Bhutadhupadrave Kvapi Varma Narayanatmakam |
Japyam Cha Hanumamantro Japyo Na Kshudradaivataha ||85|
Sometimes for reasons of impurity, sin etc. one can become subject to afflictions caused by Ghosts (Bhuta) and other paranormal phenomena such as evil spirits (Preta, Pisacha, Shaakini, Brahman Rakshasa etc). In such circumstances one should chant the Narayan Kavacha, as stated in the Sixth Skanda of Shrimad Bhagwat.
One should wash their hands and feet, perform Achmana for purification, sit facing North, perform Nyaasa using their fingers and body as they chant Mantras (this invokes the Gods to protect various parts of the body) observe Moun (silence) and then they should chant the Narayan Kavacha - the ‘Armour of Narayan’.
Alternatively one may chant various famed Mantras of Vira Shree Hanumaan. One should never invoke any other God apart from Shree Krishna or his Bhaktas as to do so leads to a sin of Anyashraya. Invoking Hanumaan does not lead to sin as in the Ramayana, Raghunaath explains, ‘Whomsoever calls for my dearest Hanumaan for shelter has called for me’.
Bhagwat’s Sixth Skanda tells the story of Indra’s insult to the Deva’s Guru, Brihaspati and Indra’s subsequent defeat. At the advice of Brahma, he approaches Vishvarupa to take the place of Brihaspati on his departure. It was Vishvarupa who imparted the Narayan Kavacha (the armour of psychic potency relating to Narayan). Protected by it, Indra was able to easily overcome the armies of Asuras. The Narayan Kavacha in Sk 6, Ad 8, 12-34 invokes all the 24 incarnations of God and asks each to protect them from various undesirable influences and acts. It invokes Lord Hari, using his many names to protect them throughout the day. It invokes the various weapons of God to destroy evil. In this way the Narayan Kavacha is truly a great Mantra worthy of study and chant.
Similarly Hanumaan’s greatness is equally renowned in the Ramayan. His devotion to Rama was clearly glorified. Hanumaan is a Deva of astonishing attributes. His strength, knowledge, skills and total mastery of all arts makes him worthy of being invoked.
Rama, at the end of the Lanka episode, pleased with his dedication to him offered Hanumaan a boon. Hanumaan asked not for any material happiness, but asked that he stay upon the Earth as long as people sing the Great story of Shree Rama, so that he may be fulfilled by listening to the stories of Rama and also that if any pains befall any devotees of the Lord then he should be capable of destroying such pains.
In this way Hanumaan became immortal and indeed, no Vaishnav temple is considered a temple without the Idol of Shree Rama's favourite devotee, Shree Hanumaan. Hanumanji was the Kul Deva or family deity of the Dharma Kul. He has on numerous occasions, come to the saviour of Dharma and Bhakti, by freeing them from the tyranny of Evil Spirits. This was as per the instruction of Dharma Deva’s father, who commanded that Hanumaan should be invoked in such situations.
In this way, we too can afford protection always by chanting and invoking the Narayan Kavacha or Hanumaan Stotra. Even today, many find solitude and peace of mind by chanting the great ‘Hanumaan Chalisa’ of the seventeenth century saint-poet Tulsidaas.