MAHA MANTRA

Amogh sadaa shiv kavach ///

Sahastrakshar amogh kavach –

By
Shiva Bhaktai
shivabhakta at gmail.com

http://shivabhakta.blogspot.com
http://www.jyotirlinga.com

(From Bottom Left) Somantha, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshar, Omkareshwar,

Vaidhyanatheswar, Bhimashankar, Ramanatha, Naganatha, Vishwanatha,
Tryambakeshwar, Kedarnath, Gusmeswar

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Benefits of reciting the Sada Shiva Kavach Maha Mantra
Mantra Background and Origin
How do I recite it?
The Maha Mantra - with Translation
Karanyaasah
Hridayadi anganyasah
Dhyanam
Panchapuja
Mantra
Viniyoga
Phala Shruti
References / Where do I listen to this Maha Mantram?

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Benefits of reciting the Maha Mantra
What is a Mantra? Mantra is a sacred verbal formula repeated in
prayer, meditation, or incantation, such as an invocation of a god, a
magic spell, or a syllable or portion of scripture containing mystical
potentialities.

So how does it differ from a Stotra, Japa, Dhyana, Sloka?

japa is repeated recitation of a particular mantra, typically in cycles of

108, with a rudraksha mala.

Dhyana is meditation on the form of the Lord with His attributes. You
can do Dhyana with or without Japa. Starting with Japa + Dhyana is
recommended and later it automagically becomes Dhyana only – that
is the advanced stage.

A stotram is a song sung in praise. It originates from the word "stuti",

coming from the same verb, stu (to praise), and basically both mean
"praise".

Shloka is a rhyming couplet of Sanskrit verse consisting of two

sixteen-syllable lines of two eight-syllable padas each.

The Sada Shiva Kavach is a Maha Mantra – the mother of all

mantras. This Maha Mantra provides us the halo of protection of
Lord Shiva. Whatever be your problems, whether of the
horoscope, or spirits or tantra or black magic, this kavach
always works. It works period! The beauty is that you don’t need
anything else (like a yantra) to recite it. All you need is complete
devotion for Lord Shiva. Chant it once daily or as many times as
you can. It is regarded as SWAYAM SIDDHA – that is, the
benefits kick-in right after the first recitation. There is no
minimum (or maximum) for this Maha Mantra. It is regarded as
sahastrakshar amogh kavach.

To some extent, this is a mantra and stotra. We are singing this in

praise of Shiva and is an elixir as it will get you everything you want –
done with the right attitude and devotion, bhakti.

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Digging a bit deeper - The benefits may be very subtle, but miracles
do happen. It is for our minds to embrace the fact that a miracle did
happen. Sometimes it takes months and even years to conclude that
the grace of SHiva was upon us. A sincere devotee is not going to be
cast away into the wind that much I can assure you of our Lord Shiva.
A single drop of tear is enough to melt Shivjee's heart and the earth
will move to accomodate us. It is not the Krishna's miracle of Yamuna
parting ways that we will witness, but the miracles are around us, it is
for us to notice, relish, and revive the spirituality that is dormant in all
of us. Very few of us are really capable of dissecting these mantras
and understanding the core of it's concepts and teachings. Some
enlightened gurus automagically garner such capabilities. Some
normal people automagically get enlightened e.g Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
"My Stroke of Insight". I don't even try, all I have is my bhakti, and
raising that to the next level is enough. This needs inspiration and
inspiration comes from all sides, electronic artifacts, paper trails - call
it what you may, but that itself is a miracle, there are a trillion html
pages floating around in the WWW, what are the chances of this
particular one flooding my senses. I was completely bowled over by
the magical capabilities of this mantra as described, I read it
verbatim, not capable of interpreting or misinterpreting as my intellect
does not allow it (yet) but if I can read it with immense love and
devotion for Shivjee - that itself is energizing for me and my
spiritual path. This mantra is magic of Mahadev and I am already
feeling it!

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Mantra Background / Origin
This is part of a conversation of Rishi Rishabh with a Prince revealing
to him the esoteric truth of Siva Kavacha, the supreme secret of all
tapasyas, armed with this protective halo one can conquer the
enemies and be bereft of all sins.

There is a prologue (Karanyas, Hridayadi Anganyasah, dhyanam,

panchapuja) and epilogue (phala Shruti) to this. I am not exactly sure
what in particular needs to be recited. To play it safe, I recite it all.

How do I recite it?

For a beginner - it is recommended to play the Maha Mantra and read
along initially. Having mastered the pronunciation of the words, one
can just read. The key is to dwell on the words and feel the devotion
and bhakti for Lord Shiva. The world is yours having done this with
ardent devotion.

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MAHA MANTRAM (with Translation)
Asya shrI shiva kavacha stotra mahAmantrasya
Rishhabha yogIshvara RishhiH
anushhTup(h) chhandaH .
shrI Samba SadAshivo devatA .
oM bIjam .
namaH shaktiH .
shivAyeti kilakam.
(mama) Samba SadAshiva prItyarthe japeviniyogaH

(karanyAsaH )
Worship of the Lord involves Karanyaas, which is the method
of energising the fingers by mantra (mudra).
oM sadAshivAya AngushhThA bhyAm namaH .
naM gangAdharAya tarjani bhyAn namaH .
maM mRityuJNjayAya madhyamA bhyA.n namaH .

shiM shUlapANaye anAmikA bhyAn namaH .

vAM pinAka pANaye kanishhThikA bhyAn namaH .
yaM umApataye karatala kara PrishhThA bhyAn namaH .

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 It is followed by Hridayadi Anganyasah which is the process
of energising the heart and the whole body with single
pointed concentration on the Lord, concentrating on the
heart, head, crown of the head, eyes, the third eye, and by
circulating the right hand giving a click of the finger.

(hRidayAdi a.nganyAsaH )

oM (sadAshivAya) hRidayA yay namaH .

naM (gangAdharAya) shirasay SvAhA .
maM (mRityuJNjayAya) shikhAyay vashhaTh
shiM (shUlapANaye) kavachAya huM
vAM (pinAkapANaye) netratrayAya vaushhaTay
yaM (umApataye) astrAya phaTah
bhUr bhuvas Suvaromiti digbandhaH ..

(dhyAnam.h)

One is ready and moves into a deep state of Dhyanam or meditation.

Seated in composure, in a sacred place, one should contemplate

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upon the imperishable Shiva with all his senses subdued and pranas
controlled.

vajra daMshTraM trinayanaM kAla kaNTha marin damam.

sahasra karamat yugraM vande shaMbhu mumApatim.h ..

rudrAksa kaNkaNa lasat karadaNDa yugmaH

palan tarA lasita bhasma dhRita tripundra
panchaksharaM paripaThan vara mantra rAjaM
dhyAyan sadA pashupatiM sharaNaM vrajethaha

ataH paraM sarva purANa guhyaM

niH sheshha pApaugha-haraM pavitram
jayapradaM sarva vipat pramochanaM
vaxyAmi shaivam kavachaM hitAya tay

(paJNchapUjA )

laM pRithiv yAtmane gandhaM samara payAmi .

haM AkAshAtmane pushhpay-hi pUjayAmi .
yaM vAyvAtmane dhUpam AghrA payAmi .
raM agnyAtmane dipaM darshayAmi
vaM amRitAtmane amRitaM mahA naivedyam nivedayAmi .
saM sarvAtmane sarva upachAra pUjAM samarpayAmi ..

(mantraH )
Rishi Rishabha spoke to the prince:
Om! My Salutations unto Lord Neelakantha, the Beloved of
Uma, the three-eyed and thousand-armed Sambhu, who
destroys the enemies by His mighty valour!

Rishhabha uvAcha
namaskRitya mahAdevaM vishva vyApina mIshvaram.h .

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vaxye shivamayam varma sarva raxAkaraM nRiNAm.h ..

??? I now, for your good, reveal the supreme secret of all
penances, possessing which you will be ever successful,
redeemed from all sins and pains.
After adoring the Omnipresent Lord, I declare the esoteric
truth of Siva-Kavacha, for the weal and welfare of the human
beings.
shuchau deshe samAsIno yathA vat kalpit AsanaH .
jitendriyo jita prANash chintayech shivam avyayam-aha

Having seated himself in composure, in a sacred place, one

should contemplate upon the Imperishable Siva, with all his
senses subdued and Pranas controlled.
He is to meditate upon the Subtle and Infinite, having
installed Him in the lotus of the heart, who is all-pervading
and beyond the senses.
hRit puNDarI kAntarasa nivishhTaM
svatejasA vyAptanabho.avakAshamah
atIndriyaM sUxma mananta mAdyaM
dhyAyEt.h parAnanda mayaM mahesham.h ..

Having disentangled himself from the bond of actions, by

constant meditation and merging wholly in the Supreme
Bliss,
and with his heart ever intent on the Shadakshara, “Om
Namah Sivaya”, he is to protect himself thus wearing the
armour of Siva (Siva-Kavacha).
dhyAnA vadhUt Akhila karmabandha-shchiraM chidAnanda
nimagna chetAH .
shadakshara nyAsa samAhit Atma shaivena kuryAt kavachena
rakshAm

May the supreme divinity free me from the clutches of

Samsara May He render me free of all fears
mAM pAtu devo.akhila devatAtmA saMsAra kUpe patitaM
gabhIre .

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tannAma divyaM para mantra mUlaM dhunotu me sarva
madhyaM hRidistham

May He render me free from all fears in all places, who exists
in all forms, who is all-blissful, who is smaller than the
smallest and is possessed of Mighty Power.
sarvatra mAM raxatu vishva mUrtihi
jyotirmay Ananda ghanash chitAtmam
aNora NiyA nuru shakti rekaH
sa Ishvaraha pAtu bhayA dashe shhAt

May the eightfold form of Siva who supports the universe as

earth, protect me from all earthly ailments, and may He who
gives life to humanity as water, remove all my fears from
water.
yo bhUsva rUpeNa bibharti vishvaM
pAyAtsa bhUmer girisho ashhta mUrtiH
yo pAM svarUpeNa nRiNAM karoti
sanjIvanaM so avatu mAM jalebhyaH ..

May the Kala Rudra, who having burnt the worlds at the end
of Kalpa, engages Himself in Tandava rescue me from all
troubles from wild conflagrations and wind.
kalpA vasAne bhuvanAni dagdhvA
sarvANi yo nRityati bhUri leelaha .
sa kAla rudro.avatu mAM davAgneH
vAtyAdi bhIte rakhilAch chatA pAtaha

pradIp ta vidyut kanaka vabhAso

vidyA varAbhIti kuThAra pANiH .
chatur mukhastat puru shastri netraHa
prAchyAM sthito raxatu mAma jasram

May He, the four-headed Trinayana, who is resplendent like

lightning and gold, look after me in the East, and He who
holds axe, Veda, hook, noose, trident and rosary in His

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hands, whose colour is dark and glossy as the raining
clouds, in the South.
kuThA rakheTAN kushapala shUla Dhakka
kapAla (pAshAxa) guNAnda dhAnaH .
chaturmukho nilaruchis trinetraH
pAyAdaghoro dishi dakshin NasyAm.h ..

???I adore Him who is pure and spotless as jasmine, moon,

conch and crystal, who bears the Vedas and rosary in His
hands, as the emblems of bestowing boons and
fearlessness,
for my safety in the West; and Him who shines like the
filament of a blossoming lotus, in the North.
Kundendu shaNkha sphaTikA vabhAso
vedAxamAlA varadA bhayANkaH .
tryaxash chaturvaktra uruprabhAvaH
sadyo.adhijAto.avatu mAM pratIchyAm

varAxa mAlA bhaya TaN kahastaH

saroja kiN jalka samAna varNaH .
trilochanash chAru chaturmukho mAM
pAyA dudIchyAM dishi vAmadevaH ..

May the five-faced Isvara, who is white and transparent as

the crystal, who holds hook, noose, hatchet, skull, drum and
trident in His hands and also the Vedas and a rosary as the
token of security, protect me above.
vedA bhayeshhTAN kusha TaN kapAsha-
kapAla DhakkAxa rashUla pANiH .
sitadyutiH paNcha mukho.avatAn mAM
IshAna UrdhvaM parama prakAshaH ..

I pray to Lord Chandramauli to take care of my head,

Phalanetra to look after my forehead, and Him, the destroyer
of lust, for the protection of my eyes.
MUrdhAnamavyA n mama chandramauliH
phAlaM mamAvyA datha BhAlanetraH .
netre mamAvyA bhaganetra hArI

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nAsAM sadA raxatu vishvanAthaH ..

????I worship Visvanatha, who is renowned in Vedas and

who holds a skull in His hand to keep my nose, ears and
skull, safe and sound.

pAyAchhrutI me shruti gIta kIrtiH

kapolamavyA tsatataM kapAli
vaktraM sadA raxatu paJNchavaktro
jihvAM sadA raxatu veda jihvaH ..

The five-faced Lord, whose tongue is the very Vedas, may

protect my face and tongue;
the blue-necked One who holds Pinaka in His hands may
protect my throat and my hands.
May the Lord, the destroyer of the sacrifice of Daksha,
whose arms are the very embodiment of Dharma, guard my
chest and arms against all dangers and evils.

kaNThaM girIsho.avatu nIlakaNThaH

pANidvayaM pAtu pinAka pANiH .
dormUla mavyAn mama dharmabAhuH
vaxaH sthalaM daxamakhAnta ko.avyAt.h ..

May my hip, waist, stomach, navel, be in the care of Dhurjati,

the destroyer of Cupid, and who holds the mountain as His
bow.
mamodaraM pAtu girIndradhanvA
madhyaM mamAvyA madanAntakArI .
herambatAto mama pAtu nAbhiM
pAyAtkaTiM dhUrjaTirIshvaro me ..MISSING

- MISSING ONE?

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I leave my thighs, knees and feet to His grace who is all
graceful.
UrudvayaM pAtu kuberamitro
jAnudvayaM me jagadIshvaro.avyAt.h .
jaNghAyugaM puNgavaketuravyAt.h
pAdau mamAvyA tsuravandyapAdaH ..

In the first watch of the day, may 1st Mahesa be my

protector; in the 2nd Vamadeva; 3rd Trilochana, and 4th
Vrishaketu
maheshvaraH pAtu dinAdiyAme
mAM madhyayAme.avatu vAmadevaH .
trilochanaH pAtu tRitIyayAme
vRishhadhvajaH pAtu dinAntyayAme ..

May Lord Sashishekhara protect me in the dark

May Lord Gangadhara protect me in the night
May Lord Gauripati protect at dawn and
Lord Mrityunjaya protect my all the time
pAyAnnishAdau shashishekharo mAM
gaNgAdharo raxatu mAM nishIthe .
gaurIpatiH pAtu nishAvasAne
mRityu.njayo raxatu sarvakAlam.h ..

May Sankara be my protector when I am in, Sthanu, when I

am out,
Pasupati in the intermediate region and Sadasiva in all
places.
antaH sthitaM raxatu shankaro mAM
sthANuH sadA pAtu bahiHsthitaM mAm.h .
tadantare pAtu patiH pashUnAM
sadAshivo raxatu mAM samantAt.h ..

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tishhThantamavyAd.h bhuvanaikanAthaH
pAyAd vrajantaM pramathA dhinAthaH .
vedAntavedyo.avatu mAM nishhaNNaM
mAmavyayH pAtu shivaH shayAnam.h ..

May Lord Neelakantha dispel my fears at all times

My prayers to Virabhadra, who is as fierce as Yama
mArgeshhu mAM raxatu nIlakaNThaH
shailAdidurgeshhu puratra-yAriH .
araNya vAsAdi mahApravAse
pAyAn mRigavyAdha udArashaktiH ..

May the All-powerful Almighty save me from the cruel

clutches of the wild animals, while journeying through thick
forests.
kalpAnta kAlogra paTuprakopa-
sphuTA TTahA sochchalit ANDakoshaH .
ghorA risena Navadur nivAra-
mahAbhayA draxatu vIrabhadraH ..

???I offer my hearty prayers to Lord Virabhadra who is as

fierce as Yama at the end of Kalpa
and whose terrible laughter causes the worlds to tremble,
for destroying my fears in crossing the terrible ocean of
formidable foes.
pattyashvamA taNgarathA varUthinI-
sahastralaxA yuta koTi bhIshhaNam.h .
akshau hiNInAM shatam AtatAyinAM
chhindyAnmRiDo ghora kuThAra dhArayA ..

???I worship the Lord, to destroy the fearful hosts of the

enemy armies,
arrayed against with the four divisions, infantry, cavalry,
chariots and elephants with the sharp and ferocious edge of
his sword.

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 ???May the blazing fire emitted by the trident of the Lord,
reduce the desperadoes to ashes and His bow, Pinaka,
frighten the wild beasts such as tigers, lions and bears.

???May He protect me from all evils arising from

inauspicious dreams and omens, from all mental and bodily
agonies, and from all the calamities of different types.

nihantu dasyUn pralayA nalArchiH

jvalat trishUlaM tripurAn takasya .
shArdUla siMha rxavRik AdihiMsrAn.h
sa.ntrAsaya tvIsha dhanuH pinAkaH ..

duH svapna duH shakuna durgati daurmanasya-

durbhixa durvyasana duH saha duryashAMsi .
utpAta tApavishha bhItima sadagrahArtiM
vyAdhIMshcha nAshayatu me jagatAmadhIshaH ..

Viniyog

This is conducted to honor the sage and the spiritual powers behind this
mantra.
This is also the time to express your specific wishes in the prayer. You take
a little water in the right hand and chant the following.

Aum yogeeshwar rishi anushtup chandah

swayam sadashiv rudra devata
hraam beejam hreem shaktih hoom
keelakam aum bhoor bhuvah swaha dig bandhah
sadashiv preetarthe pathe viniyogah
(MAKE A WISH – What you expect to get from this?)
Meaning
Rishi - the saint who created this kavach is yogeeshwar

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Chanda-the style of prose is anushtup
Devta-this si a pryer to the sadashiv rudra form of shiva
Beejam-the seed mantra from which initiates the power of the
chant is hraam
Shakti--- the power which accomplishes the required or aspired
task-it is hreem here.
Keelak-keelam provides protection to the required power to
reach its goal
Prayojan-what do you hope to gain, to please lord shiv
Digbandh---aum bhoor bhuvah swaha is what provides
protection to the Sadhak when he chants

Aum Namo Bhagwate Sadaashivaaya, I bow down to that Lord

Sadasiva,
WHO IS….
Sakal tatvaat makaaya, who is that Supreme Truth,
Sarva mantraswaroopaaya, who is the very form of holy hymns
and sacred rites,
Sarva Yantra Aadhish titaaya, who is beyond all knowledge and
truth,
Sarva Tantra Swaroopaaya, (who is in the form of all magic)
Sarva Tatva Vidooraaya, (who is just?)
Brahma Rudra avtaarine who is the incarnation of Brahma and
Rudra
Neel Kanthaaya blue throat,
Paarvati Manohar Priyaaya, one who is the loving husband of
Parvati)
som sooryaagni Lochnaaya, Whose very eyes are the Sun,
moon and fire
basma dhulit vigrahaaya, Who is smeared in white holy ash
Maha mani mukut Dhaarnaaya, who wears a crown and artless
jewellery,
MANIKYA BHUSHANAYA, Who is studded with diamonds and
jewelery
Shristi Sthithi parlaya Kaal Roudra Avtaaraaya, who is the
creator, sustainer and destroyer of the whole universe,
Dakshadhwar dhwansakaaya, who destroyed Daksha’s sacrifice,
Mahakalbhednaaya, Who kills the tide of time

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Mooladhaarayek Neelayaya, Who resides alone in the
Muladhara
TatvaaTeetaaya, who transcends the categories of knowledge,
Gangadharaaya, upon whose head the holy Ganga makes her
permanent abode, w
Sarvadevaadhi devaaya, who is the one God of all the Devas
shadashrayaaya, who possesses the six qualities, ????
Vedaantasaaraaya, who is the truth and essence of philosophy,
????
trivarga saadhnaaya, who is the means to attain the three Vargas
(Dharma, Artha and Kama),
chatuvarga includes moksha
Dharma = Religious and worldly duties (highest), moral behavior
Kama = Sensual pleasure
Artha = wealth and political power (lowest = means to Kama)
Anantha koti brahmaanda naayakaaya, who is the Lord of limitless
million worlds
ananta vaasu(hu)ki takshaak karkotak shankha kulikapadma
Mahapadmyet-yayti, Ashta MahaNaag kul bhooshanaaya, Who
wears the eight serpent kings round his neck
pranav swaroopaaya, Who is the very form of Pranava
chid akaashaaya Who is the embodiment of pure consciousness,
akaashadik swaroopaaya, whose form is of ether and the
directions,
graha nakshatra maaline,
sakalaaya, Who wears a universal necklace of stars, planets and
galaxies
kalankar hitaaya, who is pure and spotless,
Sakal lokayk karte, who is the preceptor of all the worlds,
Sakal lokayk bharte,
Sakal lokayk sanhartay, who is the slayer of all evil (within us)
Sakal lokayk guruvay who is the teacher of all
Sakal Lokayk saakshini, Who is the supreme witness of the
entire universe
sakal Nigam gruhyaaya,
Sakal vedaanta paargaaya, Who is the supreme secret of all the
Vedas
sakal Lokayk varpradaaya, Who bestows boons upon his devotees
Sakal Lokayk Shankaraaya,
Sakal Duritarti(r) Bhajn-janaya,

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Sakal Jagad Bhayankaraya,
Shashank shekharaaya,
Shaasvat nija vaasaaya, and who showers mercy upon the poor
and ignorant.
Nirakaraya, Nirabhaasaaya, Niraa-myaaya, Nirmalaaya,
Nirlobhaaya, Nirmardaaya,
Nish chintaaya, Nirahankaaraay, Nirahankushaya, Nish
Kalankaaya Nirgunaaya,
Nish kaamaaya,niroopaplavaaya, (Nirupadra vaya)
Niravadhaaya, Nirantaraaya, Nish Kaar naaya,
Niraatan kaaya, Nish prapanchaaya, Nih Sangaaya,
Nirdwandaaya, Niraadharaya,
Nira gaaya, nish krodhaaya, Nirlopaya, Nish paapaaya,,
Nir Vikalpaaya, Nir Bhedaaya, Nish Kriyaaya, Nistulaaya, Nih
Sanshyaaya,
Niranjanaaya, Niroopamavi-bhavaaya,
I pray to the all-merciful Lord who is
• ever pure and all-blissful,
• free from all lust, greed and sorrow,
• flawless
• devoid of desire, disease, ego and attachment,
• all-pervading, endless and eternal,
• beyond the chains of causes and effects,
in whom all pains and pleasures, pride, power and pomp, fears
and dangers, sins and sufferings sink and die.
Nitya Shudha Buddhimakta Paripoorna,
Sacchidanandadwaaya,
I worship Him, who is
the embodiment of Pure Consciousness,
beyond all change, time and destruction,
full, pure, mute and eternal,
Satchidananda (Existence-Absolute, Knowledge-Absolute and
Bliss-Absolute),
in whom doubts are dried and actions cease,

Param Shaant swaroopaaya, who is the incommunicable peace

personified,
Param Shaant Prakashaya

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Tejo Roopaaya, who radiates -effulgence and effulgence
embodied,
Tejo mayaaya, who radiates benevolence, the radiant vision of
Infinite Beauty and Beatitude.
Tejo Adhipata-yay, who radiates

Jay Jay Rudra Mahaa Roudra

Mahaa Roudra
Bhadraavtaar
maha bairav,
Kaal bhairav,
kalpant bhairav,
O my Lord! Victory on Thee. Thou art the incarnation of Rudra,
Raudra and Bhadra. Thou art that Mahabhairava, Kalabhairava.
kapaal maladhar, Thy garlands are the necklaces of skulls
Khat-Vaanga CharmaKhangadhar and Thou holdest the divine
weapons Khatvanga,
skin (Charma),
Paashankush damru, trishool chaap baan gadaa shakti bhinda
vaala tomara, musala bhushundee mudgar paash parigh
shataghnee, chakradhyay, ,
Bheeshan aakar fearful form
sword noose, hook, drum, trident, bow, arrow, club, Sakti (a
weapon) and the like in Thy hands.
sahastra mukh O thousand-faced God!
damshtra karaal vadan, Thou art fearful to look at with Thy
terrible teeth
vikatat tahaas
visfaarirt, Brahmaanda Mandal, and Thy pealing laughter
pierces through all the worlds.
Nagendra Kundal, Serpents are Thy ear-rings,
naagendrahaar, Serpents are garland
Naagendra valaya, Serpents are bracelets
naagendra charma dhar, Thou wearest elephant-skin on Thy
body.???
Naagendra Niketan
Mrityunjaya
Trayambak, Thou art the conqueror of death, O three-eyed God!
Tripurantak, the destroyer of the three cities,

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Vishwa roop, Thou art all-existent,
virupaaksha, Immanence of things, Virupaksha ((vi + roop) + aksha )
one with the ugly eye. “ugly” “eyed” i.e. the god Shiva,
Vishweshwar, vishva meaning universe or all , entire and the world
Ishwara meaning lord or master. Vishveshwara refers to God
vrishabha vaahan, Rishaba is Your vehicle
VishwaBhooshan ornament of the world
vishwa tomukh, The world is inside your mouth
Essence of Peace, and the Supreme Bliss and Silence, O
Sambhu! Thou art verily the Brahman of Veda and Vedanta.
Thou art all-pervading, ancient and eternal
Sarvatomukh The world is in your mukh
mam Raksh Raksh,
jwal jwal,
Prajwal Prajwal Save me, my Lord!
mahaa mrityu bhayam shamaya, shamaya Dispel my fears from
unnatural death and dangers,
Apa mrityu bhayam naashaaya, naashaaya,
Roga Bhayam Utsada utSadaya
Vish sarpa bhayam shamaya shamaya,
Choraan maaraya maaraya,
mam shatrun ucchaattaya ucchaattaya,
trishoolen vidaaraya vidaaraaya,
destroy my enemies,with Thy trident and chop them off with the
edge of Thy sword.
(in this case, my enemies are everything that is holding me back from
spiritual enlightenment and godliness.
My enemies are my own poor attitudes that are going to be slayed
At the same time, by chanting the Mrityunjaya mantra, I am also pleading to
Lord Shiva to make this effortless for me,
Make it the most natural thing to occur for me
KILL ALL MY NEGATIVE ENERGIES that pull me down
Kill all the vinash kalay viprid buddhi)
Ku(n)thaaren bhindhi bhindhi,
Khad(n)gen chindhi chindhi,
khat vaangen, vipudhaya, vipudhaya,
mama pApaM shodhaya shodhaya
musalena nish peshaya nish peshaya ,
baanou(h) santaadaya santaadaya,
Yaksa rakshaansi bheeshaya bheeshaya
Ashesh bhootan vidraavaya vidraavaya,

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 kush maand Bhoota vetaal, mareegana, Brahma raakshasa
gannaan santraasaya santraasya,
Frighten the bands of Betala, Kushmanda and the like with the
bow and arrows.
maam abhayam kuru kuru
(Mam Papam Shodhaya Shodaya)
narak bhayaan maam uddhar uddhar
vitrast mam Ashwaasyaa Ashwaasaya,
Amrit Kataksha Vikshanen Mam Alokya Alokya
sanjeevaya, sanjeevaya,
kshutr abhayaam mam aapyaaya aapyaaya,.
dukha turam maama anandya anandya,
shiv kavachen mam aachchhaadaya aachchhaadaya
HAR HAR
mrtunjaya
tryanbak
sadaashiv
ParamShiva
namaste namaste namaste Namah
Save me from falling into the pit of fearful hell
and render me free and fearless I am poor, meek, humble
and helpless
I dedicate all at Thy feet and leave myself at Thy disposal …I
surrender absolutely without condition
Cover me with Thy armour and protect me always
Thou art my only prop and saviour. O Lord Sadasiva!
Mrityunjaya! Tryambaka! Salutations to Thee again and
again.

pUrvavat.h - hRidayAdi nyAsaH . paJNchapUjA

..bhUrbhuvassuvaromiti digvimokaH ..

(phala shrutiH )

Rishabha spoke: In this manner, I have unfolded the

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supreme secret of Siva-Kavacha which grants every
boon and gratifies all desires and which relieves one
from all pains and sufferings.
Rishhabha uvAcha -
ityetat paramaM shaivaM kavachaM vyAhRitaM mayA .
sarva bAdhA prashamanaM rahasyaM sarva dehinAm.h ..

Always, one clad in this (Armour of Siva), is free

from all fears, all dangers and downfall, by His
divine Grace.
yaH sadA dhArayenmartyaH shaivaM kavachamuttamam.h .
na tasya jAyate kvApi bhayaM shaMbhora nugrahAt.h ..

One, released from chronic diseases and premature death,

enjoys long life and Eternal Bliss.
xINAyuH prApta mRityurvA mahA rogahato. api vA .
sadyaH sukhamavApnoti dIrgham Ayushcha vindati ..

This Armour (of Siva) strikes at the root of evil and elevates
one to the lofty heights of peace and prosperity.
sarva dAridraya shamanaM saumANgalya vivardhanam.h .
yo dhatte kavachaM shaivaM sa devairapi pUjyate ..

One, in the end, redeemed from all sins and obstacles,

attains the blissful seat of salvation by its mighty power.
mahApAtakasaN ghanAtairmuchyate chopapAtakaiH .
dehAnte muktim Apnoti shivavarm AnubhAvataH ..

Therefore my boy! Wear this presented by me with full faith,

by which you will be very happy.
tvamapi shraddayA vatsa shaivaM kavachamuttamam.h .
dhArayasva mayA dattaM sadyaH shreyo hyavApsyasi ..

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Suta said: Having spoken thus, sage Rishabha gave the
prince a big conch, a mighty sword with which he would be
able to conquer his enemies in no time.
Shri sUta uvAcha -
ityuktvA Rishhabho yogI tasmai pArthiva sUnave .
dadau shaNkhaM mahA rAvaM khaDgaM cha arini
shhUdanam.h ..

Then he sprinkled some holy ashes on his body and gave

the magnetic touch which rendered him feel the strength of twelve
thousand elephants.
punashcha bhasma sa.nmantrya tadaNgaM parito.aspRishat.h .
gajAnAM shhaTsahastrasya triguNasya balaM dadau ..

Having obtained such strength, power and courage, the prince shone
with the glory of the autumn sun!
bhasmaprabhAvAt.h saMprApta balaishvarya dhRiti smRitiH .
sa rAjaputraH shushubhe sharadarka iva shriyA ..

The Sage again told him: This sword given by me is purified

by sacred Mantras, by whose mere sight, the enemy will become
lifeless. Death itself will be terrified and take to his heels.
tamAha prAJNjaliM bhUyaH sa yogI nRipanandanam.h .
eshha khaDgo mayA dattastapo mantra AnubhAvataH ..

Hearing the thundering sound of this conch, the enemies will

fall down unconscious, with their weapons cast aside.
shita dhAramimaM khaDgaM yasmai darshayasi sphuTam.h .
sa sadyo mriyate shatruH sAkshAn mRityurapi svayam.h ..

These are the two instruments which will destroy the opposing
armies and encourage your own.
asya shaNkhasya nirhrAdaM yay shRiNvanti tavAhitAH .
te mUrchchhitAH patishhyanti nyastashastrA vichetanAH ..

Clad in Siva’s Armour, you will destroy your enemies with these
two divine weapons. You will obtain your ancestral kingdom and
become the sovereign ruler of this earth.

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khaDga shaNkhAvimau divyau parasainya vinAshakau .
Atmasainya svapaxANAM shauryate jovivardhanau ..

etayoshcha prabhAvena shaivena kavachena cha .

dvishhaTsahasra nAgAnAM balena mahatApi cha ..

bhasma dhAraNa sAmarthyAch chhatrusainyaM vijeshhyase .

prApya siMhAsanaM pitryaM goptAsi pRithivI mimAm.h ..

Consoling him thus, with all his blessings, the Sage after
receiving due respects and honours, departed.
iti bhadrAyushhaM samya ganushAsya samAtRikam.h .
tAbhyAM saMpUjitaH so.atha yogI svairagatiryayau ..

(iti shrIskAnde mahApurANe brahmottara khaNDe shivakavacha

prabhAva
varNanaM nAma dvAdasho.adhyAyaH saMpUrNaH .. )

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References / Where do I listen to it?
Listen here
http://www.esnips.com/doc/5c2837cc-df7d-412a-bc3f-a99fbe3a44ad/Shiva-
Kavacham
http://www.kannadaaudio.com/Songs/Devotional/home/ShivaKavach
aStotram-KVRaman.php

Lord Siva and His Worship

http://www.dlshq.org/download/lordsiva.htm#_VPID_9

Discussion on this Kavach

http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/hindu-sadhanas/272488-shiv-
kavach-request.html
What is Japa?
http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/teachings/japayoga.htm

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ii
Shiva Bhakta is an aspiring spiritualist living in Silicon Valley, California. He is part of the tech industry,
but his allegiance solely resides in the world of spirituality, the world of Shiva. His spiritual journey
started with Hinduism and it's simple stories/ teachings, devotion for Lord Shiva and has now found
convergence with Advaitism / Duality. His current motivation is to spread spirituality, the concept and lend
credence to it. Visit his blog http://shivabhakta.blogspot.com and website http://www.jyotirlinga.com

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