Brahma told Bhrigu that he was giving a Kavacha of Saraswati which was the essence of Shrutis, which was sonorous to the ears, proposed in Vedas and fully approved. Raaseshwara Bhagavan Shri Krishna in Goloka where Raasamandalis were in progress preached this Kavacha which was confidential and unheard by anybody earlier. Shukraachaarya became worthy of worship by all Daityas due to this Kavacha. Brihaspati’s mental sharpness came about due to the power of this. Valmiki came to be known as a ‘Kaveeswara’ only due to the might of this Kavacha. Swayambhu Manu came to be revered due to its constant Recitation. The famous writers viz. Kanaad, Gautam, Kanva, Panini, Shaakataayan, Daksha and Kaatyaayana gained reputation due to this Kavacha. So did Veda Vyasa, Shatatapa, Samvarta, Vasishtha, Paraashara, Yaagnyavakya, Rishya -shringa, Bharadwaja, Devala, Jaigeeshya, and Jaabaali scripted their masterpieces by power of the recitation of this ‘Kavacha’

 Viprendra! Prajapati is the Rishi to this Kavacha; Brihati is the Chhanda; Mother Sharada is the Adhishthaatri Devi; the ‘Prayoga’ (application) of this Kavacha is an attempt to realise the meaning of ‘Tatwa Parigyana’ or the knowledge of Tatwas and a synthesis of Kavitas (Poetry) and their absorptive capacity. Shraddha is given as my sacrifice to Shreem-Hreem- Swarupini Saraswati and I request that she must please guard my head from all the directions. I offer my Shraddha to Om Shreem ‘Vaag Devata’ and I implore her to secure my forehead; I offer my devotion to Om Hreem Bhagavati Saraswati and I beseech her to keep my ears intact; my surrender to Om Shreem Hreem Bhagavati Bharati and my sincere request to her is to protect my eyes; my prostration to Aim-Hreem Swarupini Vagdevi with the supplication to shield my nose; my submission to Om Shreem Hreem Vidya Adhishthaatri and appeal to her to safe-guard my ‘danta-pankti’ or  row of teeth; ‘Aim’ is the letter with which I offer my reverences to Devi Sarasvati and I seek her kindness to keep my throat in tact; with humility I approach Om Shreem Hreem Vidya Swarupi to save my navel; may Om Hreem Kleem Swarupi Devi Vaani strengthen my hands with power as I bow my head to her with respects; I approach Om Swarupini Bhagavati ‘Sarva Varnaatmika’ my unreserved humbleness with the folded hands to secure my feet;  Let my very existence which is owed to Omkaara Devi be fortified by my earnest prayer to provide me all-round safety. Mother Saraswati Veda Swarupa! do provide my safety from the Eastern side; I  offer my Shraddha to Om Hreem Swarupini to kindly  protect me from the ‘Agneya’ side; You are the Mantra Swarupa of Om Aim Hreem Kleem Saraswatyai Budha Jananyai Swaaha; please safeguard me from the Southern direction. May the Tryakshara Mantra of Aim Hreem Shreem keep me safe from the Nirruti Kona’. As the tip of my tongue is dedicated to Om Swarupini, kindly protect my western disha. May Bhagavati Sarvaambika keep safe of my ‘Vaayavya kona’; may Gadya-Padya Nivaasini in the Form of ‘Om Aim’ keep safe my northern direction; the Sampurna Shastra ‘Aim Swarupini’ who is worshipped by one and all is an emblem of Mercy and should strengthen my ‘Ishana’ direction; from above the top of my being, may ‘Om Shreem Swarupi’ help me to protect always; the mother of Vidya who resides in Sacred books is revered by sincere prostration and may her secure me down under; and finally, my obeisances to you Om Swarupini and Grandha beeja rupa! Preserve me safe from all directions). Recitation of this Kavacha yields memory power, mental sharpness and immense knowledge. Its recitation by five lakh times would definitely yield ‘Parama Siddhis’ to excel Deva Guru Brihaspati! [Essence of Brahma Vaivarta Purana].

This series of Stutis /Kavachas, Ashtottaras and Sahasranamas from the series of Essence of Puranas have been Compiled and edited by Sri. V.D.N.Rao,devotee of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Retired Official of the Government of India. The author can be contacted at raovdn@gmail.com

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