Durga Kavach
Shri Durga Kavach is a collection of shlokas from the Markandey Purana. It is one limb forming part of the innvocation Mantras in preparation for reading the Durga Saptashti or Chandi Paath.
The Shri Durga Kavach embodies the energy of the Devi within every frame of our being uniting us with the Mula Prakriti. It is an extremly potent shield narrated by Bramha Dev to the sage Markandaye for the benefit of mankind.
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Shri Durga Kavach
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Atha Devyaah Kavachamh
AUM Asya Shrii Chandii Kavachasya
Brahmaa R^Ishhih Anushhtup.H Chhandah Chaamundaa Devataa
Angaanyaa Soktamaataro Biijam.H Digbandha Devataa Stattvamh
Shri Jagadamba Apriityarthe Saptashatii Paathaan^ Gatvena Jape Viniyogah
AUM Namas Chandikaayai
The Presiding Sage for Shri Chandi-Kavach is Brahma, the gauge is Anushtup. The Presiding Deity is Chamunda; The Main Seed is “Anganyasakta Matar”. The Principle is Digbandha Devata. It is recited as part of Sapta-Shati, to please Jagadamba.
Obeisance to Chandika.
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Maarkandeya Uvaacha
AUM Yadh_goohyaM Paramam Loke ; Sarva Rakshaakaram NR^iNaam.h
Yaanna Kasya_chidaa_khyaatam ; Tanme Bruuhi Pitaamaha |1|
Thus spoke Markandeya:
1) O Brahmadeva, please tell me that which is very secret and has not been told by anyone to anybody else and which Protects all human beings in this world.
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Brahmo Vaach
Asti Goohya_tamam Vipra ; Sarva bhuuto pakaa_rakam.h
Devya_astu kavacham punyam ; takshinash_va Mahaamune |2|
Thus spoke Bramha:
O Brahmin, there is Devi Kavach which is most secret and useful to all beings. Please listen to that, O Great Sage. Durga is known by these Names:
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Prathamam Shailaputrii cha ; DvitiiyaM Brahmachaarinii
Tritiiyam Chandra ghanteti ; Kushmaan_deti Chatur_thakam.h |3|
The first form is SHAILAPUTRI- Daughter of the King of Himalayas; second is BRAHMACHARINI One Who observes the state of celibacy; third is CHANDRAGANTA- One Who bears the moon around Her neck fourth is KOOSHMANDA- Whose Void contains the Universe
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Panchamam S_kandamaateti ; Shha_shhtham Kaatyaa_yaniiti cha
Saptamam Kaala_raatrii_ti ; Mahaa_gaurii_ticha_ashhtamam.h |4|
Fifth is SKANDAMATA- Who gave birth to Karttikeya; Sixth is KATYAYANI Who incarnated to help the Devas; Seventh is KALARATRI- Who is even the Destroyer of Kali; Eight is MAHAGAURI- One Who made great penance
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Navamam Siddhi_daatrii cha ; Nava_durgaah Prakiir_titaah
Uktaan_yetaani naamaani ; brahma_naiva mahaat_manaa |5|
Ninth is SIDDHIDATRI- One Who grants Moksha . Those who remember You with great devotion indeed have prosperity. Undoubtedly, O Goddess of the Gods, You Protect those who remember You.
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Agninaa Dahya_maanastu ; Shatrumadhye Gato Ra_Ne
Vishha_me Durgame chaiva , bhayaarh Sharanam Gataah |6|
Na Teshhaa.n Jaayate ; Kinchi_da_shubham_rana_sam_kaTe
Naapadam Tasya Pashyaami , Shoka_duhkha_bhayam na hi |7|
Yaistu Bhaktyaa Smritaa Nuunam ; Teshhaa.n vR^iddhiH Prajaayate
Ye Tvaan Smaranti Deveshi ; Rakshase Taanna Sam_shayah |8|
Those who are frightened, having been surrounded by the enemies on the battlefield, or are burning in fire, or being at an impassable place, would face no calamity, and would never have grief, sorrow, fear, or evil if they surrender to Durga.
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Preta_samsthaa tu Chaamundaa ; Vaaraahii Mahishhaasanaa
Aindrii Gaja_samaa_ruuDhaa ; Vaishhnavii Garuda_asanaa |9|
9) The Goddess Chamunda sits on a corpse, Varahi rides on a buffalo, Aindri is mounted on an elephant and Vaishnavi on a condor.
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Maaheshvarii vR^ishhaaruuDhaa ; Kaumaarii Shikhi_vaahanaa
LakshmiiH Padmaasanaa ; Devi Padmahastaa Hari Priyaa |10|
10) Maheswari is riding on a bull, the vehicle of Kaumari is the peacock, Lakshmi, the Beloved of Shri Vishnu, is seated in a lotus and is also holding a lotus in Her Hand.
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Shvetaruupa_dharaa Devi ; Iishvarii vR^ishha_vaahanaa
Braahmii hamsa_samaaruuDhaa ; Sarvaa_bharana_bhuush_hitaa |11|
11) The Goddess Ishwari, of white complexion, is riding on a bull and Brahmi, Who is bedecked with all ornaments is seated on a swan.
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Ityetaa Maatarah Sarvaah , Sarvayoga Saman_vitaah
Naanaa_bharana_shobhaaghyaa , naanaa_ratno pasho_bhitaah |12|
12) All the mothers are endowed with Yoga and are adorned with different ornaments and jewels.
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dR^itiyante RathamaaruuDhaa ; Devyah Krodha_samaa_kulaah
ShaN^khaM Chakram Gadaa.n ; Shakti.n Halamcha Musalaayudhamh |13|
Khetakam Tomaram Chaiva ; Parashu.n Paashameva cha
Kuntaayudham TrishuulaM cha ; Shaaraam_aayudha_muttamam.h |14|
Daityaanaa.n Dehanaashaaya ; Bhaktaa_naama_bhayaaya cha
Dhaarayantya_ayudhaa_niitthaM ; Devaanaa.n cha Hitaaya vai |15|
(13-15) All the Goddesses are seen mounted in chariots and very Angry. They are wielding conch, discus, mace, plough, club, javelin, axe, noose, barbed dart, trident, bow and arrows. These Goddesses are wielding Their weapons for Destroying the bodies of demons, for the Protection of Their devotees and for the benefit of the Gods.
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Namaste.astu Mahaaraudre ; Mahaa_ghora_paraakrame
Mahaabale Mahotsaahe ; Mahaa_bhayavinaashini |16|
16) Salutations to You, O Goddess, of very dreadful appearance, of frightening valour, of tremendous strength and energy, the Destroyer of the worst fears.
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Traahi maa.n Devi Dushhprekshye ; Shatruunaa.n bhayavar_dhini
Praachyaa.n Rakshatu Maa_maindrii ; Aagney_yaam_agni_devataa |17|
Dakshine.avatu Vaaraahii ; nai_rityaa.n khadga_dhaarinii
Pratiichyaa.n Vaarunii Rakshed.h ; Vaayavyaa nmRiga_vaahinii |18|
(17-18) O Devi, it is difficult to have even a glance at You. You increase the fears of Your enemies, please come to my rescue. May Goddess Aindri Protect me from the east. Agni Devata (Goddess of Fire) from the south-east, Varahi (Shakti of Vishnu in the form of the boar) from the south, Khadgadharini (Wielder of the sword) from the south-west, Varuni (The Shakti of Varuna, the rain God) from the west and Mrgavahini, (Whose vehicle is the deer) may Protect me from the north-west.
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Udiichyaa.n Paatu Kaumaarii ; Aishaanyaa.n Shuuladhaarinii
Uurdhva.n Brahmaani me Rakshe ; dadhastaad.h Vaishhnavii Tathaa |19|
19) The Goddess Kaumari (The Shakti of Kumar, that is Karttikeya) Protect me from the north and Goddess Shooladharini from the north-east, Brahmani, (The Shakti of Brahma) from above and Vaishnavi (Shakti of Vishnu) from below, Protect me.
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Evam Dasha Disho Rakshech_chaamundaa ; Shava_vaahanaa yaa me
Chaagratah Paatu Vijayaa ; Paatu pR^ishhThatah |20|
Ajitaa Vaama Paarshve tu ; Dakshine Chaaparaajitaa
Shikhaamu_dyotinii Rakshedumaa ; Muurdhini Vyavasthitaa |21|
20-21) Thus Goddess Chamunda, Who sits on a corps, Protects me from all the ten directions. May Goddess Jaya Protect me from the front and Vijaya from the rear; Ajita from the left and Aparajita from the right. Goddess Dyotini may Protect the topknot and Uma may sit on my head and Protect it.
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Maalaadharii LalaaTe cha ; Bhruvau Rakshed.h Yashasvinii
Trinetraa cha Bhruvor_madhye ; Yama_ghantaa cha Naasike |22|
ShaN^khinii chak_shu_shhor_madhye ; Shrotrayorrdvaa_vaasinii
Kapolau Kaalikaa Rakshet_karnamuule ; tu ShaaN^karii |23|
22-23) May I be Protected by Maladhari on the forehead, Yashswini on the eye-brows, Trinetra between the eye-brows, Yamaghanta on the nose, Shankini on both the eyes, Dwaravasini on the ears, may Kalika Protect my cheeks and Shankari the roots of the ears.
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Naasikaayaa.n Sugandhaa cha ; Uttaroshh_the cha Charchikaa
Adhare Chaam_R^itakalaa ; Jihvaa_yaa.n cha Sarasvatii |24|
Dantaan.h Rakshatu Kaumarii ; kanthadeshe tu chandikaa
Ghantikaa.n Chitra_ghantaa cha ; Mahaa_maayaa cha Taaluke |25|
Kaamaakshii Chibukam Rakshed.h ; Vaacham me SarvamaN^galaa
Griivaayaa.n Bhadrakaalii cha pR^ishh ; Tha_vamshe Dhanur_dharii |26|
Niilagriivaa Bahihkanthe ; Nalikaa.n Nalakuubarii
S_kandhayoh KhaN^ginii Rakshed.h ; Baahuu me Vajradhaarinii |27|
24-27) May I be Protected by Sugandha-nose, Charchika-lip, Amrtakala-lower lip, Saraswati-tongue, Kaumari-teeth, Chandikathroat, Chitra-ghanta-soundbox, Mahamaya-crown of the head, Kamakshi-chin, Sarvamangala-speech, Bhadrakali-neck, Dhanurdhari-back. May Neelagreeva Protect the outer part of my throat and Nalakoobari-windpipe, may Khadgini Protect my shoulders and Vajra-dharini Protect my arms.
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Hastayordan_dinii Rakshed_ambikaa ; ChaaN^guliishhu cha
NakhaaJN_chhuuleshvarii ; Rakshet_kukshau_rakshet_kuleshvarii |28|
S_tanau_rakshen_mahaadevii ; Manahshoka_vinaashinii
HR^idaye Lalitaa Devii ; Udare Shuula_dhaariNii |29|
Naabhau cha Kaaminii Rakshed.h ; GuhyaM Guhyeshvarii tathaa
Puutanaa Kaamikaa me ; DhraM Gude Mahishha_vaahinii |30|
28-30) May Devi Dandini Protect both my hands, Ambika-fingers, Shooleshwari my nails and may Kuleshwari Protect my belly. May I be Protected, by Mahadevi-breast, Shuladharini-abdomen, Lalita Devi-heart, Kamini-navel, Guhyeshwari-hidden parts, Pootana Kamika-reproductive organs, Mahishavasini-excretory organ.
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KaTiyaa.n Bhagavatii Rakshej_jaanunii ; Vindhya_vaasinii
JaN^ghe MahaabalaaRakshet_ ; sarvakaama_pradaayinii |31|
31) May Goddess Bhagavati Protect my waist, Vindhyavasini-knees and the wish-fulfilling Mahabala may Protect my hips.
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Gulpha_yornaarasi.nhii cha ; Paada_pR^ishhThe tu Taijasii
PaadaaN^guliishhu Shrii ; Rakshet_paadaadha_stala_vaasinii |32|
32) May Narashini Protect my ankles. May Taijasi Protect my feet, may Shri Protect my toes. May Talavasini Protect the soles of my feet.
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Nakhaan.h Damshh_Traakaraalii cha ; keshaa.nsh{}chaivo{dhva}.rkeshinii
Roma_kuupeshhu Kauberii ; TvachaM Vaagiishvarii tathaa |33|
33) May Danshtrakarali Protect my nails, Urdhvakeshini-hair, Kauberi-pores, Vagishwari-skin.
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Raktama_jjaava_saamaan_saan_ ; yasthi_medaa.nsi Paarvatii
Antraani Kaala_raatrishcha ; Pittam cha Mukutesh_varii |34|
34) May Goddess Parvati Protect blood, marrow of the bones, fat and bone; Goddess Kalaratri-intestines. Mukuteshwari-bile and liver.
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Padmaavatii Padmakoshe Kaphe ; Chuu_DaamaNis_tathaa
Jvaalaamukhii Nakha_jvaalaa_ ; mabhedyaa Sarva_sandhi_shhu |35|
35) May Padmavati Protect the Chakras, Choodamani-phlegm (or lungs), Jwalamukhi lustre of the nails and Abhedya-all the joints.
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Shukram Brahmaani me ; Rakshech_chhaayaa.n
Chhatresh_varii tathaa Aham_kaaram , Mano Buddhi.n Rakshen_me Dharma_dhaarinii |36|
36) Brahmani-semen, Chhatreshwari the shadow of my body, Dharmadharini-ego, superego and intellect (buddhi).
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PraaNaapaanau Tathaa ; Vyaanam_udaanam cha Samaa_na_kam.h
Vajra_hastaa cha meRakshet.h_ ; praanam Kalyaana_shobhanaa |37|
37) Vajrahasta-pran, apan, vyan, udan, saman (five vital breaths), Kalyanashobhana-pranas (life force).
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Rase Ruupe cha Gandhe cha ; Shabde Sparshe cha Yoginii
Sattvam Rajasta_mashchaiva ; Rakshen_naaraayaNii sadaa |38|
38) May Yogini Protect the sense organs, that is, the faculties of tasting, seeing, smelling, hearing and touching. May Narayni
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Aayuu Rakshatu Vaaraahii ; Dharmam Rakshatu Vaishhnavii
Yashah Kiirti.n cha Lakshmii.n cha ; Dhanam Vidyaa.n cha Chakrinii |39|
39) Varahi-the life, Vaishnavi-dharma, Lakshmi-success and fame, Chakrini-wealth and knowledge.
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Gotra_Mindraani Me Rakshet_ ; Pashuunme Raksha Chandike ; Putraan.H Rakshenmahaa_Lakshmiir ; Bhaaryaa.N Rakshatu Bhairavii |40|
40) Indrani-relatives, Chandika-cattle, Mahalakshmi-children and Bhairavi-spouse.
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Panthaanam Supathaa rakshen_ ; maargam Kshemakarii tathaa
Raajadvaare Mahaa_lakshmiir_ ; vijayaa Sarvatah Sthitaa |41|
41) Supatha may Protect my journey and Kshemakari my way. Mahalakshmi may Protect me in the king's court and Vijaya everywhere.
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Rakshaa_hiinam tu Yatsthaa_nam ; Varjitam Kavachena tu
Tatsarvam Raksha me Devi ; Jayantii Paapa_naashinii |42|
42) O Goddess Jayanti, any place that has not been mentioned in the Kavach and has thus remained unprotected, may be Protected by You.
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Pada_mekam na Gach_chhettu ; Yadiichchhech_chhu_bhamaat_manah
Kavache_naa vR^ito NityaM ; Yatra Yatraiva Gachchhati |43|
Tatra Tatra_artha_laabhashcha Vijayah Saarva_kaamikah ; Yam Yam Chinta_yate Kaamam
Tam Tam Praapnoti nish_chitamh ; Paramaish_varya_matulam Praapsyate Bhuutale Pumaan.h |44|
43-44) One should invariably cover oneself with this Kavacha (by reading) wherever one goes and should not walk even a step without it if one desire auspiciousness. Then one is successful everywhere and all one's desires are fulfilled and that person enjoys great prosperity on the earth.
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Nirbhayo Jaayate martyah ; samgraa_meshhva_paraajitaH
Trailokye tu Bhavet_puujyah ; Kavache_naav_R^itah Pumaan.h |45|
45) The person who covers himself with Kavacha becomes fearless, is never defeated in the battle and becomes worthy of being worshipped in the three worlds.
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Idam tu Devyaah Kavacham ; Devaa_naamapi Durlabham.h
Yah PaThet.h_prayato Nityam ; Trisandhyam Shraddhayaan_vitah |46|
Daivii Kalaa Bhavet_tasya ; Trailokyeshhva_paraajitah
Jiived.h Varshhashatam ; saagrama_pamR^ityuvi_varjitah |47|
46-47) One who reads with faith every day thrice (morning, afternoon and evening), the 'Kavacha' of the Devi, which is inaccessible even to the Gods, receives the Divine arts, is undefeated in the three worlds, lives for a hundred years and is free from accidental death.
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Nashyanti Vyaadhayah Sarve ;Luutaa_vispho_Takaadayah
Sthaavaram JaN^gamam Chaiva ;KR^itrimam Chaapi Yadvishham.h |48|
48) All disease, like boils, scars, etc. are finished. Moveable (scorpions and snakes) and immoveable (other) poisons cannot affect him.
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Abhi_chaaraani Sarvaani ; Mantra_yantraani Bhuutale
Bhuu_charaah Khe_charaash_chaiva_; jalajaash_chopa_deshikaah |49|
Sahajaa Kulajaa Maalaa ; Daakinii Shaakinii Tathaa
Antariksha_charaa Ghoraa ; Daakin_yashcha MahaabalaaH |50|
Graha_bhuuta_pishaachaa_shcha ; Yaksha_gandharva_raakshasaah
Brahma_raakshasa_vetaalaah ; Kushhmaandaa Bhairavaadayah |51|
Nashyanti Darshanaattasya ; Kavache Hridi Samsthite
Maano_nnatir_bhaved.h Raag; yastejov_Riddhikaram Param.h |52|
49-52) All those, who cast magical spells by mantras or yantras, on others for evil purposes, all bhoots, goblins, malevolent beings moving on the earth and in the sky, all those who mesmerise others, all female goblins, all yakshas and gandharvas are destroyed just by the sight of the person having Kavach in his heart.
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Yashasaa vard_dharte so.api ; Kiirti Mandita_bhuutale
Japet_sapta_shatii.n Chandii.n ; kR^itvaa tu Kavacham Puraa |53|
53) That person receives more and more respect and prowess. On the earth he rises in prosperity and fame by reading the Kavacha and Saptashati.
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Yaavad_bhuu_mandalam ; Dhatte Sashaila_vanakaana_namh
Taavattishh_Thati medinyaa.n ; Santatih Putra Pautrikii |54|
Dehaante Paramam S_thaanam , Yatsu_rai_rapi Durlabham.h
Praapnoti Purushho Nityam ; Mahaamaayaa PrasaadataH |55|
Labhate Paramam Ruupam ; Shivena Saha Modate .. AUM |56|
54-56) His progeny would live as long as the earth in rich with mountains and forests. By the Grace of Mahamaya, he would attain the highest place that is inaccessible even to the Gods and is eternally blissful in the company of Lord Shiva.
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