Mahalakshmi Kavacham
महालक्ष्मी कवचम् in English · English
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✦ Meaning
The Mahalakshmi Kavacham is a protective 'armour' hymn in which Brahma reveals to Indra the divine shield of Goddess Mahalakshmi for the protection of the worlds. By her many names — Vishnupatni, Amritodbhava, Padmamalini and more — it places each part of the body under her guard. Recited thrice daily, it is said to bestow wealth, grain, growth of family, and freedom from all evil spirits, fulfilling every desire by Lakshmi's grace.
Origin & Story
Traditional Shakta / Vaishnava Puranic source · Traditional (revealed by Brahma to Indra) · Ancient (Puranic)
The Mahalakshmi Kavacham is set as a dialogue in which Indra, anxious to protect the gods, requests Brahma to impart a complete protective armour. Brahma reveals the divine Kavacha of Mahalakshmi — the bestower of all wealth — declaring that whoever wears or recites it gains prosperity, the growth of family, victory and freedom from all evil. Because of its power, it is taught as a closely held secret to be entrusted only to the worthy.
✦ As told in scripture
It is traditionally believed that in a household where this Kavacha is recited daily with faith, Goddess Lakshmi never withdraws her presence — wealth and grain steadily increase, the family flourishes, and no ghost, spirit or misfortune can cross its threshold, for the home is wrapped in the very armour of the Mother of fortune.
Complete Text with Meaning
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Indra Uvacha — Samasta Kavacham Bruhi Samastartha Prasadhanam Rakshakaram Tu Jagatam Yena Rakshami Devatah
Meaning:Indra said: Declare to me the complete armour, the accomplisher of every aim, the protector of the worlds, by which I may protect the gods.
Brahma Uvacha — Shrinu Vakshyami Viprendra Kavacham Paramadbhutam Mahalakshmyastu Yad Divyam Sarva Sampat Pradayakam
Meaning:Brahma said: Listen, O best of the wise — I shall declare the most wonderful armour of Mahalakshmi, the divine one that bestows all wealth and prosperity.
Om Asya Shri Mahalakshmi Kavacha Mantrasya Brahma Rishih Gayatri Chhandah Mahalakshmir Devata Shri Mahalakshmi Prityarthe Jape Viniyogah
Meaning:Om. Of this Shri Mahalakshmi Kavacha mantra, the sage is Brahma, the metre is Gayatri, the deity is Mahalakshmi; it is applied in recitation for the pleasure of Shri Mahalakshmi.
Shiro Me Vishnupatni Cha Lalatam Amritodbhava Karnau Cha Shrikari Patu Netre Shrinivasapriya
Meaning:May the consort of Vishnu protect my head; may she who arose from the nectar protect my forehead; may Shrikari protect my ears, and the beloved of Shrinivasa my eyes.
Ghranam Patu Varahanki Jihvam Patu Haripriya Mukham Patu Mahalakshmih Kantham Vaikunthavasini
Meaning:May Varahanki protect my nose, and the beloved of Hari my tongue; may Mahalakshmi protect my face, and she who dwells in Vaikuntha my throat.
Skandhau Khadgadhara Patu Bhujau Bhargavanandini Hastau Cha Chakrini Patu Vakshah Patu Haripriya
Meaning:May the bearer of the sword protect my shoulders, and the daughter of Bhrigu my arms; may the bearer of the discus protect my hands, and the beloved of Hari my chest.
Nabhim Cha Padmamalini Katim Patu Sureshvari Uru Cha Padmanilaya Januni Janakatmaja
Meaning:May she who wears the lotus garland protect my navel, and the supreme goddess my waist; may she who is seated on the lotus protect my thighs, and the daughter of Janaka my knees.
Janghe Patu Jaganmata Padau Patu Karalika Sarvangam Patu Me Lakshmih Sarvatra Vijayaprada
Meaning:May the Mother of the universe protect my shins, and Karalika my feet; may Lakshmi, giver of victory everywhere, protect all my limbs.
Iti Te Kathitam Vipra Sarva Sampatkaram Param Trikalam Pathate Yastu Mahalakshmyah Prasadatah
Meaning:Thus, O sage, I have declared to you this supreme bestower of all wealth. Whoever recites it at the three times of day, by the grace of Mahalakshmi,
Dhana Dhanya Samriddhih Syat Putra Pautradi Vardhini Bhuta Preta Pishachashcha Na Badhante Kadachana
Meaning:attains abundance of wealth and grain, and increase of sons, grandsons and posterity; and ghosts, spectres and goblins never trouble him at all.
Idam Rahasyam Paramam Na Deyam Yasya Kasyachit Dharanad Vachanad Asya Sarvan Kamanavapnuyat
Meaning:This is a supreme secret, not to be given to just anyone. By wearing it or reciting it, one obtains all one's desires.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting महालक्ष्मी कवचम्
Invokes Goddess Mahalakshmi to protect every part of the body as a divine armour
Bestows abundance of wealth, grain and all-round prosperity (dhana-dhanya samriddhi)
Promotes the growth and wellbeing of children, family and lineage
Protects completely from ghosts, spirits, goblins and negative influences
Grants victory and success in all endeavours (sarvatra vijaya-prada)
Fulfils all righteous desires of the devotee by the grace of Lakshmi
An auspicious daily recitation for the home, business and financial stability
How to Chant महालक्ष्मी कवचम्
After a bath, sit facing east or north in a clean, sanctified place before an image of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Light a ghee lamp and offer fresh flowers, ideally lotus or red flowers. Recite the Viniyoga first, then chant the Kavacham with devotion, mentally placing each name of the Goddess upon the corresponding part of the body. For the prescribed fruit, recite it at the three junctures (Trikala). Conclude by bowing to Mahalakshmi and praying for prosperity and protection of the household.
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