Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 1
Nārāyaṇa-kavaca — The Armor of Lord Nārāyaṇa
श्रीराजोवाच यया गुप्त: सहस्राक्ष: सवाहान् रिपुसैनिकान् । क्रीडन्निव विनिर्जित्य त्रिलोक्या बुभुजे श्रियम् ॥ १ ॥ भगवंस्तन्ममाख्याहि वर्म नारायणात्मकम् । यथाततायिन: शत्रून्येन गुप्तोऽजयन्मृधे ॥ २ ॥
śrī-rājovāca yayā guptaḥ sahasrākṣaḥ savāhān ripu-sainikān krīḍann iva vinirjitya tri-lokyā bubhuje śriyam
King Parīkṣit inquired from Śukadeva Gosvāmī: My lord, kindly explain the Viṣṇu mantra armor that protected King Indra and enabled him to conquer his enemies, along with their carriers, and enjoy the opulence of the three worlds. Please explain to me that Nārāyaṇa armor, by which King Indra achieved success in battle, conquering the enemies who were endeavoring to kill him.
FAQs
It is a divine protective armor (kavaca) centered on Nārāyaṇa, described as powerful enough to protect even Indra and ensure victory over enemies.
Parīkṣit cites Indra’s victory as evidence of the kavaca’s power, prompting a request to hear the exact Nārāyaṇa-based armor and how it works.
It teaches that sincere reliance on the Lord’s shelter and remembrance of Nārāyaṇa cultivates inner protection—reducing fear and strengthening steadiness in challenges.