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SaasitooNa dhanurbaaNa paaNim naktam charaantakam Svaleelayaa jagatraatum aavirbhootam ajam vibhum. 3
3.Sri Rama and Sri LakshmaNa, holding the sword, the bow and the arrow in their hands for vanquishing the night creatures (Rakshasas: Naktam=night; Naktam=night; chara=moving; chara=moving; anthakam =destroyer) are embodiments of God with no no formal birth(no birth(no beginning), who who appeared appeared in human form, form, as their pastime(sva leelayaa) to save the worlds.
( The following verses invoke different names of Sri Rama to protect different parts of the body, from head to foot.)
Raama rakshaam paTheth praajnam, paapaghneem sarva kaamadaam Siromey RaaghavaH paatu phaalam DaSarathaathmajaH. 4
4.Sages recite the Rama Raksha Stotra to rid themselves of all sins and fulfill their wishes. May Raghava protect my head; May the sons of Dasaratha protect my forehead. forehead.
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Kausalyeyo drushau paatu Viswaamitra priya Srutee GhraaNam paatu makha traata mukham Saumitri vatsalaH. 5
5.Kausalya’s son protects my vision and Viswamitra’s favorite, my hearing. May the saviour of yagnas protect my sense of smell and LakshmaNa’s loving brother, my face.
Jihvaam vidyaanidhiH paatu kanTham Bharata vanditaH Skandhau divyaayudhaH paatu bhujau bhagneSa kaarmukaH. 6
6.May the reservoir of all education protect my tongue, and may the lord praised by Bharata protect my neck. May all the divine weapons protect my waist. May the Lord who broke Lord Shiva’s bow protect my shoulders.
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Karau SeetaapatiH paatu hridayam Jaamadagnyajit Madhyam paatu Khara dhvamsee, naabhim JaambavadaashryaH. 7
7.May Seetaji’s husband protect my hands. May the subduer of son of Jamadagni (Lord Parasurama) protect my heart. May my chest be protected by the destroyer of Khara and my belly button area (naabhi) be protected by the Refuge of Jaambavan J aambavan..
SugreeveySa kaTiH paatu saktHineeH Hanumat prabhuH Ooruu RaghoottamaH paatu, rakshaH kula vinaaSakrit. 8
8.May the lord of Sugreeva protect the small of my back (lower back). May the Lord of Sri Hanuman, protect my joints (hip joints). May the destroyer of raakshasaas protect my thighs.
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Jaanunee setukrut paatu, janghey DaSamukhaantakaH DaSamukhaantakaH Paadau VibheeshaNaa SreedaH, paatu Raamokhilam vapuH. 9
9.May my knees be protected by the builder of the bridge and the legs by the killer of DaSamukha (Raavana). (Raavana). May my feet be protected by the bestower of wealth to VibhishaNa. This way may Sri Rama protect my entire body.
Etaam Raamabalopeytaam rakshaam yaH sukrutee paThet, Sa chiraayuH sukhee putree vijayee vinayee bhavet. 10
10.This way may Sri Rama’s strength be with me and protect me when I recite this with good deeds. May this bestow on me long life and comforts to my children who will be victorious but humble.
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Paataalabhootala vyoma chaarina ScHadma chaarinaH Na drashTum api Saktaastey rakshitam Raama naamabhiH. 11
11.May the creatures of the subterranean worlds (paataala), the earth and the sky s ky and other deceitful elements (Chhadma chaarinah) not even dare to look at me, due to the protection given to me by the name of Sri Rama.
Raameti Raamabhadreti Raamachandreti vaa smaran Naro na lipyatey paapaiH bhuktim muktim cha vindati. 12
12.Remembering the names, Rama, Ramabhadra, or Ramachandra will ward off all sins s ins and provide livelihood and salvation.
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Jagajjaitraika manthreyNa Raama naamnaabhi rakshitam YaH kanThe dhaarayet tasya karastHaaH sarva siddhayaH. 13
13.This manthra is uniquely invincible in the entire world (jagajjaitraika manthra manthrayNa). yNa). Protected by the name of Sri Rama when borne in the neck (means when recited,) the hands can accomplish every task.
Vajra panjara naameydam Yo Raama kavacham smareth AavyaahataajnaH sarvatra labheth jaya mangalam. 14
14.This manthra manthra is like a protective protective cage (fort), impenetrable as a diamond (Vajra panjara). When invoked, it gives victory and auspiciousness everywhere. everywhere.
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AadishTavaan yathaa svapnay Raama rakshaam imaam HaraH Tathaa likhitavaan praataH prabuddho BudhaKausikaH. 15
15. The great sage and author, Budha Kausika heard this in his dream and wrote this in the morning as ordered by Lord Shiva exactly as he heard it.
AaraamaH kalpavrikshaaNaam viraamaH sakala aapadaam Abhiraamastrilokaanaam RaamaH Sreemaan sa naH prabhuH. 16
16.Lord Sri Rama who is most pleasing to the three worlds (Abhiraama) who has Goddess Lakshmi (as Sita), is like a garden of Kalpa Vriksha trees (celestial trees that grant all all wishes.) He wards wards off all dangers. dangers.
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TaruNau roopa sampannau sukumaarau mahaa balau PunDareeka viSaalaakshau cheera kRishNaajinaambarau. 17 17. (In the forest), with eyes wide like the red lotuses (Pundareeka), and wearing dark deerskin are young, most handsome, immensely strong, and yet delicate, (Tarunau roopa sampannau, sukumarau mahabalau)…………………..
Phala moolaSinau daantau taapasau brahma chaariNau, Putraau daSarathastasyau bhraatarau RaamaLakshmaNau. 18
18.Eating fruits and roots, with complete control of senses (daantau), austere and celibate, are the sons of DaSaratha,
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SaraNyau sarva satvaanaam SreshThau sarva dhanushmataam RakshaH kula nihantaarau traayetaam no Raghoottamau. 19.
19.May those best of Raghu’s dynasty, the supreme experts among the archers, the refuge of all beings and destroyers of evil demon classes, protect us.
Aatta sajja dhanushaavishu spriSaa vakshayaaSuga nishanga sanginau RakshaNaaya mama Raama LakshmaNaavagrataH pathi sadaiva gaccHataam. 20
20.With the outstretched bow and the arrow fixed on it, close to their chest, the arrow seemingly touching the chest, ready to be discharged, may Sri Rama and LakshmaNa protect me walking on my path in front of me.
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SannaddhaH kavachee khaDgee chaapa baaNa dharo yuvaa gaccHan manorathosmaakam manorathosmaakam RaamaH paatu sa LakshmaNaH. 21
21.Young Rama and LakshmaNa, wearing the armour, with the sword, bow and arrow, readily go with me, where my mind desires to go, protecting me.
Raamo DaaSarathiH Sooro LakshmaNa anucharo balee KaakutsaH purushaH poorNah Kausalyeyo RaghoottamaH. 22
22.This Son of DaSaratha and Kausalya, Rama followed by the valiant LakshmaNa, best of Raghus, hailing from the dynasty of Kaakutsa, is God incarnate and is the Total Reality (PoorNaH= Complete in all respects).
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Vedaanta vedyo yagneSaH puraaNa purushottamaH Jaanakee vallabhaH Sreemaan aprameya paraakramaH. 23
23.The lord of Jaanaki is knowledgeable in all Vedic lore, and the Supreme Being extolled in all PuraaNaas. He is the Yagnesha (lord of all yagnas) and is the reservoir of all wealth. His strength is immeasurable.
Ityetaani japan nityam madbhaktaH SraddHayaanvitaH ASwamedhaadhikam puNyam sampraapnoti na samSayaH. 24
24. If these aforementioned thoughts are meticulously meditated upon, daily with devotion, the merit obtained is greater than that obtained by Ashwamedha yaaga. There is no doubt about this fact.
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Raamam durvaa dala Syaamam padmaaksham peeta vaasasam Stuvanti naamabhir divyaiH na tey samsaariNo naraH. 25
25.Those in family life must worship Sri Rama R ama with blue color of Durva grass and lotus eyes, wearing yellow clothes as sacred.
Raamam LakshmaNa poorvajam Raghuvaram Seetaa patim sundaram Kaakuthsam karuNaarNavam guNa nidhim vipra priyam dhaarmikam Raajendram satya sandham DaSaratha tanayam Syaamalam Saantamoorthim Vandey lokaabhiraamam Raghukula tilakam Raaghavam RaavaNaarim. 26
20 26.I bow to handsome Sri Rama, the elder brother of LakshmaNa, chief of Raghus, husband of Sita, hailing from dynasty of Kaakutsa, who is an ocean of mercy with redeeming qualities, favoring vipras (vipra= Brahmins, those with Brahma gnaana) and who is always on the righteous path. This tranquil bluish hued son of DaSaratha, walking on the path of Truth, the enchanter of all worlds, the pinnacle of Raghu dynasty, the enemy of RaavaNa, is the king of all kings.
Raamaaya Raamabhadraaya Raamachandraaya veydhasey Raghunaathaaya Naathaaya SeetaayaaH pataye namaH. 27 27.Known as Rama, Ramabhadra, Ramachandra, Ramachandra, Raghunatha, Lord and husband of Sita, to you, I bow.
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Sri Raama Raama Raghu nandana Raama Raama Sri Raama Raama Bharataagraja Raama Raama Sri Raama Raama raNa karkaSa Raama Raama Sri Raama Raama SaraNam bhava Raama Raama. 28
28.
Sri Rama Rama , Son of Raghu Rama Rama Sri Rama Rama, Elder brother brother of Bharata Rama Rama Sri Rama Rama, hard in the battle Rama Rama Sri Rama Rama, I seek Your protection, Rama Rama.
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Sree Raamachandra charaNau manasaa smaraami Sree Raamachandra charaNau vachasaa gruNaami Sree Raamachandra charaNau Sirasaa namaami Sree Raamachandra charaNau 29.Sri Ramachandra, I carry the memory of your feet in my mind and in my speech. speech. I bow my head head respectfully respectfully to your feet. I seek refuge in your feet.
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Maataa Raamo matpitaa RaamachandraH Swaamee Raamo mat sakhaa RaamachandraH Sarvasvam Mey Raamachandro dayaaluH Naanyam jaaney naiva jaaney na jaaney. 30
30.Sri Ramachandra, You are my father and mother, my Lord and my friend. You are my entirety. I do not know any other and I do not want to know any other.
DakshiNey LakshmaNo yasya vaamey tu Janakaatmajaa Purato Maarutiryasya tam vandey Raghunandanam. 31.
31. On Your right is LakshmaNa and on Your left is daughter of Janaka, Seated on your front (at Your feet) is Sri Hanuman. To this combination, Oh! Son of Raghu, I bow.
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Lokaabhiraamam raNa ranga dheeram Raajeeva netram Raghu vamSa naatham KaaruNya roopam karuNaakaram tam Sree Raamachandram SaraNam prapadye. 32
32. Enchanter of the worlds, invincible in the battle, Lotus eyed lord of Raghu dynasty, Embodiment of kindness and doer of kind deeds, In Sri Ramachandra, I seek refuge.
Manojavam, maaruta tulya vegam Jitendriyam buddhimataam varishTam Vaataatmajam vaanara yoodha mukhyam Sree Raama dootam Saranam prapadye. 33
33. I seek seek protection protection of son of Vaayu, Vaayu, the messenger of Sri Rama who is the most intelligent chief of Vaanaraas (monkeys) with the strong mind and speed of the wind and who has conquered His senses.
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Koojantam Raama Raameti madhuram madhuraaksharam Aaruhya kavitaa Saakhaam vandey Vaalmeeki kokilam. 34
34. I bow to the cuckoo bird called Vaalmeeki, perched on the branch of poetry, singing melodiously, the sweet words, “Rama, Rama”.
Aapadaam apahartaaram daataaram sarva sampadaam Lokaabhiraamam Sree Raamam bhooyo bhooyo namaamyaham.35 35. To Sri Rama, the source of delight of all the worlds, who wards off all dangers, and bestows all wealth, I bow again and again.
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Bharjanam bhava beejaanaam arjanam sukha sampadaam Tarjanam Yama dootaanaam Raama Raameti garjanam. 36 36.With the roar of the sound sound of “Rama” all the seeds of attachment of life are removed. All comforts come easily. The messengers of Lord Yama (God of Death) are frightened!
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Raamo raajamaNiH sadaa vijayate Raamam RameSam bhaje RaameNaabhi hataa niSaachara chamoo Raamaaya tasmai namaH Raamaan naasti paraayaNam parataram Raamasya daasomyaham Raamey chitta layaH sadaa bhavatu bhavatu mey bho Raama Raama maam uddhara
37.I bow to Sri Rama, the jewel among the kings, always victorious, the lord of Lakshmi (Ramesham), who killed all the demons; there is nothing else in this world, worth being obsessed with, except Rama . I am the slave slave of Sri Rama and I bear Him in my mind all the time to uplift me.
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(Sri) Raama Raameti Raameti Ramey Raamey manoramey Sahasra naama tat tulyam Raama naama varaananey.38 38. The words, Rama, Rama, enchant the mind. When uttered, the name of Sri Rama is equal to reciting the thousand names of God Vishnu, (Oh beautiful faced One! = Paarvati)
Iti Sree Budha KauSika virachitam Sree Rama Rakshaa stotram sampoorNam Sree Sitaa Ramachandra arpaNamastu. This completes the Rama Raksha stotram composed by Sage, Sri Budha Kausika . May this work be offered to Sri Sita Ramachandra ==000==
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Translation: `
Sree Rama Raksha Stotram Om Sri GaNeshaaya NamaH;
This is Sri Rama Raksha stotra manthra, authored by Sri Budha Kaushika Maharshi. God is Sri Rama Chandra. The chandas or meter is AnushTup. The power is Sita. The keelakam(the binding power or the pillar ) is Lord Hanuman. The purpose of meditation of this manthra is to please and invoke the grace of Lord Sri Ramachandra.
Atha Dhyaanam . I meditate upon Lord Sri Ramachandra whose arms extend upto His knees (aajaanubaahum), (aajaanubaahum), holding the bow and arrow, sitting in the lotus pose(padmasana) pose(padmasana) in yellow clothes. His eyes are like the newly blossomed lotus petals, with pleasing glances. On His left lap is seated Sri Sita with beautiful face like a lotus flower and graceful eyes like lotus petals. She is as delicate as the lotus flower, jubilantly decorated. decorated. Thick Thick copious copious braids adore adore His head.
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Stotram 1.The story of Sri Rama spreads s preads far and wide in 100 crore ways. Each lette in Ramayana, when uttered, rids a person of the greatest sins. 2.I meditate upon upon Sri Rama with with the hue of blue lotus, with eyes resembling petals of lotus(Raajeeva lochanam). lochanam). He is accompanied by Janaki and Lakshmana. Beautiful hair and crowns adorn their heads. 3.Sri Rama and Sri LakshmaNa, holding the sword, the bow and the arrow in their hands for vanquishing the night creatures (Rakshasas: Naktam=night; Naktam=night; chara=moving; chara=moving; anthakam=destroyer) are embodiments of God with no no formal birth(no birth(no beginning), who who appeared appeared in human form, form, as their pastime(sva leelayaa) leelayaa) to save the worlds. (The following verses invoke different names of Sri Rama to protect different parts of the body from head to foot.)
4.Sages recite the Rama Raksha Stotra to rid themselves of all sins and fulfill their wishes. May Raghava protect my head; May the sons of Dasaratha protect my forehead 5.Kausalya’s son protects my vision and Viswamitra’s favorite, my hearing. May the saviour of yagnas protect my sense of smell and Lakshmana’s loving brother, my face.
32 6.May the reservoir of all education protect my tongue, and may the lord praised by Bharata protect my neck. May all the divine weapons protect my waist. May the Lord who broke Lord Shiva’s bow protect my shoulders.
7.May Seetaji’s husband protect my hands. May the subduer of son of Jamadagni (Lord Parasurama) protect my heart. May my chest be protected by the destroyer of Khara and my belly button area (naabhi) be protected by the Refuge of Jaambavan J aambavan.. 8.May the lord of Sugreeva protect the small of my back (lower back). May the Lord of Sri Hanuman, protect my joints (hip joints). May the destroyer of raakshasas protect my thighs. 9.May my knees be protected by the builder of the bridge and the legs by the killer of DaSamukha (RaavaNa). (RaavaNa). May the bestower of wealth to VibhishaNa protect my feet. This way may Sri Rama protect my entire body. 10.This way may Sri Rama’s strength be with me and protect me when I recite this with good deeds. May this bestow on me long life and comforts to my children who will be victorious but humble. 11.May the creatures of the subterranean worlds (paataala), the earth and the sky s ky and other deceitful elements (Chhadma chaarinah) not even dare to look at me, due to the protection given to me by the name of Sri Rama.
33 12.Remembering the names, Rama, Ramabhadra, or Ramachandra will ward off all sins s ins and provide livelihood and salvation. 13.This manthra is uniquely invincible in the entire world( jagajjaitraika manthrayNa). manthrayNa). Protected by the name of Sri Rama when borne in the neck (means when recited,) the hands can accomplish every task. 14.This manthra manthra is like a protective protective cage (fort), impenetrable as a diamond (Vajra panjara). When invoked, it gives victory and auspiciousness everywhere. everywhere. 15. The great sage and author, Budha Kausika heard this in his dream and wrote this in the morning as ordered by Lord Shiva exactly as he heard it. 16.Lord Sri Rama who is most pleasing to the three worlds (Abhiraama) who has Goddess Lakshmi (as Sita), is like a garden of Kalpa Vriksha trees (celestial trees that grant all all wishes.) He wards wards off all dangers. dangers. 17. (In the forest), with eyes wide like the red lotuses (Pundareeka), and wearing dark deerskin are young, most handsome, immensely strong, and yet delicate, (Tarunau roopa sampannau, sukumarau mahabalau)………………….. 18.Eating fruits and roots, with complete control of senses (daantau), austere and celibate, are the sons of DaSaratha,
34 19.May those best of Raghu’s dynasty, the supreme experts among the archers, the refuge of all beings and destroyers of evil demon classes, protect us. 20.With the outstretched bow and the arrow fixed on it, close to their chest, the arrow seemingly touching the chest, ready to be discharged, may Sri Rama and LakshmaNa protect me walking on my path in front of me. 21.Young Rama and LakshmaNa, wearing the armour, with the sword, bow and arrow, readily go with me, where my mind desires to go, protecting me. 22.This Son of DaSaratha and Kausalya, Rama followed by the valiant LakshmaNa, best of Raghus, hailing from the dynasty of Kaakutsa, is God incarnate and is the Total Reality (PoorNaH= Complete in all respects). 23.The lord of Jaanaki is knowledgeable in all Vedic lore, and the Supreme Being extolled in all PuraaNaas. He is the Yagnesha (lord of all yagnas) and is the reservoir of all wealth. His strength is immeasurable. 24. If these aforementioned thoughts are meticulously meditated upon, daily with devotion, the merit obtained is greater than that obtained by Ashwamedha yaaga. There is no doubt about this fact. 25.Those in family life must worship Sri Rama R ama with blue color of Durva grass and lotus eyes, wearing yellow clothes as sacred.
35
26.I bow to handsome Sri Rama, the elder brother of LakshmaNa, chief of Raghus, husband of Sita, hailing from dynasty of Kaakutsa, who is an ocean of mercy with redeeming qualities, favoring vipras (vipra= Brahmins, those with Brahma gnaana) and who is always on the righteous path. This tranquil bluish hued son of DaSaratha, walking on the path of Truth, the enchanter of all worlds, the pinnacle of Raghu dynasty, the enemy of RaavaNa, is the king of all kings, 27.Known as Rama, Ramabhadra, Ramachandra, Ramachandra, Raghunatha, Lord and husband of Sita, to you, I bow. 28.Sri Rama Rama, son of Raghu, Rama, Rama Sri Rama Rama, elder brother of Bharata, Rama Rama Sri Rama Rama, hard in the battle, Rama Rama, Sri Rama Rama I seek your protection, Rama Rama. 29.Sri Ramachandra, I carry the memory of your feet in my mind and and in my speech. speech. I bow my head respectfully respectfully to your feet. I seek refuge in your feet. 30.Sri Ramachandra, You are my father and mother, my Lord and my friend. You are my entirety. I do not know any other and I do not want to know any other. 31. On Your right is LakshmaNa and on Your left is daughter of Janaka, seated on your front (at Your feet) is Sri Hanuman. To this combination, Oh! Son of Raghu, I bow.
36 32. Enchanter of the worlds, invincible in the battle, Lotus eyed lord of Raghu dynasty, Embodiment of kindness and doer of kind deeds, In Sri Ramachandra, I seek refuge. 33. I seek seek protection protection of son of Vaayu, Vaayu, the messenger of Sri Rama who is the most intelligent chief of Vaanaraas (monkeys) with the strong mind and speed of the wind and who has conquered His senses. 34. I bow to the cuckoo bird called Vaalmiki, perched on the branch of poetry, singing melodiously, the sweet words, “Rama, Rama”. 35. To Sri Rama, the source of delight of all the worlds, who wards off all dangers, and bestows all wealth, I bow again and again. 36.With the roar of the sound sound of “Rama” all the seeds of attachment of life are removed. All comforts come easily. The messengers of Lord Yama (God of Death) are frightened! 37.I bow to Sri Rama, the jewel among the kings, always victorious, the lord of Lakshmi (Ramesham), who killed all the demons; there is nothing else in this world, worth being obsessed with, except Rama . I am the slave slave of Sri Rama and I bear Him in my mind all the time to uplift me. 38. The words, Rama, Rama, enchant the mind. When uttered, the name of Sri Rama is equal to reciting the
37 thousand names of God Vishnu, (Oh beautiful faced One! = Paarvati) This completes the Rama Raksha stotram composed by Sage, Sri Budha Kausika . May this work be offered to Sri Sita Ramachandra ==00==
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