- June 21, 2025
Mantras and powerful stotras are deeply embedded in our culture. Among them, Sri Kaliyamman Kavasam is revered as a divine shield that protects us from surrounding negative energies and bestows peace of mind and success. These are not just words; they are waves carrying faith, power, and the compassion of the Mother.
Kavasam means a protective shield. Kaliyamman Kavasam is a powerful collection of mantras that seeks the grace of Mother Kali to protect us from obstacles, fears, and evil forces in life. It is a sacred text that has been recited by devotees for thousands of years and has brought about many miracles.
Mother Kali has conquered all ages. Her sacred names like Kali, Karala Vadana, Uthira Priya, Mundamala, Jayanti, Bhadrakali, Kapalini, and Chamunda all bring us great grace. Those who worship Kali do not experience rebirth; she has the power to grant a birthless, eternal life. Sages like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa also received the Mother’s blessings.
In today’s fast-paced world, we all seek protection in some way. It could be physical safety, mental peace, or spiritual strength. Sri Kaliyamman Kavasam serves as a tool that fulfills all these needs.
It is said that “Neelkadalaay Neelvanna NeermaiyaLaay Thaazhpidippaar Thaabamara Thaayaagi Vandhathuvum Vaal Piditha Kaaliyaval Vaaridhiyaay VandhittaaL” (As vast as the blue ocean, she came as a mother to remove the suffering of those who hold her feet, that sword-wielding Kali came as the ocean itself). She is full of ocean-like compassion. Evils will never approach her devotees. Sivacharya Kulabhushanam Sambamoorthy Sivacharyar says that those who read and listen to this Kavasam will attain many great benefits.
Dhyanam (Invocation)
Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini Durga
Kshama Shiva Dhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute
Kaappu (Protection Verse)
To multiply auspiciousness, for those who come on the flower,
Seek the lotus feet of the one who came.
Bhagavati Kaliyamman with eighteen arms,
If this wealth-showering Kavasam is recited daily,
Destiny’s decree will flee, much strength will be gained,
Enlightened speech will come, and auspiciousness will abound.
Kavasam (The Shield)
O Ambika who showers grace, O sweet nectar in the hearts of devotees,
O young sun who removes darkness, O sweet celestial nectar,
O golden jewel that brings wealth, O surging Ganga,
O Maiden who removes confusion, O Kaliyamma, the maiden!
O Goddess who bestows life, O Mother even to the celestials,
O sharp intellect that comes with the ghouls who desire gruel,
O daughter of the earth who destroys destructive forces,
O valiant one who kicks away the powers sent to fell!
Having made a seat in my mind, O one who stands eternally,
O resplendent one who came today, leaving the golden Himalayas,
O our jewel of a sweet face, is there any meaning in seeking gold,
Leaving you, O Kaliyamma?
A bundle of black pepper and dried salt,
Hidden on the path, I stepped on it unknowingly,
O valiant Kaliyamma, to guard the path,
Come, O Purna, during the Hora of Pooram.
To dispel obstacles, O sweet-faced Kaliyamma,
Come, O eight Tithis, and protect us.
From the spells cast by those with hard hearts,
Protect us from being broken, O our refuge.
O Bhagavati, Bhagavati, with eighteen arms,
O Eternal one standing on the wealth-dripping lotus,
O one who always chants “Shiva Nama” to protect the land,
O enchanting Shankari, O Mother of Shanmukha!
O one who unites Mother and children, wife and husband,
And guides them on the right path with love,
O one who stands in the forest as fruit and ripened fruit,
O one who came to the world as Maya Avatari!
Placing abundant flowers at your coming feet,
I will apply sandalwood, I will sing melodious praises.
With you as my kin, the three worlds are enchanted,
The bound evil sounds will flee in fear.
It will flee, it will flee, the magic that was spoken,
This Kavasam, sung, will protect the entire world.
By this Kavasam that I wear, O Sundari, I am enchanted,
I will daily praise you, O Nagini, O Narayani!
O Elder of Narayana, O one who stands as myself,
O one who came to protect without asking for a reason,
With the Marana mantra, for the ashes of illusion,
O one who extends her arm like a guide, smiling at the world!
O one who stands with anger like a fierce fire to those who mock,
O one with a face like a mustard explosion to those who slander,
O one whose heart-flower wears the quality of dwelling,
O one who laughs to destroy the illusion of a fox’s claw!
O one who wears snakes as ornaments and stands in the middle of the sky,
O one who surveys many worlds with eyes darting to see enemies,
O one with a smoky complexion, O virtuous Gnyani,
O one who bestows wealth and protects before one even bows!
You are the protector, O Bharani of Karthikai,
O giver of vast wealth for grand offerings,
O one who comes to be seen with golden ornaments,
O one who gave the four Vedas for praising with speech!
Taking the Kilinkara seed and sowing it in the eastern field,
Remove the suffering and grant good harvest with auspicious words.
In the seed of Saubhagya, O Goddess of Beauty,
O valiant Sulini, who awakens by saying “Sou Ezhuga”!
O one who stands as Durga, O one who delights in the Dhandubhi,
O remover of sorrow, O daughter Srihari,
O rare one who delights in archana, O Aym Devi,
O snow maiden of the mountains, O Kilinkari who drives away fear!
Leg pain, headache, temporal diseases,
Chest pain, great ailments, unending poverty,
And the dance of the doll that shows the milk and releases the snake,
O fish-eyed one, if you come, they will quickly flee.
If one aims to harm us, their voices will tremble,
The impoverished one, leaving their own, will break their single bow.
For the virtuous who never forget Uma, you will bestow auspiciousness,
Veritably with interest, raising them high.
You will grant influence, long-lasting wealth, and longevity,
You will grant great victory, unfading success,
You will grant mental strength, the mantra of Neeli,
You will grant turmeric, O long-speared Kaliyamma!
If one recites Kaliyamman Kavasam in the morning,
There is no fear of death; she will stand as a protector.
Taking the dust-like sacred ash and placing it in incense,
If Kavasam is offered as a messenger, distant enemies will flee.
On the evening of Ashtami, decorating her with flowers,
If the text is recited, there is no lack of compassion.
On the auspicious eleventh day, after the sown seed has yielded,
If recited without hindrance, there will be no lack of grace.
On an auspicious day, if maidens light lamps,
And praise the auspicious one, their marital bliss will increase.
Taking the flower of the red carp, on the day of one’s birth star,
If the feet of the maidens are worshipped, good things and virtue will come.
On the day of Purnima, if jasmine flowers are offered to the cause,
Marriage will happen for all time.
O powerful Surya, O Sulini who vows,
O Sharada, O Swami, O Sambhavi who wears ashes!
If one recites this three times during the Moola Rasi,
And chants the Moola Mantra before and after,
Famine will not approach them in due course,
O one who comes riding a beautiful horse, reigning!
O Goddess of Darshan, O giver of righteous wealth,
O Vasi Vasi to the female horse trainer, O Vasi Vasi to the whole world,
O Kanakai adorned with elephant, O precious jewel of the eye,
O one with a forehead like elephant tusks, O daughter who bestows great wealth!
Kaliyamma, Kaliyamma, Kaliyamma who comes to be seen,
Kaliyamma, Kaliyamma, protect us for all time,
Kaliyamma, Kaliyamma, Kaliyamma, come,
Kaliyamma, our Mother, Kaliyamma, Kaliyamma!
Bhagavati Kaliyamman with eighteen arms,
If this wealth-dripping Kavasam is recited daily,
A place will be found, strength will be gained, destiny’s decree will be removed,
Wisdom will be gained, with a good mind, auspiciousness will abound.
O Kali of auspiciousness, O Queen, my treasure,
O Kali of auspiciousness, O flower of fragrance, my fame,
O Kali of auspiciousness, O vermilion of marital bliss,
O Kali of auspiciousness, O sweet Kali!
Mantra: Om Kleem Shreem Kleem Kali MahaKali,
Stand in my mind and on my face, Swaha.
There are no strict rules for reciting Sri Kaliyamman Kavasam. The most important thing is to recite it with faith and a pure heart.
Even if you cannot memorize the entire Kavasam, you can recite a few lines or your favourite part daily. Consistency and faith are key.
To overcome life’s challenges and to live a peaceful, protected life, incorporate the divine shield of Mother Kali into your daily routine. The Mother’s compassion will surely protect you!
