Ram Raksha Stotra
Shri Rama Raksha Stotram is a Sanskrit stotra, hymn of praise, used as a prayer for protection given to us by Lord Rama.
The composer of the Rama Raksha Stotra is Budha Kaushika, a Rishi. Lord Shiva came into Budha Kaushika's dream and sung these 38 stanzas to him. One who sincerely recites this stotra and understands it's meaning, Lord Rama protects his mind and prepares it to know the ultimate truth. Chanting of the stotra is recommended as a remedial measure for squabblings, enmity, losses and hurdles. By reciting every individual shlok one can be benefited independently. For example, by reciting "Aaapdaampahartaaram Daataaram Sarvasampadaam" 1 lakhs times one will be able to clear all his debts. By reciting "Kausallyeyo Drushau Paatu Vishvamitra Priya-h Shrutee", illness related to eyes will be cured. Special public recitation of the stotra is organized during religious festivals, especially during Navaratri celebrations, when continuous recitation takes place from Gudi Padwa till Rama Navami day, the birthday of Lord Rama.
Text
| Sanskrit | Transliteration | English Translation - Meaning |
| ॥ श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रम्॥ | ॥ | Hymn Rama protection |
| श्रीगणेशायनमः। अस्य श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य। बुधकौशिक ऋषिः। श्रीसीतारामचंद्रो देवता। अनुष्टुप् छन्दः। सीता शक्तिः। श्रीमद्हनुमान् कीलकम्। श्रीसीतारामचंद्रप्रीत्यर्थे रामरक्षास्तोत्र जपे विनियोगः॥ | Salutations to the Lord Ganesha Of this hymn, seeking Lord Rama's protection, The author is Budhakaushika। The deity is Sri Sita-Ramachandra। The meter is eight syllables in a quarter। Power is Sita। Limit is Hanuman। The recitation is for Ramachandra। | |
॥ अथ ध्यानम्॥ | ॥ | Then meditate |
ध्यायेदाजानुबाहुं धृतशरधनुषं बद्धपद्मासनस्थं। पीतं वासो वसानं नवकमलदलस्पर्धिनेत्रं प्रसन्नम्॥ वामाङ्कारूढ-सीता-मुखकमल-मिलल्लोचनं नीरदाभं। नानालङ्कारदीप्तं दधतमुरुजटामण्डलं रामचन्द्रम्॥ | Rāmachandram | May he be meditated upon, who has arms reaching his knees, who is holding a bow and arrows, who is seated in a lotus pose। who is wearing yellow clothes, whose eyes compete with petals of a fresh lotus, who looks contented॥ Whose sight is fixed on the lotus face of Sita, sitting on his left thigh, whose color is like that of rain cloud। Who shines in various ornaments and has matted hair which can reach till thighs, the Ramchandra॥ |
॥ इति ध्यानम्॥ | ॥ | Thus meditate |
चरितं रघुनाथस्य शतकोटिप्रविस्तरम्। एकैकमक्षरं पुंसां महापातकनाशनम्॥१॥ | The life story of Sri Rama has a vast expanse। Recitation of each and every word is capable of destroying even the greatest sins॥1॥ | |
ध्यात्वा नीलोत्पलश्यामं रामं राजीवलोचनम्। जानकीलक्ष्मणोपेतं जटामुकुटमण्डितम्॥२॥ | Let us meditate on the blue-complexioned, blue lotus-eyed Rama। Who is accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, and is well-adorned with crown of matted hairs॥2॥ | |
सासितूणधनुर्बाण पाणिं नक्तं चरान्तकम्। स्वलीलया जगत्त्रातुम् आविर्भूतमजं विभुम्॥३॥ | Who has sword, bows and arrows, who destroyed the demons। Who is birthless but is incarnated by his own will to protect this world॥3॥ | |
रामरक्षां पठेत्प्राज्ञः पापघ्नीं सर्वकामदाम्। शिरो मे राघवः पातु भालं दशरथात्मजः॥४॥ | May the wise, read the Hymn Rama protection, which destroys all sins and grants all desires। May Rama, Raghu's descendant protect my head. May Rama, Dasharatha's son protect my forehead॥4॥ | |
कौसल्येयो दृशौ पातु विश्वामित्रप्रियः श्रुती। घ्राणं पातु मखत्राता मुखं सौमित्रिवत्सलः॥५॥ | May Kausalya's son protect my eyes, may favorite of Vishvamitra protect my ears। May savior of sacrificial fire protect my nose, may affectionate to Lakshmana protect my mouth॥5॥ | |
जिव्हां विद्यानिधिः पातु कण्ठं भरतवन्दितः। स्कन्धौ दिव्यायुधः पातु भुजौ भग्नेशकार्मुकः॥६॥ | And may ocean of wisdom protect my toungue, may he who is saluted by Bharatha protect my neck। May berear of celestial weapons protect my shoulders, may he who broke bow protect my arms॥6॥ | |
करौ सीतापतिः पातु हृदयं जामदग्न्यजित्। मध्यं पातु खरध्वंसी नाभिं जाम्बवदाश्रयः॥७॥ | May husband of Sita protect my hands, may he who won over Parasurama protect my heart। May slayer of Khara protect my abdomen, may he who gave refuge to Jambavad protect my navel॥7॥ | |
सुग्रीवेशः कटी पातु सक्थिनी हनुमत्प्रभुः। ऊरू रघूत्तमः पातु रक्षःकुलविनाशकृत्॥८॥ | May master of Sugreeva protect my waist, may master of Hanuman protect my hips। May the best of Raghu scions and destroyer of the lineage of demons protect my knees॥8॥ | |
जानुनी सेतुकृत्पातु जङ्घे दशमुखान्तकः। पादौ बिभीषणश्रीदः पातु रामोऽखिलं वपुः॥९॥ | May establisher of the bridge protect my thighs may slayer of ten-faced protect my shins। May consecrator of wealth to Bibhishana protect my feet, may Sri Rama protect my entire body॥9॥ | |
एतां रामबलोपेतां रक्षां यः सुकृती पठेत्। स चिरायुः सुखी पुत्री विजयी विनयी भवेत्॥१०॥ | May the good man read this equable to all the power of Rama। would live long, be blessed with children, be victorious and possess humility॥10॥ | |
पातालभूतलव्योम चारिणश्छद्मचारिणः। न द्र्ष्टुमपि शक्तास्ते रक्षितं रामनामभिः॥११॥ | The evil traitors who travel in the hell, earth and heaven, and who travel secretly,। Would not be able to see the one protected by Rama-naam ॥11॥ | |
रामेति रामभद्रेति रामचन्द्रेति वा स्मरन्। नरो न लिप्यते पापैः भुक्तिं मुक्तिं च विन्दति॥१२॥ | remembers Rama, Ramabhadra and Ramachandra । Sins never get attached, he gets good life and salvation॥12॥ | |
जगज्जेत्रैकमन्त्रेण रामनाम्नाऽभिरक्षितम्। यः कण्ठे धारयेत्तस्य करस्थाः सर्वसिद्धयः॥१३॥ | This world conquering mantra - blessed by Raam's name । He who always utters it, he holds the keys to all arts ॥13॥ | |
वज्रपञ्जरनामेदं यो रामकवचं स्मरेत्। अव्याहताज्ञः सर्वत्र लभते जयमङ्गलम्॥१४॥ | He who recites this hymn of the name of Rama called as cage of diamond। Would be obeyed by everywhere and he will get victory in all things॥14॥ | |
आदिष्टवान् यथा स्वप्ने रामरक्षामिमां हरः। तथा लिखितवान् प्रातः प्रबुद्धो बुधकौशिकः॥१५॥ | This protective hymn of Rama, as told by Shiva in the dream। Was written down by the enlightened Budhakoushika in the morning ॥15॥ | |
आरामः कल्पवृक्षाणां विरामः सकलापदाम्। अभिरामस्त्रिलोकानां रामः श्रीमान् स नः प्रभुः॥१६॥ | Who is like a wish giving tree and who stops all obstacles। And who is the praise of all three worlds, Sri Rama, is our Lord॥16॥ | |
तरुणौ रूपसम्पन्नौ सुकुमारौ महाबलौ। पुण्डरीकविशालाक्षौ चीरकृष्णाजिनाम्बरौ॥१७॥ | Who are young, full of beauty, clever and very strong। Who have broad eyes like lotus, who wear the hides of trees॥17॥ | |
फलमूलाशिनौ दान्तौ तापसौ ब्रह्मचारिणौ। पुत्रौ दशरथस्यैतौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ॥१८॥ | Ones who are subsisting on roots and fruits and practicing penance and celibacy। Two brothers, sons of Dasharatha, Rama and Lakshmana ॥18॥ | |
शरण्यौ सर्वसत्वानां श्रेष्ठौ सर्वधनुष्मताम्। रक्षःकुलनिहन्तारौ त्रायेतां नो रघूत्तमौ॥१९॥ | Who give protection to all beings and who are foremost among all the archers। Who destroy whole race of demons, protect us, o best of scions of Raghu॥19॥ | |
आत्तसज्जधनुषा विषुस्पृशा वक्षया शुगनिषङ्ग सङिगनौ। रक्षणाय मम रामलक्ष्मणावग्रतः पथि सदैव गच्छताम्॥२०॥ | Who bows pulled and ready, their hands on the arrows packed in ever full quivers carried on their backs। May Rama and Lakshmana always escort me in my path for my protection॥20॥ | |
संनद्धः कवची खड्गी चापबाणधरो युवा। गच्छन् मनोरथोSस्माकं रामः पातु सलक्ष्मणः॥२१॥ | Young men, prepared and armed with sword, shield, bow and arrows। Rama is like our cherished thoughts come to life. May he,along with Lakshman, protect us॥21॥ | |
रामो दाशरथिः शूरो लक्ष्मणानुचरो बली। काकुत्स्थः पुरुषः पूर्णः कौसल्येयो रघूत्तमः॥२२॥ | Valiant Rama, the son of Dasharatha and ever accompanied by powerful Lakshmana। The scion of Raghu, the son of Kausalya, is all powerful and is the perfect man॥22॥ | |
वेदान्तवेद्यो यज्ञेशः पुराणपुरुषोत्तमः। जानकीवल्लभः श्रीमानप्रमेयपराक्रमः॥२३॥ | He who can be perceived by Vedanta, lord of sacrificial fire, ancient and best among all men। dearest of Sita, whose bravery is immeasurable॥23॥ | |
इत्येतानि जपेन्नित्यं मद्भक्तः श्रद्धयान्वितः। अश्वमेधाधिकं पुण्यं सम्प्राप्नोति न संशयः॥२४॥ | My devotee who recites these names of Rama with faith। He, without any doubt, is blessed more than the performance of Aswamedha etc.॥24॥ | |
रामं दूर्वादलश्यामं पद्माक्षं पीतवाससम्। स्तुवन्ति नामभिर्दिव्यैर्न ते संसारिणो नरः॥२५॥ | Rama, dark-complexioned like leaf of green grass, who is lotus-eyed and dressed in yellow clothes। Who sing the praise of him are no longer ordinary men trapped in the world॥25॥ | |
रामं लक्ष्मण-पूर्वजं रघुवरं सीतापतिं सुंदरं । काकुत्स्थं करुणार्णवं गुणनिधिं विप्रप्रियं धार्मिकम्। राजेन्द्रं सत्यसन्धं दशरथ-तनयं श्यामलं शान्तमूर्तिं । वन्दे लोकाभिरामं रघुकुलतिलकं राघवं रावणारिम्॥२६॥ | Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, best of the scions of the Raghu, the husbandof Sita, handsome। Ocean of compassion, treasure of virtues, the most beloved of the religious people। Lord emperor of kings, follower of truth, son of Dasharatha, dark-complexioned, idol tranquillity। Salute to cynosure of eyes of all people, the crown jewel of the Raghu dynasty and the enemy of Ravana॥26॥ | |
रामाय रामभद्राय रामचंद्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥२७॥ | I salut to Rama, beloved Rama, moon like peaceful Rama। To Lord of Raghu Scion, Lord, husband of Sita, I salute॥27॥ | |
श्रीराम राम रघुनन्दन राम राम। श्रीराम राम भरताग्रज राम राम। श्रीराम राम रणकर्कश राम राम। श्रीराम राम शरणं भव राम राम॥२८॥ | Rama who is the delight of the Raghus। Rama who is the elder brother of Bharata। Rama who is the tormentor of his enemies। I come under refuge of God Rama.॥28॥ | |
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ मनसा स्मरामि। श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ वचसा गृणामि। श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शिरसा नमामि। श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शरणं प्रपद्ये॥२९॥ | I remember the feet of Sri Ramachandra in my mind। I praise the feet of Sri Ramachandra by my speech। I salute the feet of Sri Ramachandra by bowing down my head। I take refuge on the feet of Sri Ramachandra by bowing myself down॥29॥ | |
माता रामो मत्पिता रामचन्द्रः। स्वामी रामो मत्सखा रामचन्द्रः। सर्वस्वं मे रामचन्द्रो दयालुः। नान्यं जाने नैव जाने न जाने॥३०॥ | Mother is Rama, my father is Ramachandra। Lord is Rama, my dearest friend is Ramachandra। My everything is merciful Ramachandra। I know of no other like him, I really don't!॥30॥ | |
दक्षिणे लक्ष्मणो यस्य वामे तु जनकात्मजा। पुरतो मारुतिर्यस्य तं वन्दे रघुनन्दनम्॥३१॥ | who has Lakshmana on his right and daughter of Janaka on the left। And who has Hanuman in his front, I salute to delight of the Raghus ॥31॥ | |
लोकाभिरामं रणरङ्गधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम्। कारुण्यरूपं करुणाकरन्तं श्रीरामचन्द्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥३२॥ | cynosure of eyes of all people, courageous in war, lotus-eyed, lord of the Raghu race। Personification of compassion, I surrender to Lord Sri Rama॥32॥ | |
मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्। वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥३३॥ | Who is as fast as the mind, equals his father in speed, master of senses, foremost amongst brilliants। Son of the Wind, leader of the Monkey forces and messenger of Sri Rama, I bow down to him॥33॥ | |
कूजन्तं रामरामेति मधुरं मधुराक्षरम्। आरुह्य कविताशाखां वन्दे वाल्मीकिकोकिलम्॥३४॥ | sings the sweet name of Rama । Perched atop poetry-tree, I salute that Valmiki॥34॥ | |
आपदामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसम्पदाम्। लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो भूयो नमाम्यहम्॥३५॥ | Who is destroyer all dangers and consecrator of all sorts of wealth। I again and again salute that Rama who is cynosure of eyes of all people॥35॥ | |
भर्जनं भवबीजानामर्जनं सुखसम्पदाम्। तर्जनं यमदूतानां रामरामेति गर्जनम्॥३६॥ | Destructs of the cause of rebirth, generates happiness and wealth। Scares Yama's messengers, the roar of the name of Rama॥36॥ | |
रामो राजमणिः सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे। रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमू रामाय तस्मै नमः। रामान्नास्ति परायणं परतरं रामस्य दासोऽस्म्यहम्। रामे चित्तलयः सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर॥३७॥ | I worship Rama whose jewel who always wins and who is lord of Lakshmi । Through whom the hordes of demons who move at night have been destroyed, I salut that Rama। There is no place of surrender greater than Rama, I am servant of Rama। My mind is totally absorbed in Rama. O Rama, please lift me up ॥37॥ | |
राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे। सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने॥३८॥ | Fair-faced lady ! My mind enjoys saying Rama Rama। Uttering once the name of Rama is equal to the uttering of any other name of God, a thousand times॥38॥ | |
इति श्रीबुधकौशिकविरचितं श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम्॥ | Thus ends Hymn Rama protection and composed by Budha-Kaushika॥ | |
॥ श्री सीतारामचन्द्रार्पणमस्तु॥ | ॥ | My humble devotion of this Hymn to Sita-Ramachandra |