Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 65
The Account of Kārtavīrya’s Protective Kavaca
Kārtavīrya-kavaca-vṛttānta
पिशाचा ये महासत्त्वा ये भूतब्रह्मराक्षसाः । अपस्मारग्रहा ये च ये ग्रहाः पिशिताशनाः ॥ ६५ ॥
piśācā ye mahāsattvā ye bhūtabrahmarākṣasāḥ | apasmāragrahā ye ca ye grahāḥ piśitāśanāḥ || 65 ||
خواہ وہ نہایت قوت والے پِشَچ ہوں، یا بھوت اور برہمرکشس؛ خواہ اپسمار کے گرہ ہوں، یا گوشت خور دوسرے گرہ—ایسی سب آزار دینے والی ہستیاں۔
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada on śānti measures for graha/doṣa afflictions in the Vedāṅga-oriented section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It classifies harmful, afflictive forces—piśācas, bhūtas, brahma-rākṣasas, and seizure-causing grahas—so they can be addressed through śānti (pacificatory) dharma: disciplined conduct, mantra, and devotion that restores inner order and protection.
By naming hostile entities as “grahas” (seizers), the verse implies liberation through taking refuge in a higher Lord: steady Vishnu-bhakti, purity, and sacred recitation are traditionally presented in the Narada Purana as the strongest protection against fear and unseen afflictions.
It reflects a Vedāṅga-style diagnostic listing used in śānti-karmas: identifying the type of graha/affliction (including apasmāra) as a prerequisite for appropriate ritual measures, mantras, and timing (often aligned with jyotiṣa principles).