Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 40
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
अश्मकाद्बालिको जज्ञे य: स्त्रीभि: परिरक्षित: । नारीकवच इत्युक्तो नि:क्षत्रे मूलकोऽभवत् ॥ ४० ॥
aśmakād bāliko jajñe yaḥ strībhiḥ parirakṣitaḥ nārī-kavaca ity ukto niḥkṣatre mūlako ’bhavat
De Aśmaka nació Bālika. Como Bālika estaba rodeado de mujeres y así se salvó de la ira de Paraśurāma, fue conocido como Nārīkavaca. Cuando Paraśurāma venció a todos los kṣatriyas, Bālika se convirtió en el progenitor de más kṣatriyas. Por lo tanto, fue conocido como Mūlaka.
FAQs
Nārī-kavaca is the son born to King Aśmaka who was protected by women; he is also known as Mūlaka, described as the restorer (root) of the kṣatriya line when kṣatriyas were nearly absent.
He is called Nārī-kavaca because women guarded and protected him like an armor (kavaca), ensuring his survival.
Even in times of decline, divine arrangement and sincere protection can preserve dharma—support systems (family/community) can safeguard what is valuable and help restore stability.