Gayatri Kavacham — Benefits & How to Chant
गायत्री कवचम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Gayatri Kavacham
Invokes Gayatri, the Mother of the Vedas, as a complete protective armour of body and soul
Assigns the sacred words of the Gayatri mantra to the vital points through anga-nyasa
Guards the devotee in all ten directions through Gayatri's many divine forms
Destroys all sins (sarva-papa-vinashanam) and purifies the reciter
Bestows learning, fame and the fulfilment of all righteous desires
Considered a direct aid to liberation (moksha) by the grace of the Veda-Mata
An ideal supplement to daily Gayatri japa and the three sandhya prayers
How to Chant Gayatri Kavacham
Instructions
After bathing and performing achamana, sit facing east in a clean place. Begin with the Viniyoga, then perform the anga-nyasa, touching the heart, head, crown, eyes and other points as each word of the Gayatri mantra is uttered. Meditate on the form of Gayatri described in the dhyana verse, then recite the directional protection verses. The Kavacham is traditionally recited together with daily Gayatri japa at the three sandhyas. Conclude by offering arghya to the Sun and praying to the Veda-Mother for protection and wisdom.
Spiritual Significance
It is traditionally held that one who wears this Kavacha and recites it with the daily Gayatri japa is purified of even grave sins and shielded in every direction — the Devi Bhagavatam declares that by the grace of the Veda-Mother such a devotee gains mastery over knowledge and is led, in the end, to liberation itself.
Origin & History
Source: Srimad Devi Bhagavata Purana, 12th Skandha, Chapter 3
Author: Veda Vyasa (revealed by Narayana to Narada)
The Gayatri Kavacham occurs in the twelfth book of the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, where Lord Narayana imparts to Sage Narada the supreme protective armour of Gayatri Devi, the Mother of the Vedas and the very embodiment of the Supreme Brahman. Composed by Veda Vyasa, it places the sacred words of the Gayatri mantra upon the body and invokes Gayatri in her many forms to shield the worshipper in every direction. It is praised as capable of removing all evils and obstructions and of granting both worldly fulfilment and final liberation.