|| Shani Vajra Panjara Kavacham ||
The Shani Vajra Panjara Kavacham is a divine "armor" designed to protect the seeker's body, mind, and soul from the intense lessons of Lord Shani. In the Vedic tradition, "Vajra" represents the diamond—the hardest substance—and "Panjara" represents a cage or shield. Together, they form an impenetrable spiritual barrier.
This Kavacham is particularly significant for those experiencing the Sade Sati (7.5-year cycle) or the Ashtama Shani (Saturn in the 8th house). By invoking the protective names of Saturn, such as Suryasuta (Son of Sun) and Mandagathi (The Slow-moving One), the devotee aligns themselves with the discipline of Saturn rather than its distress.
Salutation to Lord Ganesha
Niilaambaro niilavapuh kiriitii gridhrasthitas-traasakaro dhanushmaan |
Chaturbhujah suurya-sutah prasannah sadaa mama syaad-varadah prashaantah || 1 ||
Dhyanam: May Lord Saturn—who wears blue robes, has a blue-complexioned body, wears a magnificent crown, and rides a vulture—be pleased with me. May the four-armed son of the Sun, who holds a bow and instills awe, always be a peaceful giver of boons to me.
Brahmaa uvaacha ||
Shrinudhwam-rishayah sarve shani-piidaaharam mahat |
Kavacham shani-raajasya saurer-idam-anuttamam || 2 ||
Brahma Said: O Sages, listen to this great armor of the King of Saturn, which removes all planetary distress. This hymn dedicated to the son of the Sun is peerless.
The Protective Armor (Kavacham)
Aum shrii-shanaishcharah paatu bhaalam me suurya-nandanah |
Netre chhaayaat-majah paatu paatu karnau yamaanu-jah || 4 ||
Naasaam vaivasvatah paatu mukham me bhaaskarah sadaa |
Snigdha-kanthash-cha me kantham bhujau paatu mahaabhujah || 5 ||
| Body Part | Protector Name |
|---|---|
| Forehead | Surya Nandana (Son of Sun) |
| Eyes | Chhayaat-maja (Son of Chhaya) |
| Ears | Yamaanu-ja (Younger brother of Yama) |
| Nose | Vaivasvata |
| Face | Bhaskara (The Radiant One) |
| Neck | Snigdha-kantha (The Smooth-voiced) |
| Arms | Mahaabhuja (The Mighty-armed) |
Padau mandagatih paatu sarvaangam paatu pippalah |
Angopaangaani sarvaani rakshen-me suurya-nandanah || 8 ||
Meaning: May the slow-moving one (Mandagathi) protect my feet. May the sage Pippala (associated with Shani) protect my entire body. May the son of the Sun protect every minor and major limb of my being.
Phalashruti: The Power of Faith
Janna-lagna-sthitaan doshaan sarvaan-naashayate prabhuh || 12 ||
The Result: Whoever recites this divine armor will find their planetary distress dissolved. Even if Saturn is placed in difficult houses like the 1st (Janma), 2nd, 8th (Ashtama), or 12th, this Kavacham acts as a shield, neutralizing the negative vibrations and granting mental strength and success.