Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 50
The Exposition of Hanumān’s Protective Kavaca
Māruti-kavaca
यस्मै कस्मै न दातव्यं रक्षणीयं प्रयत्नतः । अष्टगंधैर्विलिख्याथ कवचं धारयेत्तु यः ॥ ५० ॥
yasmai kasmai na dātavyaṃ rakṣaṇīyaṃ prayatnataḥ | aṣṭagaṃdhairvilikhyātha kavacaṃ dhārayettu yaḥ || 50 ||
Jangan diberikan kepada sesiapa sewenang-wenangnya; hendaklah dijaga dengan bersungguh-sungguh. Sesiapa yang menuliskannya dengan lapan bahan harum lalu memakai kavaca ini, akan memperoleh perlindungannya.
Narada (in instruction mode within a technical/ritual section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
The verse teaches that protective mantra-rites (kavaca) are potent and therefore must be preserved with secrecy and discipline; their efficacy is linked to careful handling, correct preparation, and reverent use.
By emphasizing careful guarding and faithful wearing of the kavaca, it frames devotion as disciplined practice—honoring sacred formulae and ritual supports as aids that sustain the devotee’s spiritual protection and steadiness.
It highlights ritual procedure and correct material usage—inscribing with aṣṭagandha and properly bearing the kavaca—reflecting technical application aligned with Vedanga-style precision in sacred practice.