Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 28
Nārāyaṇa-kavaca — The Armor of Lord Nārāyaṇa
यन्नो भयं ग्रहेभ्योऽभूत् केतुभ्यो नृभ्य एव च । सरीसृपेभ्यो दंष्ट्रिभ्यो भूतेभ्योंहोभ्य एव च ॥ २७ ॥ सर्वाण्येतानि भगवन्नामरूपानुकीर्तनात् । प्रयान्तु सङ्क्षयं सद्यो ये न: श्रेय:प्रतीपका: ॥ २८ ॥
yan no bhayaṁ grahebhyo ’bhūt ketubhyo nṛbhya eva ca sarīsṛpebhyo daṁṣṭribhyo bhūtebhyo ’ṁhobhya eva ca
May the glorification of the transcendental name, form, qualities and paraphernalia of the Supreme Personality of Godhead protect us from the influence of bad planets, meteors, envious human beings, serpents, scorpions, and animals like tigers and wolves. May it protect us from ghosts and the material elements like earth, water, fire and air, and may it also protect us from lightning and our past sins. We are always afraid of these hindrances to our auspicious life. Therefore, may they all be completely destroyed by the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
FAQs
This verse teaches that fears arising from planets, omens, hostile people, animals, spirits, and even sin are destroyed immediately by anukirtana—repeated chanting and glorification of Bhagavan’s holy names and divine forms.
Indra is preparing for protection in the conflict with the asuras; following the Narayana-kavaca instruction, he invokes the Lord’s name and form as the ultimate shield that removes obstacles to true welfare (śreyaḥ).
When anxiety or “bad omens” feel overwhelming, this verse recommends grounding the mind in devotional practice—regular chanting and remembrance of the Lord’s names and forms—as a direct method to reduce fear and remove inner obstacles.