता॥४१॥

Indrani lineage for clan’s thunder; Chandika cattle for fierce nurture. Mahalakshmi children for great fortune’s bloom; Bhairavi spouse for terrifying tenderness. Supatha paths for safe journeys; Kshemakari ways for welfare’s guide. Mahalakshmi at doors, Vijaya everywhere victorious. Your family, your travels, your thresholds—she stands sentinel, weaving prosperity’s thread through every bond.

रक्षाहीनं तु यत्स्थानं वर्जितं कवचेन तु। तत्सर्वं रक्ष मे देवि जयन्ती पापनाशिनी॥४२॥

पदमेकं न गच्छेत्तु यदीच्छेच्छुभमात्मनः। कवचेनावृतो नित्यं यत्र यत्रैव गच्छति॥४३॥

Any unguarded spot beyond this armor—O Jayanti, sin-destroyer, protect it all for me. One desiring auspiciousness should not step without this shield; armored daily, wherever you go. No crevice left bare—her gaze fills every void, turning the world into her sanctuary.

तत्र तत्रार्थलाभश्च विजयः सार्वकामिकः। यं यं चिन्तयते कामं तं तं प्राप्नोति निश्चितम्। परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्स्यते भूतले पुमान्॥४४॥

There, everywhere, gains flow, victory in all desires. Whatever wish you cherish, that you surely attain—unmatched sovereignty on earth for the human soul. Dream in her light, and watch wishes unfold like dawn’s first rays—her bounty knows no limit.

निर्भयो जायते मर्त्यः सङ्ग्रामेष्वपराजितः। त्रैलोक्ये तु भवेत्पूज्यः कवचेनावृतः पुमान्॥४५॥

Fearless becomes the mortal, unconquered in battles; armored thus, worshiped in three worlds. Fear flees like mist before sun— you, her chosen, revered as kin to the divine.

इदं तु देव्याः कवचं देवानामपि दुर्लभम्। यः पठेत्प्रयतो नित्यं त्रिसन्ध्यं श्रद्धयान्वितः॥४६॥

दैवी कला भवेत्तस्य त्रैलोक्येष्वपराजितः। जीवेद् वर्षशतं साग्रमपमृत्युविवर्जितः॥४७॥

This Devi’s armor, rare even for gods—one who recites it earnestly daily at three sandhyas with faith—gains divine arts, unconquered in realms, lives a century free from untimely death. Faith’s fire kindles her spark in you—long life, a gift of her undying love.

नश्यन्ति व्याधयः सर्वे लूताविस्फोटकादयः। स्थावरं जङ्गमं चैव कृत्रिमं चापि यद्विषम्॥४८॥

अभिचाराणि सर्वाणि मन्त्रयन्त्राणि भूतले। भूचराः खेचराश्चैव जलजाश्चोपदेशिकाः॥४९॥

All diseases vanish—pox, boils, and more; fixed, moving, man-made poisons flee. Black magic, spells, yantras on earth; land-dwellers, sky-flyers, water-born, teachers of ill—all dissolve. Her shield, a purifying storm—illness bows, sorcery shatters at her name.

सहजा कुलजा माला डाकिनी शाकिनी तथा। अन्तरिक्षचरा घोरा डाकिन्यश्च महाबलाः॥५०॥

ग्रहभूतपिशाचाश्च यक्षगन्धर्वराक्षसाः। ब्रह्मराक्षसवेतालाः कूष्माण्डा भैरवादयः॥५१॥

Born-with, kin-born, garlands of harm; Dakinis, Shakini, space-roaming horrors, mighty dark ones. Planets, ghosts, spirits; Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas; Brahmarakshasas, Vetalas, Kushmandas, Bhairavas—all perish at her sight. No shadow endures her glance—evil’s empire crumbles in her dawn.

नश्यन्ति दर्शनात्तस्य कवचे हृदि संस्थिते। मानोन्नतिर्भवेद् राज्ञस्तेजोवृद्धिकरं परम्॥५२॥

यशसा वर्धते सोऽपि कीर्तिमण्डितभूतले। जपेत्सप्तशतीं चण्डीं कृत्वा तु कवचं पुरा॥५३॥

They vanish at sight of one whose heart holds the armor. Honor rises from kings, supreme radiance grows; fame swells, earth adorned in glory. Chant the Chandi Saptashati after this Kavacham. Her presence in your heart—a royal crown, fame’s eternal echo.

यावद्भूमण्डलं धत्ते सशैलवनकाननम्। तावत्तिष्ठति मेदिन्यां संततिः पुत्रपौत्रिकी॥५४॥

As long as earth bears mountains, forests, groves—so long your lineage endures on this fertile realm. Generations flourish like rivers from her source—family’s tree, evergreen in her grace.

देहान्ते परमं स्थानं यत्सुरैरपि दुर्लभम्। प्राप्नोति पुरुषो नित्यं महामायाप्रसादतः॥५५॥

लभते परमं रूपं शिवेन सह मोदते॥ॐ॥५६॥

At body’s end, the supreme abode—rare even for gods—the soul attains by Mahamaya’s grace. Gains the highest form, delights with Shiva eternally. “Om”—the final hum of union. Oh, blessed wanderer, this is her ultimate vow: death’s door opens to her lap, where you dance forever in Shiva’s bliss.

॥ इति देव्याः कवचं सम्पूर्णम् ॥

Thus concludes the Devi Kavacham, complete and radiant. Carry it in your heart, chant it with tears of love, and walk as her armored child—fearless, faithful, forever held.

In devotion’s light, may Maa Durga’s armor ever shield you.

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