9.Protection from enemies – Kirata Shasta stuti

July 12, 2025 by linginenivasu

Table of Contents

🙏 Overview of Kirata Ṣāsta

Kirata Śāstā (Ayyappā) represents the divine hunter form of Lord Śiva (Kirāta), worshipped widely in South India. The Kirataṣṭakam is a sacred hymn of eight verses praising his valor, protective power, and grace

🕉️ Invocation & Mantra : Kirata Shasta stuti

The hymn begins with a powerful invocation to sanctify and energize the chant: ayyappa ashtakam

python-replCopyEditasya śrīkirātaśasturmahāmantrasya ... japē viniyōgaḥ
karanyāsaḥ –
ōṁ hrāṁ aṅguṣṭhābhyāṁ namaḥ
...

These bija mantras and nyāsas align the body’s energy before recitation : kiratashtakam

📜 Selected Verses (Translated)

Verse 1:

bashCopyEditākhēṭāya vanēcarasya girijāsaktasya śambhōḥ sutaḥ  
trātuṁ yō bhuvanaṁ purā samajani khyātaḥ kirātākr̥tiḥ

“He who appeared as the hunter, son of Śambhu, renowned for protecting the universe—may that Kirāta-form guard us always” .

Verse 2 (Summary):
ɸ The verse praises the hunter form for vanquishing inner and outer enemies swiftly with divine arrows.

📚 Benefits of Chanting

Protection from enemies – spiritual, mental, or physical
Removal of fear, attachment, and ego
Blessings of courage, peace, and spiritual insight

🔔 How to Chant

Time: Preferably mornings; especially on Saturdays or during festival days.
Preparation: Clean space, light incense/lamp, focus on meditation or deity image.
Recitation: Begin with invocation & nyāsa, then chant all eight verses mindfully.
Repetition: Ideal to chant daily for 21, 48, or 108 recitations.

📖 Full Kirātaṣṭakam Lyrics in Sanskrit & English