This is one of my favorite stotram. I hear it regularly at home. It is very enchanting to me.
In the ancient wisdom of Hinduism, the Narsimha Kavacham stands as a divine shield, a sacred hymn that wraps the devotee in unbreakable protection and spiritual grace. This powerful stotram comes from the Brahmanda Purana, one of the holy scriptures that shares timeless stories of devotion and divine intervention. It was recited by Prahlad, the young devotee whose pure heart shone like a lotus in the midst of darkness.
Prahlad’s story is a beautiful tale of unwavering faith. Born as the son of the mighty demon king Hiranyakashipu, who ruled with fear and hated anything divine, Prahlad chose love for Bhagwan Vishnu from a tender age. His father, blessed with boons that made him nearly invincible—no death by human or animal, neither in day nor night, not inside or outside—tried everything to turn his son away from devotion. He even attempted to kill Prahlad through fire, poison, and wild beasts, but each time, divine grace saved the boy. In a moment of ultimate mercy, Bhagwan Vishnu appeared as Narsimha, a wondrous form that was half-man and half-lion, emerging from a pillar at twilight on the threshold of the palace. With gentle ferocity, Narsimha protected Prahlad and ended the tyrant’s reign, showing how true bhakti conquers all evil. This kavacham, spoken by Prahlad in praise, is like a loving embrace from that divine form, offering protection, prosperity, and a path to inner peace for anyone who chants it with a sincere heart.
॥ अथ श्री नृसिंहकवचम् ॥
नृसिंहकवचं वक्ष्येप्रह्लादेनोदितं पुरा।
सर्वरक्षाकरं पुण्यंसर्वोपद्रवनाशनम्॥1॥
Transliteration:
nṛsiṁha-kavacaṁ vakṣye prahlādenoditaṁ purā
sarva-rakṣā-karaṁ puṇyaṁ sarvopadrava-nāśanam
Explanation:
This verse gently opens the door to the sacred hymn, like the first light of dawn touching the earth. Prahlad shares this kavacham, a pure and holy armor that guards against every storm of life. It is a gift of goodness, washing away all obstacles and fears, filling the heart with calm and safety, as if Bhagwan himself whispers protection into your soul.
सर्व सम्पत्करं चैवस्वर्गमोक्षप्रदायकम्।
ध्यात्वा नृसिंहं देवेशंहेमसिंहासनस्थितम्॥2॥
Transliteration:
sarva-saṁpat-karaṁ caiva svarga-mokṣa-pradāyakam
dhyātvā nṛsiṁhaṁ deveśaṁ hema-siṁhāsana-sthitam
Explanation:
Like a blooming flower offering nectar, this verse promises endless blessings. By meditating on Narsimha, the master of all worlds seated on a golden throne, one receives abundant wealth in this life and the sweet freedom of moksha beyond. It invites the soul to rest in divine light, where worries fade and true joy blossoms eternally.
विवृतास्यं त्रिनयनंशरदिन्दुसमप्रभम्।
लक्ष्म्यालिङ्गितवामाङ्गंविभूतिभिरुपाश्रितम्॥3॥
Transliteration:
vivṛtāsyaṁ tri-nayanaṁ śarad-indu-sama-prabham
lakṣmyāliṅgita-vāmāṅgaṁ vibhūtibhir upāśritam
Explanation:
Imagine a radiant autumn moon glowing softly in the night sky—this is the gentle yet powerful form of Narsimha described here. With an open mouth ready to roar away evil, three eyes full of wisdom, and Lakshmi embracing his left side, he becomes the shelter of all beauty and abundance. This vision fills the heart with peace, like a warm hug from the universe, reminding us that divine love surrounds us always.
चतुर्भुजं कोमलाङ्गंस्वर्णकुण्डलशोभितम्।
सरोजशोभितोरस्कंरत्नकेयूरमुद्रितम्॥4॥
Transliteration:
catur-bhujaṁ komalāṅgaṁ svarṇa-kuṇḍala-śobhitam
saroja-śobhitoraskaṁ ratna-keyūra-mudritam
Explanation:
Soft as a petal yet strong as eternity, Narsimha’s four arms reach out in compassion. Adorned with golden earrings that sparkle like stars, his chest glows like a lotus in bloom, and jewel-studded bracelets grace his arms. This image stirs the soul, evoking a sense of tender protection, as if the divine is cradling you in arms of pure light and love.
तप्तकाञ्चनसंकाशंपीतनिर्मलवाससम्।
इन्द्रादिसुरमौलिस्थ -स्फुरन्माणिक्यदीप्तिभिः॥5॥
Transliteration:
tapta-kāñcana-saṁkāśaṁ pīta-nirmala-vāsasam
indrādi-sura-mauli-stha-sphuran-māṇikya-dīptibhiḥ
Explanation:
Shining like molten gold, wrapped in spotless yellow robes that flow like sunlight, Narsimha stands as the root of all existence. Crowned with rubies that blaze brighter than any gem, he outshines even the gods like Indra. This verse paints a picture of divine splendor, inviting the heart to bask in his glow, where every shadow of doubt melts away into blissful harmony.
विराजितपदद्वन्द्वंशङ्खचक्रादि हेतिभिः।
गरुत्मता च विनयात्स्तूयमानं मुदान्वितम्॥6॥
Transliteration:
virājita-pada-dvandvaṁ śaṅkha-cakrādi-hetibhiḥ
garutmatā ca vinayāt stūyamānaṁ mudānvitam
Explanation:
His feet shine with grace, armed with conch, discus, and other sacred weapons that symbolize eternal power. Garuda praises him with humble joy, filling the air with devotion. This scene touches the spirit deeply, like a melody of happiness, reminding us that in surrender to the divine, we find endless delight and unbreakable strength.
स्वहृत्कमलसंवासंकृत्वा तु कवचं पठेत्।
नृसिंहो मे शिरःपातु लोकरक्षार्थसम्भवः॥7॥
Transliteration:
sva-hṛt-kamala-saṁvāsaṁ kṛtvā tu kavacaṁ paṭhet
nṛsiṁho me śiraḥ pātu loka-rakṣārtha-sambhavaḥ
Explanation:
Place Narsimha lovingly in the lotus of your heart, and chant this kavacham with pure intent. He, who appears to protect all worlds, guards your head like a crown of safety. This begins the sacred invocation, weaving a thread of divine care around you, filling your being with a serene sense of being held by infinite love.
सर्वगोऽपि स्तम्भवासःभालं मे रक्षतु ध्वनिम्।
नृसिंहो मे दृशौ पातुसोमसूर्याग्निलोचनः॥8॥
Transliteration:
sarvago ’pi stambha-vāsaḥ phālaṁ me rakṣatu dhvanim
nṛsiṁho me dṛśau pātu soma-sūryāgni-locanaḥ
Explanation:
Though everywhere, he hid in a pillar to emerge with a mighty roar—may that sound protect your forehead. His eyes, bright as moon, sun, and fire, watch over your sight. This verse flows like a river of light, guiding your vision to see the divine in all, wrapping your senses in gentle, watchful grace.
स्मृतिं मे पातुनृहरिर्मुनिवर्यस्तुतिप्रियः।
नासं मे सिंहनासस्तुमुखं लक्ष्मीमुखप्रियः॥9॥
Transliteration:
smṛtiṁ me pātu nṛharir muni-varya-stuti-priyaḥ
nāsaṁ me siṁha-nāsas tu mukhaṁ lakṣmī-mukha-priyaḥ
Explanation:
Nṛhari, delighted by the praises of great sages, safeguards your memory, keeping your thoughts pure and clear. His lion-like nose protects yours, and his face, beloved by Lakshmi, shields your mouth. It’s a beautiful reminder that divine words and thoughts flow from a heart touched by grace, nurturing your spirit like morning dew on leaves.
सर्वविद्याधिपः पातुनृसिंहो रसनां मम।
वक्त्रं पात्विन्दुवदनंसदा प्रह्लादवन्दितः॥10॥
Transliteration:
sarva-vidyādhipaḥ pātu nṛsiṁho rasanāṁ mama
vaktraṁ pātv indu-vadanaḥ sadā prahlāda-vanditaḥ
Explanation:
As the master of all knowledge, Narsimha protects your tongue, letting sweet truths flow from it. His moon-like face, forever praised by Prahlad, guards your entire face. This evokes a sense of inner wisdom blooming, like a full moon lighting the path of devotion, filling your words with divine harmony.
नृसिंहः पातु मे कण्ठंस्कन्धौ भूभरान्तकृत्।
दिव्यास्त्रशोभितभुजोनृसिंहः पातु मे भुजौ॥11॥
Transliteration:
nṛsiṁhaḥ pātu me kaṇṭhaṁ skandhau bhū-bharānta-kṛt
divyāstra-śobhita-bhujo nṛsiṁhaḥ pātu me bhujau
Explanation:
He who ends the burdens of the earth protects your throat, letting your voice sing praises freely. His arms, shining with heavenly weapons, safeguard your shoulders and arms. Feel the strength of the cosmos in this, like mighty rivers flowing with purpose, empowering your every action with divine energy.
करौ मे देववरदोनृसिंहः पातु सर्वतः।
हृदयं योगिसाध्यश्चनिवासं पातु मे हरिः॥12॥
Transliteration:
karau me deva-varado nṛsiṁhaḥ pātu sarvataḥ
hṛdayaṁ yogi-sādhyaś ca nivāsaṁ pātu me hariḥ
Explanation:
The giver of boons to gods protects your hands from all sides, blessing your deeds. Hari, sought by yogis, dwells in and guards your heart and home. This verse is a warm invitation to let divinity live within, like a sacred fire that purifies and illuminates the soul’s deepest chambers.
मध्यं पातुहिरण्याक्षवक्षःकुक्षिविदारणः।
नाभिं मे पातु नृहरिःस्वनाभि ब्रह्मसंस्तुतः॥13॥
Transliteration:
madhyaṁ pātu hiraṇyākṣa-vakṣaḥ-kukṣi-vidāraṇaḥ
nābhiṁ me pātu nṛhariḥ sva-nābhi-brahma-saṁstutaḥ
Explanation:
He who tore open Hiranyaksha’s chest and belly protects your midsection with fierce tenderness. Nṛhari, praised by Brahma born from his navel, guards yours. It’s a profound symbol of inner strength, like roots drawing nourishment from the earth, sustaining your spirit through life’s challenges.
ब्रह्माण्डकोटयः कट्यांयस्यासौ पातु मे कटिम्।
गुह्यं मे पातु गुह्यानांमन्त्राणां गुह्यरूपदृक्॥14॥
Transliteration:
brahmāṇḍa-koṭayaḥ kaṭyāṁ yasyāsau pātu me kaṭim
guhyaṁ me pātu guhyānāṁ mantrāṇāṁ guhya-rūpa-dṛk
Explanation:
Upon whose hips rest countless universes, he protects your hips with cosmic vastness. The seer of hidden mantras and secrets guards your private parts. This whispers of the mysteries within, like hidden treasures in the ocean, revealing that divine eyes see and protect even the unseen corners of your being.
ऊरु मनोभवः पातुजानुनी नररूपधृक्।
जङ्घे पातु धराभारहर्तायोऽसौ नृकेसरी॥15॥
Transliteration:
ūrū manobhavaḥ pātu jānunī nara-rūpa-dhṛk
jaṅghe pātu dharā-bhāra-hartā yo ’sau nṛ-kesarī
Explanation:
The source of desires protects your thighs, while he in human form guards your knees. The lion-man who lifts earth’s burdens shields your calves. Feel the flow of energy here, like a graceful dance of creation, where every step is supported by divine power, leading you forward with ease.
सुरराज्यप्रदः पातुपादौ मे नृहरीश्वरः।
सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषःपातु मे सर्वशस्तनुम्॥16॥
Transliteration:
sura-rājya-pradaḥ pātu pādau me nṛharīśvaraḥ
sahasra-śīrṣā puruṣaḥ pātu me sarvaśas tanum
Explanation:
The bestower of heavenly realms protects your feet, guiding your path. The thousand-headed supreme being guards your entire body always. This envelops you in wholeness, like the vast sky holding stars, assuring that every part of you is cradled in eternal, loving watchfulness.
महोग्रः पूर्वतः पातुमहावीराग्रजोऽग्नितः।
महाविष्णुर्दक्षिणे तुमहाज्वालस्तु नैरृतौ॥17॥
Transliteration:
mahograḥ pūrvataḥ pātu mahā-vīrāgrajo ’gnitaḥ
mahā-viṣṇur dakṣiṇe tu mahā-jvālas tu nairṛtau
Explanation:
His fierce form guards the east, the supreme hero the southeast ruled by fire. Great Vishnu protects the south, and his blazing light the southwest. This creates a circle of fire-like protection, warming the soul against cold fears, as divine flames dance around you in perfect harmony.
पश्चिमे पातु सर्वेशोदिशि मे सर्वतोमुखः।
नृसिंहः पातु वायव्यांसौम्यां भीषणविग्रहः॥18॥
Transliteration:
paścime pātu sarveśo diśi me sarvatomukhaḥ
nṛsiṁhaḥ pātu vāyavyāṁ saumyāṁ bhīṣaṇa-vigrahaḥ
Explanation:
The lord of all protects the west, his faces everywhere guarding that direction. Narsimha shields the northwest of wind, and his fearsome yet gentle form the north. Like a soft breeze carrying strength, this verse assures peace in every corner, where even terror turns to beauty in divine presence.
ईशान्यां पातु भद्रोमे सर्वमङ्गलदायकः।
संसारभयतः पातुमृत्योर्मृत्युर्नृकेसरी॥19॥
Transliteration:
īśānyāṁ pātu bhadro me sarva-maṅgala-dāyakaḥ
saṁsāra-bhayataḥ pātu mṛtyor mṛtyur nṛ-kesarī
Explanation:
The auspicious one, giver of all goodness, protects the northeast of the sun. The lion-man, death to death itself, frees you from worldly fears. This liberates the spirit, like breaking chains to soar free, dissolving cycles of birth and death into eternal bliss.
॥ फल श्रुति ॥
इदं नृसिंहकवचंप्रह्लादमुखमण्डितम्।
भक्तिमान् यः पठेन्नित्यंसर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥20॥
Transliteration:
idaṁ nṛsiṁha-kavacaṁ prahlāda-mukha-maṇḍitam
bhaktimān yaḥ paṭhen nityaṁ sarva-pāpaiḥ pramucyate
Explanation:
Adorned by Prahlad’s words, this kavacham frees the devoted daily chanter from all sins. Like a river cleansing the soul, it purifies, opening doors to a life of light and purity, where devotion blooms endlessly.
पुत्रवान् धनवान् लोकेदीर्घायुरुपजायते।
यं यं कामयते कामंतं तं प्राप्नोत्यसंशयम्॥21॥
Transliteration:
putravān dhanavān loke dīrghāyur upajāyate
yaṁ yaṁ kāmayate kāmaṁ taṁ taṁ prāpnoty asaṁśayam
Explanation:
It brings sons/daughters (basically children), wealth, long life in this world, and fulfills every pure desire without doubt. This is a fountain of abundance, where wishes flow like gentle rain, nourishing the heart with joy and contentment.
सर्वत्र जयमाप्नोतिसर्वत्र विजयी भवेत्।
भूम्यन्तरीक्षदिव्यानांग्रहाणां विनिवारणम्॥22॥
Transliteration:
sarvatra jayam āpnoti sarvatra vijayī bhavet
bhūmy antarīkṣa-divyānāṁ grahāṇāṁ vinivāraṇam
Explanation:
Victory comes everywhere, making one a conqueror in all realms. It wards off planetary influences from earth, sky, and heavens. Like a shield of stars, it turns challenges into triumphs, guiding the soul through life’s vast sky with grace.
वृश्चिकोरगसम्भूतविषापहरणं परम्।
ब्रह्मराक्षसयक्षाणांदूरोत्सारणकारणम्॥23॥
Transliteration:
vṛścikoraga-sambhūta-viṣāpaharaṇaṁ param
brahma-rākṣasa-yakṣāṇāṁ dūrotsāraṇa-kāraṇam
Explanation:
The ultimate remover of poisons from scorpions and snakes, it drives away ghosts, demons, and spirits. This acts as a healing balm for the spirit, banishing darkness like sunlight piercing clouds, restoring harmony and peace.
भूर्जे वा तालपत्रे वाकवचं लिखितं शुभम्।
करमूले धृतं येनसिध्येयुः कर्मसिद्धयः॥24॥
Transliteration:
bhūrje vā tāla-patre vā kavacaṁ likhitaṁ śubham
kara-mūle dhṛtaṁ yena sidhyeyuḥ karma-siddhayaḥ
Explanation:
Written on birch or palm leaf and worn on the arm, it brings success to all endeavors. Like a talisman of good fortune, it infuses actions with divine flow, turning efforts into beautiful fruits of achievement.
देवासुरमनुष्येषु स्वंस्वमेव जयं लभेत्।
एकसन्ध्यं त्रिसन्ध्यंवा यः पठेन्नियतो नरः॥25॥
Transliteration:
devāsura-manuṣyeṣu svaṁ svam eva jayaṁ labhet
eka-sandhyaṁ tri-sandhyaṁ vā yaḥ paṭhen niyato naraḥ
Explanation:
Among gods, demons, and humans, one gains personal victory. Chanting once or thrice at twilight with discipline brings triumph. This rhythm aligns the soul with cosmic cycles, like waves meeting the shore, fostering inner strength and harmony.
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्यं भुक्तिंमुक्तिं च विन्दति।
द्वात्रिंशतिसहस्राणि पठेत्शुद्धात्मनां नृणाम्॥26॥
Transliteration:
sarva-maṅgala-māṅgalyaṁ bhuktiṁ muktiṁ ca vindati
dvātriṁśati-sahasrāṇi paṭhet śuddhātmanāṁ nṛṇām
Explanation:
It bestows the essence of all auspiciousness, enjoyment, and liberation. For pure souls, chanting 32,000 times perfects it. Like planting seeds in fertile soil, this grows spiritual fruits, leading to a life of bliss and ultimate freedom.
कवचस्यास्य मन्त्रस्यमन्त्रसिद्धिः प्रजायते।
अनेन मन्त्रराजेनकृत्वा भस्माभिमन्त्रणम्॥27॥
Transliteration:
kavacasyāsya mantrasya mantra-siddhiḥ prajāyate
anena mantra-rājena kṛtvā bhasmābhi-mantraṇam
Explanation:
This king of mantras achieves perfection through dedicated chant. Blessing ashes with it brings mastery. It’s a sacred alchemy, transforming the ordinary into divine power, awakening the soul’s hidden light.
तिलकं विन्यसेद्यस्तुतस्य ग्रहभयं हरेत्।
त्रिवारं जपमानस्तुदत्तं वार्यभिमन्त्र्य च॥28॥
Transliteration:
tilakaṁ vinyased yas tu tasya graha-bhayaṁ haret
tri-vāraṁ japa-mānas tu dattaṁ vāry abhi-mantrya ca
Explanation:
Applying the blessed tilak removes planetary fears. Chanting thrice and sanctifying water dispels dread. Like a mark of divine favor, it clears shadows, letting the heart shine with fearless joy.
प्राशयेद्यो नरो मन्त्रंनृसिंहध्यानमाचरेत्।
तस्य रोगाः प्रणश्यन्तिये च स्युः कुक्षिसम्भवाः॥29॥
Transliteration:
prāśayed yo naro mantraṁ nṛsiṁha-dhyānam ācaret
tasya rogāḥ praṇaśyanti ye ca syuḥ kukṣi-sambhavāḥ
Explanation:
Drinking the sanctified water while meditating on Narsimha heals all diseases, especially of the stomach. This is a soothing elixir for the body and spirit, washing away ailments like rain renewing the earth, restoring vibrant health.
किमत्र बहुनोक्तेननृसिंहसदृशो भवेत्।
मनसा चिन्तितं यत्तुस तच्चाप्नोत्यसंशयम्॥30॥
Transliteration:
kim atra bahunoktena nṛsiṁha-sadṛśo bhavet
manasā cintitaṁ yat tu sa tac cāpnoty asaṁśayam
Explanation:
Why say more? One becomes like Narsimha himself, undoubtedly fulfilling all heartfelt wishes. This crowns the journey, where the soul merges with divine essence, turning thoughts into reality with effortless grace.
गर्जन्तं गर्जयन्तं निजभुजपटलंस्फोटयन्तं हठन्तं
रूप्यन्तं तापयन्तं दिवि भुविदितिजं क्षेपयन्तं क्षिपन्तम्।
क्रन्दन्तं रोषयन्तं दिशि दिशिसततं संहरन्तं भरन्तं
वीक्षन्तं घूर्णयन्तंशरनिकरशतैर्दिव्यसिंहं नमामि॥31॥
Transliteration:
garjantaṁ garjayantaṁ nija-bhuja-paṭalaṁ sphoṭayantaṁ haṭhantaṁ
rūpyantaṁ tāpayantaṁ divi bhuvi ditijaṁ kṣepayantaṁ kṣipantam
krandantaṁ roṣayantaṁ diśi diśi satataṁ saṁharantaṁ bharantaṁ
vīkṣantaṁ ghūrṇayantaṁ śara-nikara-śatair divya-siṁhaṁ namāmi
Explanation:
Roaring mightily, making others roar, tearing with his arms, destroying evil; tormenting demons in heavens and earth, scattering them; crying in anger, destroying in all directions, sustaining all; gazing and whirling with countless arrows—the divine lion, I bow to him. This final verse is a symphony of power and care, like thunder echoing love, where surrender brings profound peace and oneness with the eternal.
॥ इति श्रीब्रह्माण्डपुराणे नारदागस्तिसंवादे प्रह्लादप्रोक्तं
श्रीनृसिंहकवचं अथवा श्रीलक्ष्मीनृसिंहकवचं सम्पूर्णमस्तु ॥
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