Devi Kavacham
“Devi Kavacham” refers to the divine armor bestowed by the Goddess, which helps the seeker in attaining protection and support in all four aims of human life—Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation). This is the same sacred armor that was narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Markandeya and was later documented for the welfare of all humanity. This armor strengthens our body, mind, and soul, and opens the path to receiving the grace of the Goddess.
Meaning of Devi Kavacham
The literal meaning of “Kavach” is a protective shield.
Devi Kavacham is not just an ordinary hymn—it is a divine collection of protective mantras. In it, prayers are offered to various forms of Mother Durga to safeguard each and every part of the seeker’s body.
This sacred chant illustrates that the many powerful forms of the Goddess are always present, guarding and protecting their devotees. Each specific form of the Devi is invoked to protect a particular body part, ensuring that the seeker remains safe on both the inner and outer levels.
Verses of Devi Kavacham
Once, Sage Markandeya was deeply immersed in eternal penance. He often used to traverse through the three realms with his awakened consciousness.
During one such journey, he happened to meet Lord Brahma. With great humility, Markandeya said,
“O Pitamah (Grandfather of the Universe), please reveal to me that supreme secret—something which is the most confidential in this world, which offers complete protection to mankind, and which you have never revealed to anyone before. Kindly grant me such a means of divine protection.”
Lord Brahma replied,
“O Brahmin! Such a means indeed exists — it is the Kavach (protective shield) of the Goddess. It is more secret than the most secret, supremely pure, and brings great benefit to all living beings.
O great sage, listen carefully to this sacred knowledge.”
Namaste’astu Maharaudre Mahaghora Parakrame.
Mahaa Balae Mahotsaahe Mahabhaya Vinashini.
Salutations to you, O Goddess!
You, who possess a fierce and formidable form, tremendous valor, immense strength, and boundless enthusiasm,
You are the one who destroys even the greatest of fears. I bow to you with reverence.
Traahi Maam Devi Dushprekshye Shatroonam Bhayavardhini।
Praachyaam Rakshatu Maamaindri Aagneyyaamagni Devataa॥
O Mother of the Universe, even to gaze upon you is difficult— you who instil fear in the hearts of enemies,
protect me with your divine presence.
In the eastern direction, may Aindri guard me, and in the southeast (Agni) direction, may the power of Agni (Fire) offer me protection.
Dakshine’vatu Vaarahi Nairrityaam Khadgadhaarini।
Prateechyaam Vaaruni Rakshed Vaayavyaam Mrigavaahini॥
In the southern direction, may Varahi protect me, and in the southwest (Nairitya) direction, may the sword-wielding Goddess be my guardian.
In the western direction, may Varuni watch over me, and in the northwest (Vayavya) direction, may the Goddess who rides a deer safeguard me.
Udeechyaam Paatu Kaumaari Aishaanyaam Shooladhaarini।
Urdhvam Brahmaani Me Rakshedadhastaad Vaishnavi Tathaa॥
In the northern direction, may Kaumari protect me, and in the northeast (Ishana) direction, may the Trident-bearing Goddess be my shield.
From above, may Brahmani guard me, and from below, may Vaishnavi protect me.
Evam Dasha Disho Rakshechchaamundaa Shavavaahanaa।
Jayaa Me Chaagratah Paatu Vijayaa Paatu Prishthatah॥
In the same way, may Chamunda Devi, who uses corpses as her vehicle, protect me in all ten directions.
May Jaya protect me from the front, and Vijaya guard me from the rear.
Ajitaa Vaamapaarshve Tu Dakshine Chaaparaajitaa।
Shikhaamudyotini Rakshed Umaa Moordhni Vyavasthitaa॥
May Ajit protect me on the left side and Aparajita on the right side.
May Udyotini, the shining crown, guard me, and may Uma, seated on my head, protect me.
Malaadhari Lalaate Cha Bhruvau Rakshed Yashasvini।
Trinetraa Cha Bhruvormadhye Yamaghanṭaa Cha Naasike॥
May Maladhari protect my forehead, and may the Yashasvini Devi protect my eyebrows.
In the middle of my eyebrows, may Trinetra safeguard me, and may the Yamghanta Devi protect my nostrils.
Shankhini Chakshushormadhye Shrotrayor-ddhaaravaasini।
Kapolau Kaalikaa Rakshet Karnamoole Tu Shaankari॥
May Shankhini protect the middle of both my eyes, and may Dwarvasini protect my ears.
May Kalika Devi guard the upper part of my ears, and may Bhagwati Shankari Devi protect the lower part of my ears.
Naasikaayaam Sugandhaa Cha Uttaroshṭhe Cha Charchikaa।
Adhare Chaamritakalaa Jihvaayaam Cha Saraswati॥
May Sugandha protect my nostrils, and may Charchika Devi guard my upper lip.
May Amritkala protect my lower lip, and may Saraswati safeguard my tongue.
Dantaan Rakshatu Kaumaari Kanṭhadeshe Tu Chaṇdikaa।
Ghanṭikaa Chitraghanṭaa Cha Mahaamaayaa Cha Taaluke॥
May Kaumari protect my teeth, and may Chandika guard my throat.
May Chitraghanta protect the valley of my throat, and may Mahamaya, residing in my palate, safeguard me.
Kaamaakshi Chibukaṁ Rakshed Vaacham Me Sarvamangalaa।
Greevaayaam Bhadrakaali Cha Prishthavamse Dhanurdhari॥
May Kamaksi protect my chin, and may Sarvamangala safeguard my speech.
May Bhadrakali protect my neck, and may Dhanurdhari guard my spine.
Neelagreevaa Bahihkanṭhe Nalikam Nalakoobari।
Skandhayoḥ Khangini Rakshed Baahoo Me Vajradhaarini॥
May Neelgriva protect the outer part of my throat, and may Nalcoobari safeguard the throat passage.
May Khadagini protect both of my shoulders, and may Vajradharani protect both of my arms.
Hastayor Daṇḍini Rakshed Ambikaa Chaangulīshu Cha।
Nakhaan Shooḷeshwari Rakshet Kukshau Rakshet Kuleshwari॥
May Dandani protect both of my hands, and may Ambika safeguard my fingers.
May Chuleshwari protect my nails, and may Kuleshwari, residing in my abdomen, protect me.
Stanau Rakshen Mahaa Devi Manah Shokavinaashini।
Hridaye Lalitaa Devi Udare Shooladhaarini॥
May Mahadevi protect both of my breasts, and may Shokanashini Devi safeguard my mind.
May Lalita Devi protect my heart, and may Shooladharini reside in my abdomen and protect me.
Naabhau Cha Kaamini Rakshed Guhyam Guhyeshwari Tathaa।
Pootanaa Kaamikaa Medhoon Gude Mahishavaahini॥
May Kamini protect my navel, and may Guhyeshwari protect my secret parts.
May Putana protect my sexual organs, and may Mahishvahini protect my anus.
Katyaam Bhagavati Rakshej Jaanuni Vindhyavaasini।
Jange Mahaabalaa Rakshet Sarvakaamapradaayini॥
May Bhagwati protect my waist, and may Vindhyavasini protect my knees.
May Mahabala Devi, who grants all desires, protect my calves.
Gulphayor Naaresimhi Cha Paadaprishthe Tu Taijasee।
Paadaangulishu Shree Rakshet Paadaadhastalavaasini॥
May Narsinghi protect both of my ankles, and may Tejasi Devi protect the backs of my feet.
May Shri Devi protect my toes, and may Talvasini protect the soles of my feet.
Nakhaan Damshtraakaraali Cha Keshaanshchaivordhvakeshini।
Romakoopeshu Kauberi Tvacham Vaageeshwari Tathaa॥
May Dastra Karali Devi, who appears fearsome due to her teeth, protect my nails,
and may Udhvakeshini Devi protect my hair.
May Kouberi protect the pores of my body hair, and may Vagishwari Devi protect my skin.
Raktamajjaavasaamaansaan Yasthimedaan̄si Paarvati।
Antraani Kaalaraatrishcha Pittam Cha Mukuteshwari॥
May Parvati Devi protect my blood, marrow, fat, flesh, bones, and tissue.
May Kalaratri protect my intestines, and may Mukuteshwari protect my bile.
Padmaavati Padmakoshe Kaphe Choodaamaṇis Tathaa।
Jwaalaamukhi Nakhajwaalaam Abhedyaa Sarvasandhishu॥
May Padmavati Devi, residing in the muladhara and other lotus centers, protect me.
May Chudamani protect the phlegm within me.
May the volcanic flames of the nail oil protect me, which cannot be pierced by any weapon.
May Abhedya Devi, who is impervious, reside in all the joints of my body and protect me.
Shukram Brahmaani Me Rakshechchhaayaam Chatreshwari Tathaa।
Ahankaaram Mano Buddhiṁ Rakshenme Dharmadhaarini॥
May Brahmani protect my semen, May Chhatreshwari protect my shadow,
and may Dharmadharini Devi protect my ego, mind, and intellect.
Praanaapaanau Tathaa Vyaanam Udaanam Cha Samaanakm।
Vajrahastaa Cha Me Rakshet Praaṇam Kalyaana Shobhanaa॥
May Vajrahasta Devi, who holds the thunderbolt in her hand, protect my prana, apana, vyana, udana, and samana vital energies.
May Bhagwati Kalyanshobhana, who is adorned with auspiciousness, protect my life force (prana).
Rase Roope Cha Gandhe Cha Shabde Sparshe Cha Yogini।
Sattvam Rajas Tamashchaiva Rakshennaarayani Sadaa॥
May Yogini Devi protect me while experiencing the five senses—taste, sight, smell, sound, and touch.
May Narayan Devi, who always protects, safeguard the three gunas—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
Aayur Rakshatu Vaaraahi Dharma Rakshatu Vaishnavi।
Yashah Keerti Cha Lakshmeeṁ Cha Dhanam Vidyaam Cha Chakrini॥
May Varahi protect my life span, May Vaishnavi protect my righteousness (dharma),
and may Chakri Devi protect my fame, glory, wealth, prosperity, and knowledge.
Gotram Indraani Me Rakshet Pashoon Me Raksha Chandike।
Putraan Rakshem Mahaa Lakshmeer Bhaaryaa Rakshatu Bhairavi॥
May Indrani protect my lineage (gotra), May Chandike protect my animals,
May Mahalakshmi protect my children, and may Bhairavi protect my wife.
Panthaanam Supathaa Rakshen, Maarg Kshemkari Tathaa.
Raajdware Mahalaxmeervijayaa Sarvatah Sthitaa.
May Supatha, the goddess of auspicious paths, protect my way and may Kshemakari safeguard my journey.
May Mahalakshmi protect me in the king’s court, and may Vijaya Devi, who is omnipresent, protect me from all fears.
Rakshaahinam Tu Yatsthaannam, Varjitam Kavachena Tu.
Tatsarvam Raksha Me Devi, Jayanti Papnashini.
O Goddess, that which has not been mentioned in the Kavach for protection, and thus remains unprotected, may it all be safeguarded by you, for you are Vijay Shalini (the one who is victorious) and Papnashini (the one who destroys sins).
Major Benefits of Devi Kavacham –
A shield of protection in all directions
• No evil force, such as ghosts, spirits, demons, planetary obstacles, black magic, or negative energy, has any effect.
• Effective protection is granted from thieves, poison, enemies, and diseases.
Support in times of adversity
• Just as a boat provides support in a storm, a lamp in the darkness, and a weapon in the battlefield—similarly, the Devi Kavacham offers protection in every crisis.
Mental peace and inner strength
• It grants liberation from fear, stress, anxiety, confusion, and mental weakness.
• Self-confidence, courage, and decision-making ability are enhanced.
Success and prosperity
• Victory is achieved in courts, disputes, enmity, or any challenge in life.
• Intelligence, fame, prosperity, and lasting wealth are attained.
Liberation (Moksha)-bestowing effect
• At the time of death, this Kavach opens the gateway to liberation (Moksha) and guides the soul on the divine path.
Significance of Devi Kavacham
Devi Kavacham is not just a protective mantra, but the foundation of power, spiritual practice, and attainment (Siddhi).
It provides benefits to the seeker on four levels:
1. Physical — Protection from disease, enemies, fear, and negative energy.
2. Mental — Liberation from fear, anxiety, and stress, with an increase in self-strength.
3. Spiritual — The power of the mantra becomes stable, and the Nine Forms of Durga awaken in consciousness.
4. Divine — Shaktipat, divine protection, and progression towards liberation (Moksha).
Regular chanting brings protection, strength, and peace into one’s life.
Rules for Reciting Devi Kavacham
While chanting the Devi Kavacham, it is essential to follow certain rules:
• Before chanting, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
• The place should be clean, peaceful, and concentrated.
• Sit facing the east or north direction.
• Begin the chant after taking a vow.
• Worship the Goddess with flowers, lamp, and incense.
• At the end of the chant, perform the Aarti of the Goddess and seek forgiveness.
Why is Devi Kavacham Necessary?
In today’s time, when there is an overwhelming sense of unknown fear, insecurity, mental disturbance, and spiritual confusion, the Devi Kavacham acts as a divine weapon. In such circumstances, the Devi Kavacham functions as a strong spiritual shield, which:
• Provides protection from unknown fear and mental unrest.
• Grants liberation from stress, confusion, and negativity.
• Enhances mental peace and increases self-strength.
• Provides spiritual guidance and the protection of the Mother.
It provides protection to the soul, peace to the mind, and energy to the body. This is why this Kavach is the primary need of every seeker.
Who Should Recite Devi Kavacham?
This divine Kavach of the Goddess is not meant for a specific class, but for anyone who seeks protection, peace, and strength.
All these individuals must certainly recite the Devi Kavacham:
• For those who are afflicted by disease, fear, enemies, or planetary defects.
• For those who seek mental peace, spiritual strength, and protection in life.
• For those who are surrounded by negative energy, evil forces, or unfavorable influences.
• For those who desire spiritual advancement and the blessings of the Mother.
Whether woman or man, Brahmin or householder, renunciant, student, or merchant—everyone can benefit from the Devi Kavacham.
Source: https://www.sanatanjyoti.com/blog/devi-kavacham/1630