Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 78
The Account of Kārtavīrya’s Protective Kavaca
Kārtavīrya-kavaca-vṛttānta
सहस्रधा प्रणश्यंतु भग्नसत्त्वबलोद्यमाः । ये सर्पा ये महानागा महागिरिबिलेशयाः ॥ ७८ ॥
sahasradhā praṇaśyaṃtu bhagnasattvabalodyamāḥ | ye sarpā ye mahānāgā mahāgiribileśayāḥ || 78 ||
Kapag nabasag ang kanilang tapang, lakas, at sigasig sa paglusob, nawa’y mapuksa sila sa sanlibong paraan—yaong mga ahas at dakilang nāga na naninirahan sa mga yungib ng malalaking bundok.
Narada (in a protective/ritual-technical context within the Vedanga-oriented section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It functions as a rakṣā-prayoga (protective utterance), invoking the defeat of harmful serpent-forces by breaking their “sattva-bala-udyama” (resolve, strength, and hostile exertion), emphasizing spiritual protection through disciplined sacred speech.
Though not a direct bhakti instruction, it reflects the bhakta’s reliance on sacred recitation and divine order for protection—using dharmic means rather than fear—consistent with Narada Purana’s devotional culture of mantra-supported living.
Applied mantra-usage within ritual life: a practical rakṣā (protective) formulation, showing how technical Vedic practice uses precise wording and intent for safeguarding—aligned with Vedanga-style procedural knowledge.