Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 6
Nārāyaṇa-kavaca — The Armor of Lord Nārāyaṇa
श्रीविश्वरूप उवाच धौताङ्घ्रिपाणिराचम्य सपवित्र उदङ्मुख: । कृतस्वाङ्गकरन्यासो मन्त्राभ्यां वाग्यत: शुचि: ॥ ४ ॥ नारायणपरं वर्म सन्नह्येद् भय आगते । पादयोर्जानुनोरूर्वोरुदरे हृद्यथोरसि ॥ ५ ॥ मुखे शिरस्यानुपूर्व्यादोंङ्कारादीनि विन्यसेत् । ॐ नमो नारायणायेति विपर्ययमथापि वा ॥ ६ ॥
śrī-viśvarūpa uvāca dhautāṅghri-pāṇir ācamya sapavitra udaṅ-mukhaḥ kṛta-svāṅga-kara-nyāso mantrābhyāṁ vāg-yataḥ śuciḥ
Sinabi ni Viśvarūpa: Sa oras ng takot, hugasan ang kamay at paa, gawin ang ācamana upang luminis, umupo na nakaharap sa hilaga, hawakan ang kuśa at manahimik. Pagkatapos, gawin ang nyāsa sa mantrang walong pantig at labindalawang pantig at isuot ang kavača ni Nārāyaṇa. Habang inuusal ang ‘oṁ namo nārāyaṇāya’, ilagay ang nyāsa mula paa hanggang ulo ayon sa ayos, at saka ulitin sa baligtad na ayos.
FAQs
In this verse, the Bhagavatam describes a method of protective devotion using mantra-nyāsa—placing the syllables of “Oṁ namo nārāyaṇāya” on the mouth and head in proper sequence (or even in reverse), establishing remembrance of Nārāyaṇa as a spiritual shield.
Viśvarūpa teaches Indra a protective armor (kavacha) rooted in surrender to Nārāyaṇa; the mantra-nyāsa focuses the practitioner’s mind and senses on the Lord, invoking divine protection during danger.
Chant “Oṁ namo nārāyaṇāya” with attention, and mentally place the mantra on the head and mouth—offering your thoughts and speech to the Lord—especially before stressful tasks, travel, or moments of fear.