atha mātaṅgī trailokya maṅgala kavacam  ( अथ मातङ्गी त्रैलोक्य मङ्गल कवचम् )

Prologue :- Śrī Mātaṅgī Trailokya Maṅgala Kavacam (armor) is for obtaining success in all undertakings in any/all the three realms or triads. Nothing is impossible for the devotee who worships Her. She is also very mysterious in Her manifestation as one of the ten wisdom goddesses called the Daśa-mahā-vidyā-s and is associated with all the supernatural magical powers called siddhis. One may even obtain these powers as per this kavacam and is therefore considered to be very secretive and should not be revealed to one and all. There are no restrictions in reciting this kavacam and no strict procedures to follow during the recitation period either. Those who are attracted strongly towards the Divine Mother Śrī Mātaṅgī and also initiated into any of Her mantras, may certainly recite and gain the benefits of this kavacam. She is Ucchiṣṭa, meaning “ritually impure” and therefore has very few rituals associated with Her. There are no pre-requisites or qualifications required, in order to seek Her grace. All that She requires from the devotee is pure devotion and nothing else!

Śrī Devyuvāca (श्री देव्युवाच) :-

sādhusādhu mahādeva kathayasva sureśvara ।

mātaṅgī kavacaṃ divyaṃ sarva siddhi karaṃ nṛnām ॥ 1 ॥

साधुसाधु महादेव कथयस्व सुरेश्वर ।

मातङ्गी कवचं दिव्यं सर्व सिद्धि करं नृनाम् ॥ १ ॥

The Divine Mother Śaktī spoke - Oh Lord of the entire Creation, ardently worshipped by the celestials and all beings. Oh most virtuous one, can you please reveal all the secrets of the sacred Śrī Mātaṅgī Kavacam that accomplishes all tasks, bestows magical powers called siddhi-s and rings in auspiciousness all around?

Śrī Īśvara Uvāca (श्री ईश्वर उवाच) :-

śṛṇu devī pravakṣyāmi mātaṅgī kavacaṃ śubhaṃ ।

gopanīyaṃ mahādevī maunī jāpaṃ samācaret ॥ 2 ॥

शृणु देवी प्रवक्ष्यामि मातङ्गी कवचं शुभं ।

गोपनीयं महादेवी मौनी जापं समाचरेत् ॥ २ ॥

Lord Śiva spoke – Oh my dear Devi, I shall narrate the auspicious and highly sacred Śrī Mātaṅgī Kavacam. Please listen very attentively oh Mahādevī. This hymn is considered very secretive and should not be easily revealed to one and all and also keep in mind, this should be recited mentally.

viniyogaḥ (विनियोगः) :-

oṃ asya śrīmātaṅgī kavacasya ।

śrīdakṣiṇāmūrtiḥ ṛṣiḥ ।

virāṭ chandaḥ ।

śrī mātaṅgī devatā ।

caturvarga siddhaye pāṭhe viniyogaḥ ॥

ॐ अस्य श्रीमातङ्गी कवचस्य ।

श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तिः ऋषिः ।

विराट् छन्दः ।

श्री मातङ्गी देवता ।

चतुर्वर्ग सिद्धये पाठे विनियोगः ॥

Meaning:- I pray to the Divine Mother Goddess Śrī Mātaṅgī Devī through this hymn, encased as a great Kavaca (armor) mantra. The sage (rishi) who has revealed this mantra is Śrī Dakṣiṇāmūrti. The meter (chandas) for the mantra is Virāṭ. The deity is Śrī Mātaṅgī. May the mantra called the Śrī Mātaṅgī Kavacam, fulfill all four coveted puruṣārthas (desires) namely, dharma (justice, law), artha (material desires), kāma (love, desires, wishes) and mokṣa (liberation from the cycle of life and death).

ṛṣyādi nyāsaḥ (ऋष्यादि न्यासः) :-

mūla kavaca stotra ( मूल कवच स्तोत्र ) :-

(Start of the kavaca stotra hymn)

oṃ śiro mātaṅginī pātu bhuvaneśī tu cakṣuṣī ।

toḍalā karṇa-yugalaṃ tripurā vadanaṃ mama ॥ 3 ॥

ॐ शिरो मातङ्गिनी पातु भुवनेशी तु चक्षुषी ।

तोडला कर्णयुगलं त्रिपुरा वदनं मम ॥ ३ ॥

The head is protected by the spiritually intoxicating Divine Mother Mātaṅginī. The ruler of the entire Creation, the Divine Mother Bhuvaneśvarī, protects the eyes. The karma splitting Divine Mother Toḍalā protects the ears. The triad manifesting Divine Mother Tripurā protects the face.

The activation of the highest Sahasrāra and Ājñā cakras is fully implied in this verse. Complete spiritual elevation is implied by this verse. One will have the flow of divine grace at all times and one’s perception towards everything gradually takes a spiritual turn.

pātu kaṇṭhe mahāmāyā hṛdi maheśvarī tathā ।

tripuṣpā pārśvayoḥ pātu gude kāmeśvarī mama ॥  4 ॥

पातु कण्ठे महामाया हृदि महेश्वरी तथा ।

त्रिपुष्पा पार्श्वयोः पातु गुदे कामेश्वरी मम ॥  ४ ॥

The throat is protected by the virtual reality manifesting Divine Mother Mahāmāyā. The heart is under the dominion of the mightiest Maheśvarī. The physical, astral and causal body manifesting Divine Mother Tripuṣpā protects the sides of the body and the desire fulfilling Divine Mother Kāmeśvarī protects the buttocks.

The enhancement of the throat cakra Viśuddha is implied. This helps in preventing mistruths to be spoken by us. Activation of the root Mūlādhāra cakra is also implied, signaling the start of the spiritual journey.

ūrudvaye tathā caṇḍī jaṅghayośca harapriyā ।

mahāmāyā pādayugme sarvāṅgeṣu kuleśvarī ॥ 5 ॥

ऊरुद्वये तथा चण्डी जङ्घयोश्च हरप्रिया ।

महामाया पादयुग्मे सर्वाङ्गेषु कुलेश्वरी ॥ ५ ॥

Both the thighs are protected by the duality destroying Divine Mother Caṇḍī. The shanks are protected by the Divine Mother Harapriyā, the consort of Lord Hara (Śiva).

One gets a good standing in the spiritual and material realms and also obtains the strength to withstand any calamities.

aṅgaṃ pratyaṅgakaṃ caiva sadā rakṣatu vaiṣṇavī ।

brahma-randhre sadā rakṣen mātaṅgī nāma saṃsthitā ॥ 6 ॥

अङ्गं प्रत्यङ्गकं चैव सदा रक्षतु वैष्णवी ।

ब्रह्मरन्ध्रे सदा रक्षेन् मातङ्गी नाम संस्थिता ॥ ६ ॥

All the minor and internal organs are always protected by the omniscient Divine Mother Vaiṣṇavī. The minute aperture at the top of the head, which is also the location of the sahasrāra, is always protected by the spiritual intoxicating Divine Mother Mātaṅgī.

Awakening of the Sahasrāra and the flow of divine grace is once again implied.

rakṣen-nityaṃ lalāṭe sā mahā-piśācinīti ca ।

netrayoḥ sumukhī rakṣet devī rakṣatu nāsikām ॥ 7 ॥

रक्षेन्नित्यं ललाटे सा महापिशाचिनीति च ।

नेत्रयोः सुमुखी रक्षेत् देवी रक्षतु नासिकाम् ॥ ७ ॥

The forehead is always protected by the Supreme Goddess associated with the extra-dimensional piśācis, the Divine Mother Mahāpiśācinī. The eyes are protected by the stunningly beautiful Divine Mother Sumukhī. The nostrils are under the domain of the Divine Mother Devī.

The upper cakras are once again referred to by this verse. The praṇa or the flow of life-breath, gets balanced and one experiences peace of mind, longevity and happiness.

mahāpiśācinī pāyān-mukhe rakṣatu sarvadā ।

lajjā rakṣatu māṃ dantāñcauṣṭhau sammārjanī karā ॥ 8 ॥

महापिशाचिनी पायान्मुखे रक्षतु सर्वदा ।

लज्जा रक्षतु मां दन्ताञ्चौष्ठौ सम्मार्जनी करा ॥ ८ ॥

The Divine Mother Mahāpiśācinī protects the mouth at all times. The modest and shy Divine Mother Lajjā, protects the teeth assembly and the lips. The deep cleansing Divine Mother Sammārjanī protects the hands at all times.

Control over one’s appetite for food and applying moderation over objectives and goals, becomes part of one’s personality. Gradually, with loss of greed and other vices, one becomes spiritually pure.

cibuke kaṇṭhadeśe ca ṭhakāra tritayaṃ punaḥ ।

sa-visargaṃ mahādevi hṛdayaṃ pātu sarvadā ॥ 9 ॥

चिबुके कण्ठदेशे च ठकार त्रितयं पुनः ।

सविसर्गं महादेवि हृदयं पातु सर्वदा ॥ ९ ॥

The bīja (seed) syllable mantra ṭhaḥ, that occurs thrice in the Sumukhī Devi mantra consists of the letters “ṭha” and the halant visarga “ḥ”. The triad of ṭha bīja-s together extend the protection to the chin and the throat and the visarga “ḥ”, Oh dear Mahādevi, protects the heart at all times.

The heart Anāhata cakra activation is implied bringing in great joy, deep love and happiness.

nābhiṃ rakṣatu māṃ lolā kālikā'vatu locane ।

udare pātu cāmuṇḍā liṅge kātyāyanī tathā ॥ 10 ॥

नाभिं रक्षतु मां लोला कालिकाऽवतु लोचने ।

उदरे पातु चामुण्डा लिङ्गे कात्यायनी तथा ॥ १० ॥

The navel is protected by the vigorously vibrating Divine Mother Lolā. The Annihilator and Divine Mother Kālikā protects the eyes. The belly is protected by the duality destroying Divine Mother Cāmuṇḍā and the private parts are protected by the Divine Mother Kātyāyanī, the remover of stubborn karmas.

The navel Maṇipūra cakra activation is implied, granting immense courage and enhancing the will and confidence in accomplishing all tasks. The Svādhiṣṭhāna cakra activation is also implied, causing a resurgence in one’s energy levels that could be channeled towards both spiritual and material pursuits.

ugratārā gude pātu pādau rakṣatucāṃbikā ।

bhujau rakṣatu śarvāṇī hṛdayaṃ caṇḍabhūṣaṇā ॥ 11 ॥

उग्रतारा गुदे पातु पादौ रक्षतुचांबिका ।

भुजौ रक्षतु शर्वाणी हृदयं चण्डभूषणा ॥ ११ ॥

The enlightening Divine Mother Ugratārā protects the anal region. The feet are protected by the loving Divine Mother Aṃbikā. The arms are protected by the cakra piercing Divine Mother Śarvāṇī. The heart is protected by the fierce and passionate Divine Mother Caṇḍabhūṣaṇā.

Activation of the root Mūlādhāra cakra is implied, enabling the rise of the mystical latent spiritual force called kuṇḍalinī. The heart Anāhata cakra activation is once again implied.

jihvāyāṃ mātṛkā rakṣet-pūrve rakṣatu puṣṭikā ।

vijayā dakṣiṇe pātu medhā rakṣatu varuṇe ॥ 12 ॥

जिह्वायां मातृका रक्षेत्पूर्वे रक्षतु पुष्टिका ।

विजया दक्षिणे पातु मेधा रक्षतु वरुणे ॥ १२ ॥

The tongue is protected by the Mātṛkā Devīs, who wield the power of the Sanskrit Alphabet and their sound vibrations. The Eastern direction is under the domain and protection of the satisfaction generating Divine Mother Puṣṭikā. The Southern direction is under the domain and protection of the Divine Mother Vijayā. The intelligence bestowing Divine Mother Medhā protects the Western direction.

nairṛtye su-dayā rakṣed vāyavyāṃ pātu lakṣmaṇā ।

aiśānyāṃ rakṣenmāṃ devī mātaṅgī śubhakāriṇī ॥ 13 ॥

नैरृत्ये सुदया रक्षेद् वायव्यां पातु लक्ष्मणा ।

ऐशान्यां रक्षेन्मां देवी मातङ्गी शुभकारिणी ॥ १३ ॥

The Southwestern direction is protected by the most benevolent Divine Mother Dayā. The Northwestern direction is duly protected by the fortune bestowing Lakṣmaṇā. The Northeastern direction is protected by the auspicious and fortune bestowing Divine Mother Devī Mātaṅgī.

rakṣet sureśī cāgneyyāṃ bagalā pātu cottare ।

ūrdhvaṃ pātu mahādevī devānāṃ hitakāriṇī ॥ 14 ॥

रक्षेत् सुरेशी चाग्नेय्यां बगला पातु चोत्तरे ।

ऊर्ध्वं पातु महादेवी देवानां हितकारिणी ॥ १४ ॥

The ardently worshipped Goddess of the celestials, the Divine Mother Sureśī, protects the Southeastern direction. The most potent and striking Divine Mother Bagalā, protects the Northern direction. The upward heavenly direction is under the domain of the Divine Mother Mahādevī, the protector of the celestials and all beings of the entire Creation.

pātāle pātu māṃ nityaṃ vaśinī viśvarūpiṇī ।

praṇavaṃ ca tamo māyā kāmabījaṃ ca kūrcakam ॥ 15 ॥

पाताले पातु मां नित्यं वशिनी विश्वरूपिणी ।

प्रणवं च तमो माया कामबीजं च कूर्चकम् ॥ १५ ॥

The downward nether worldly direction is always under the domain and protection of the infinite and omniscient Divine Mother Viśvarūpiṇī, who also permeates and is the very cause and form of the entire Creation. The auspiciousness bestowing Praṇava mantra om̐, followed by the power manifesting  Māyā bīja mantra hrīm̐, further by the desire fulfilling Kāma bīja klīm̐ and the attachment removing kūrca bīja hūm̐ -

mātaṅginī ṅeyutāstraṃ vahnijāyā'vadhirmanuḥ ।

sārddhaukādaśa varṇā sā sarvatra pātu māṃ sadā ॥ 16 ॥

मातङ्गिनी ङेयुतास्त्रं वह्निजायाऽवधिर्मनुः ।

सार्द्धौकादश वर्णा सा सर्वत्र पातु मां सदा ॥ १६ ॥

Followed by the word “mātaṅginyai” and the karma-busting, enemy-eliminating astra bīja phaṭ and finally the oblation offering vahnijāyā bīja svāhā completes the formation of the mantra –

om̐ hrīm̐ klīm̐ hūm̐ mātaṅginyai phaṭ svāhā 

ॐ ह्रीँ क्लीँ हूँ मातङ्गिन्यै फट् स्वाहा 

The eleven and a half lettered mantra of Śrī Mātaṅgī protects us at all times and bestows all desired wishes.

phalaśruti (फलश्रुति) :-

(Benefits from reciting the kavacam)

iti te kathitaṃ devi guhyād guhyataram param ।

trailokya maṅgalaṃ nāma kavacaṃ deva durlabham ॥ 17 ॥

इति ते कथितं देवि गुह्याद् गुह्यतरम् परम् ।

त्रैलोक्य मङ्गलं नाम कवचं देव दुर्लभम् ॥ १७ ॥

Oh dear Devi, the hymn that I have narrated, is very secretive and is amongst the greatest secrets concealed and should not be revealed to one and all. This kavacam (shield of armor) is called as “Trailokya Maṅgala Kavacam” and is also very hard to obtain even by the celestials. This hymn will help one achieve success in all undertakings on all the three realms.

ya idaṃ prapaṭhen-nityaṃ jāyate sampadālayam ।

paramaiśvaryam-atulaṃ prāpnuyānnātra saṃśayaḥ ॥ 18 ॥

य इदं प्रपठेन्नित्यं जायते सम्पदालयम् ।

परमैश्वर्यमतुलं प्राप्नुयान्नात्र संशयः ॥ १८ ॥

One who recites this hymn on a daily or regular basis will surely obtain all the wealth that he/she desires and much more, be it material or spiritual or both. One will surely obtain the greatest possible spiritual elevation and be one with Lord Śivā Himself. The individual consciousness will merge with the universal super-consciousness. Do not have any doubts over it. This is the plain and simple Truth!

gurum-abhyarcya vidhivat kavacaṃ prapaṭhedyadi ।

aiśvaryaṃ su kavitvaṃ ca vāk siddhiṃ labhate dhruvam ॥ 19 ॥

गुरुमभ्यर्च्य विधिवत् कवचं प्रपठेद्यदि ।

ऐश्वर्यं सु कवित्वं च वाक् सिद्धिं लभते ध्रुवम् ॥ १९ ॥

After paying due respects and prayers to one’s guru, one should recite the kavacam in a proper manner. Doing so, in due course of time, one will obtain mastery over poetry and also gain the vāk siddhi, which is a unique power that will manifest anything that one speaks about. Also, one will surely gain sufficient wealth.

nityaṃ tasya tu mātaṅgī mahilā maṅgalaṃ caret ।

brahmā viṣṇuśca rudraśca ye devāḥ sura sattamāḥ ॥ 20 ॥

नित्यं तस्य तु मातङ्गी महिला मङ्गलं चरेत् ।

ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्च रुद्रश्च ये देवाः सुर सत्तमाः ॥ २० ॥

One will never lose companionship with his/her partner and there shall be harmony in the relationship. The trinity of Lord Brahmā (Creator), Lord Viṣṇu (Sustainer) and Lord Rudra (Destroyer), as well as all the celestial gods called Surās.

brahma-rākṣasa vetālā grahādyā bhūta-jātayaḥ ।

taṃ dṛṣṭvā sādhakaṃ devi lajjā-yuktā bhavaṃti te ॥ 21 ॥

ब्रह्मराक्षस वेताला ग्रहाद्या भूतजातयः ।

तं दृष्ट्वा साधकं देवि लज्जायुक्ता भवंति ते ॥ २१ ॥

The great devouring extra-dimensional Brahma Rākṣasas, goblin like Vetālās, the nine heavenly planetary grahās, the mischievous ghostly bhūtas and piśācās will look upon the devotees (sādhaka-s) with jealously, oh dear Devi! Such is the power of this hymn!

kavacaṃ dhārayed-dyastu sarva-siddhiṃ labhed dhruvam ।

rājāno'pi ca dāsāḥsyuḥ ṣaṭkarmāṇi ca sādhayet ॥ 22 ॥

कवचं धारयेद्द्यस्तु सर्वसिद्धिं लभेद् ध्रुवम् ।

राजानोऽपि च दासाःस्युः षट्कर्माणि च साधयेत् ॥ २२ ॥

One who wears and/or recites the kavacam regularly will gain all the magical powers called siddhi-s and sufficient wealth. One will be able to make even the kings and people of high power and status in the society, government and large organizations, submit to his/her will as and when one employs any of the six tantric acts called ṣaṭkarmas. The ṣaṭkarmas are śānti (peace, settlement and compromise), vaśya (attraction and submission), stambhana (halting and stopping the rivals before they make their moves), vidveṣa (contempt and hatred), uccāṭana (expulsion, removal from a place, overthrow), māraṇa (ruin, inflict death, defeat etc.).

siddho bhavati sarvatra kim-anyair-bahu bhāṣitaiḥ ।

idaṃ kavacam-ajñātvā mātaṅgī yo bhajen-naraḥ ॥ 23 ॥

सिद्धो भवति सर्वत्र किमन्यैर्बहु भाषितैः ।

इदं कवचमज्ञात्वा मातङ्गी यो भजेन्नरः ॥ २३ ॥

Why speak more oh Devi? One will achieve anything that is desired and much more, from the recitation of this kavacam! It is to be noted that one who does not recite this kavacam, will not gain any merit from the mantra japa (recitation) of Śrī Mātaṅgī mantras.

alpāyur-nirddhano mūrkhe bhavatyeva na saṃśayaḥ ।

gurau bhaktiḥ sadā kāryā kavace ca dṛḍhā matiḥ ॥ 24 ॥

अल्पायुर्निर्द्धनो मूर्खे भवत्येव न संशयः ।

गुरौ भक्तिः सदा कार्या कवचे च दृढा मतिः ॥ २४ ॥

Such an unfortunate person who does not recite this hymn and goes ahead with just the mantra japa, will lose life longevity and wealth. One must have full and firm faith as well as sincere devotion to one’s guru and by doing so, will achieve success in all undertakings.

tasmai mātaṅginī devī sarva-siddhiṃ prayacchati ॥ 25 ॥

तस्मै मातङ्गिनी देवी सर्वसिद्धिं प्रयच्छति ॥ २५ ॥

May the Divine Mother Śrī Mātaṅgī bestow complete success, all magical siddhi-s, wealth, auspiciousness and prosperity to us all!

॥ iti nandyāvarte uttarakhaṇḍe tvarita phaladāyinī mātaṅginī kavacaṃ samāptam ॥

॥ इति नन्द्यावर्ते उत्तरखण्डे त्वरित फलदायिनी मातङ्गिनी कवचं समाप्तम् ॥

(Thus ends the quick yielding Śrī Mātaṅgī Trailokya Maṅgala Kavacam, derived from the Nandyāvarta Tantram, Uttarakhaṇḍa section.)