There are 5 weapons of Lord Vishnu which are considered to be the protectors of his devotees and the whole universe from the atrocities of demons and other evil elements of nature. It is believed that whoever worships these weapons is blessed with protection from evil spirits and all problems of life.
The five weapons are as follows:
1.Shankh or Conch
2.Chakra or Wheel
3.Gada or Mace
4.Asi or Sword
5.ShaarNg or Arrows with the Bow
You can see three of those weapons Conch, Wheel, and Mace in the hands of Vishnu in the image at the right-side.
There are hymns, one each for each weapon, praising the glory and powers of these 5 weapons known as 'panchaayudha stOtram'.
Besides the 5 hymns glorifying the 5 weapons, there are some more hymns which tell us the benefits and importance of reciting these hymns.
Lyrics of panchaayudha stotram or five weapons of Lord Vishnu with their meanings in English
Stotram (1)
sphuratsahasraara shikhaati tiivram sudarshanam bhaaskarakoti tulyam
suradvishaam praana vinaashi vishNOh chakram sadaaham sharaNam prapadye (1)
Meaning:- The weapon named 'Sudarshana' is emitting thousands of pungent and glaring flames equal to those of one crore suns. I seek refuge always from that wheel of Vishnu which is the destroyer of all evils.
Stotram (2)
vishNOrmukhOtthaanila pooritasya yasya dhwanir daanav darpa hantaa
tam paanchajanyam shashi kOti subhram shankham sadaaham saraNam prapadye (2)
Meaning:- The air filled through Vishnu's mouth produces such a great sound which dissipates and humbles the pride of demons. I always seek refuge from that conch (of Vishnu) named as 'paanchajanya' which is pure and white like one crore moons.
Stotram (3)
hiraNmayeem meru samaana saaraam koumOdakeem daitya kulaika hantreem
vaikunth vaamaagra karaabhimrustaam gadaam sadaaham sharaNam prapadye (3)
Meaning:- Embedded with gold and giant in size like "Meru" ( a mountain named 'Meru parvata' is an abode of all treasures) and named as "koumodaki" which is the destroyer of all demons; I seek refuge from that weapon of 'gada' (mace) which is held in Vishnu's left hand.
Stotram (4)
rakshOssuraanaam kathinOgrakantha chchEdaakshara shONita dighda dhaaram
tam nandakam naama harE pradeeptam khadgam sadaaham sharaNam prapadye (4)
Meaning:- Sword of Vishnu is hard and powerful and filled with blood that flows from the heads of demons that it cuts. I always seek refuge from that sword named "Nandaka" which shines in the hands of Vishnu.
Stotram (5)
yajnaa ninaada shravaNaatsuraanaam chEtaansi nirmukta bhayaani sadya
bhavanti daityaashani baaNa varshi shaarngam sadaaham sharaNam prapadye (5)
Meaning:- By hearing the sound of which (sound of the bow) the devas (angels) get relief from the fear of demons, remembering the continuous downpour of arrows, I seek refuge always from that bow named 'Shaaranga'.
Benefits of Reciting this Panchaayudha Stotram: (Verses 6, 7, and 8)
imam harE pancha mahaayudhaanaam stavam patEt yOnudinam prabhaatE
samasta dukhaani bhayaani sadya paapaani nashyanti sukhaani santi
vanE raNE shatru jalaagni madhyE yadhruchcha aapatsu mahaabhayEshu
idam paThan stotra manaakulaatmaa sukhii bhavEt tatkrut sarva rakshaa ||
Meaning:- These are the 5 weapons of God Vishnu. Praising and reciting of these hymns daily morning results in the removal of all fears, destruction of all evil deeds and attaining happiness. These weapons protect whoever recites them while in forests or wars, in the midst of enemies or from floods and fires, from any kind of problems or fears and keep them happy always.
Sa shankha chakram sa gadaasi saarngam peetaambaram kaustubh vatsa chihnam
sriyaa samEtOjjwala shObhitaangam vishnum sadaaham sharaNam prapadye ||
Meaning:- I seek refuge from Vishnu who is possessed with the weapons of shankha, chakra, gada, asi, and saarnga ( wheel, conch, mace, sword, bow); who wears a golden silk attire and has kaustubha maNi as his jewel and vatsa mark on his chest and is empowered with the glorious glare of a shining body accompanied by consort Lakshmi.
jalE rakshatu vaaraahaha sthalE rakshatu vaamanaha
aatavyaam naarasimhascha sarvatah paatu kEshavaha ||
Meaning:- Varaha form will save while in waters, Vaamana form will save when on land, Narasimha form will save when in forests and Keshava will save everywhere and always.
