Amogh Sadaa Shiv Kavach - Miracle Stotra of Lord Shiva

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. 3

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 . 8

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 kapAshakapAla 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 paTuprakopasphuTA TTahA sochchalit ANDakoshaH . ghorA risena Navadur nivAramahAbhayA 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 varUthinIsahastralaxA 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 daurmanasyadurbhixa 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 15

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 16

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, 17

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, 19

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 21

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/ShivaKavacham

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-shivkavach-request.html What is Japa? http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/teachings/japayoga.htm

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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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