|| Kuja Kavacham ||
In Vedic Astrology, Mars (Kuja or Angaraka) represents courage, vitality, and landed property. However, an ill-placed Mars can lead to conflicts, debts, and health problems. The Kuja Kavacham, found in the Markandeya Purana, is a powerful "spiritual armor" that shields the seeker from these negative influences.
Reciting this hymn daily—or specifically on Tuesdays—is a time-tested remedy for those facing legal battles, financial burdens, or a lack of physical energy. It transforms the fiery energy of Mars into a protective force for the devotee.
Viniyoga & Meditation (Dhyanam)
Asya shrii-angaaraka-kavacha-stotra-mantrasya kashyapa rishih,
Anushtup chhandah, angaarako devataa, bhauma-priityartham jape viniyogah |
Context: For this Angaraka Kavacham, Sage Kashyapa is the seer, Anushtup is the meter, and Mars (Angaraka) is the deity. This is recited to please the planet Mars.
Raktaambaro rakta-vapuh kiriitii chaturbhujo mesha-gamo gadaabhrit |
Dharaa-sutah shakti-dharash-cha shuulii sadaa mama syaad-varadah prashaantah || 1 ||
Dhyanam: I meditate on the son of the Earth, who wears red garments, has a red body, wears a crown, and has four arms. He rides a ram, holds a mace, a spear (Shakti), and a trident. May he always be peaceful and grant me boons.
The Protective Verses (Kavacham)
Angaarakah shiro rakshen-mukham vai dharanii-sutah |
Shravau raktaambarah paatu netre me rakta-lochanah || 2 ||
Naasaam shakti-dharah paatu mukham me rakta-lochanah |
Bhujau me rakta-maalii cha hastau shakti-dharas-tathaa || 3 ||
Vakshah paatu varaangash-cha hridayam paatu rohitah |
Katim me graha-raajash-cha mukham chaiva dharanii-sutah || 4 ||
Jaanu-janghe kujah paatu paadau bhakta-priyah sadaa |
Sarvaany-anyaani cha-angaani rakshen-me mesha-vaahanah || 5 ||
Translation: May Angaraka protect my head and the Son of Earth protect my face. May the one in red robes protect my ears and the red-eyed one protect my eyes. May the spear-holder protect my nose and the wearer of red garlands protect my arms. May the king of planets protect my waist and the ram-rider protect all other parts of my body.
Phalashruti: The Benefits of Recitation
According to the Markandeya Purana, this divine kavacham provides several spiritual and material benefits:
- Victory over Enemies: It acts as a Sarva-shatru-nivaaranam (remover of all enemies).
- Protection from Entities: Destroys the negative influence of ghosts, spirits, and psychic disturbances.
- Debt Relief: Chanting this is a traditional remedy for Rina-vimoksha (freedom from debts).
- Health & Prosperity: It is Sarva-roga-haram (destroyer of all diseases) and brings all forms of wealth and auspiciousness.
- Success: Grants both Bhukti (worldly enjoyment) and Mukti (liberation).