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कवच · Armor Stotras
A kavacha is a protective stotra — invoking a deity to protect specific parts of the body. The structure is regular: dhyāna, aṅga-nyāsa, and verse-by-verse protection of head, eyes, ears, throat, chest, and limbs.
Deity: Durga
Comprehensive protection through invocation of all nine forms of Durga
Deity: Narayana
Protection from all enemies (used by Indra against Vritrasura)
Deity: Rama
Body-part-by-body-part protection through Rama's names and forms
Deity: Ganesha
Removal of distress (sankata-nashana) through Ganesha's protection
Deity: Hanuman
Protection through Hanuman's invocation
Deity: Surya
Protection through Surya's effulgent rays
Deity: Shani
Protection during Sade Sati or Shani Mahadasha
Deity: Mahakali
Tantric protection — typically practiced by initiates
Deity: Bhairava
Protection through fierce-form Shiva (kotwal of dharma)
Deity: Durga
Pre-Saptashati-recitation kavacha — included along with Argala and Keelaka before Devi Mahatmya path
Deity: Murugan / Kartikeya / Skanda
Comprehensive protection through Murugan's twelve hands and weapons
Deity: Devi
'Argala' = bolt; the stotra acts as a bolt sealing the recitation of Saptashati for full effect
Deity: Devi
'Keelaka' = key; unlocks the merit of the Saptashati