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Why should we chant the Rama Raksha Stotram?
As the name Rama Raksha Stotram suggests, Raksha means protection. The Stotram can be chanted for both material and spiritual protection. But, personally I will not recommend chanting Stotrams for material benefits.
Always wish for the Lord and Lord alone. The Rama Raksha Stotram is one such important Stotram to attain Bhakti as well as protection. It shall heal the body, speeding up one’ spiritual journey. There are many powerful verses in the Rama Raksha Stotram, each verse can mitigate suffering.
Process of Chanting Rama Raksha Stotram
Now I shall cover the process of chanting the Rama Raksha Stotram. There are many beliefs associated with chanting the Ram Raksha Stotram. According to some, the reciter energizes mustard seeds by touching them with one’s finger while chanting the Ram Raksha Stotram. The energised seeds bring victory to you and your family.
Also you can energise water in a copper vessel while reciting the Ram Raksha Stotram. Drinking this water speeds up the recovery of a patient. Note that the Rama Raksha Stotram is not supposed to be chanted by women during the menstrual cycle.
Analysis of Rama Raksha Stotram
First, we shall analyse the Stotram and then cover the process and benefits of chanting the Rama Raksha Stotram. Rama Raksha Stotram is a potent Sanskrit chant in praise of Lord Rama.
It was composed by Buddha Kausika Muni who was inspired by Lord Shiva himself. The Rama Raksha is a necklace of 38 powerful verses. To begin with, the first three verses describe the physical appearance of Sri Ramachandra.
Earlier a person was known by his characteristics. He and his name were one. However, In Kali yuga, a person doesn’t stand true to his name. The Lord thus can have a thousand names. Each name is based on a characteristic.
For example, Lord Rama is known as Ajanabahu or the one who has his arms reaching his knees. On hearing this name, we can clearly say that he is Lord Rama. The Rama Raksha Stotram is filled with the description of Lord Rama, his lineage, his appearance, his qualities and so on.
From the fourth verse of the Rama Raksha, we invoke Lord Rama to protect our body parts.
Invoking the Deities through Rama Raksha Stotram
For example we invoke Raghava or the descendant of Raghu, to protect our head, Dasharathatmaja or the son of Dasharath to protect our forehead, Kausalyaei or the apple of mother Kausalya’s eyes to protect our eyes, Vishwamitra priya or the dear of Sage Vishwamitra to protect our ears.
As Makha-traata or the protector of the fire sacrifice to protect our nose. We invoke Saumitri Vatsala or the one affectionate to Lakshmana to protect our mouth. Similar descriptions carry on till verse nine. Verse nine onwards starts the Phalashruti or the benefits of reciting the Stotram.
Benefits of Sri Rama Raksha Stotram
Now I shall state the benefits-
The fortunate soul who regularly recites this Stotram with love for the lord attains long life, happiness, children and humility. The chanters of Ram Raksha Stotram prosper both materially and spiritually.
Sins do not touch such a devotee and one surely attains Mukti. Lord Rama grants all of one’s legitimate desires. You can recite the Rama Raksha Stotram to please both Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva also. Reciting 17-21 ensures overall protection to the chanter.
In verse 24 Lord Shiva himself declares that the devotee who chants the Ram Raksha Stotram once with faith attains the merit of performing the Ashvamedha yagna or horse sacrifice. There is no doubt about it.
According to verse 25, the man who praises Lord Rama, no longer remains ordinary. He is freed from the repeated cycle of birth and death. Verse 26-28 including verse 32 and 35 are the salutations of the devotee to Lord Rama by invoking his various names such as Raghunandan, Bharatagraja and Rana Karkasha.
Coming to verse 27cof the Rama Raksha Stotram, it is the most famous verse
Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase,
Raghu Nadhaya Nadhaya Seethaya Pathaye Nama.
Which means I salute Lord Rama who is as soothing as the moon, who is merciful, the lord of Sita and protector of all. As we reach towards the end of the Rama Raksha Stotram, the act of surrender begins. In verse 26- 28 the devotee surrenders unto Lord Rama asking Him to take charge of his life
You might find our video titled What is Surrender to God? | The Power of Surrender? | What it means to Surrender to God? interesting.
Verse 29 is the essence of all sadhana. It is the sweetest verse of the Ram Raksha Stotram which says
Sri Rama Chandra Charanau Manasa Smarami
Sri Rama Chandra Charanau Vachasa Grunami
Sri Rama Chandra Charanau Shirasa Namami
Sri Rama Chandra Charanau Sharanam Prapadye
Meaning- I praise the two lotus feet of Lord Rama by my speech, I remember them by my mind, I bow to them by my head, I surrender unto them by my being. Chanting the 29th verse surely paves the way to Saket Dham or the eternal abode of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is especially pleased and blesses the chanter with His eternal presence.
In verse 30, the devotee confesses that Lord Rama is like his mother, father, master and dear friend. Reciting this verse certainly brings one close to Lord Rama. One develops intense attachment towards Him and detachment towards the material world, if this verse is recited with faith.
This happens for certain.
The Ram Raksha Stotram is incomplete without mentioning the virtue of the great Rama devotee Hanuman.
So, Verse 33 is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is the most famous hymn-
Mano Javam, Maruda Thulya Vegam,
Jithendriyam Buddhi Matham Varishtam,
Vatha Atmajam Vanara Yutha Mukhyam,
Sree Rama Dootham Sirasa Namami.
Verse 34 glorifies the author of Ramayana, Sage Valmiki who sings the glories of Lord Rama as sweetly as a cuckoo.
7/8 Questions from Sanatana Dharma
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Similarly, there is a mention of the glories of Rama Nama in verse 36 and its power to scare the Yamadutas.
In this regard, do watch our video titled ‘What is the Power of Rama Nama? | What is Ida Pingala and Sushumna? | Benefits of Chanting Ram Naam’ interesting.
Verse 37 is a heartfelt prayer wishing the mind to always remain absorbed in the worship of Lord Rama, thus concluding that there is no shelter greater than Rama.
Finally, the 38th verse is
Sri Rama Rameti Rameti Rame Raame Manorame,
Sahasra Nama Thathulyam Rama Nama Varanane
Where Lord Shiva himself reveals to mother Parvati that Rama Nama is equal to Vishnu
Sahasranama or a thousand names of Lord Vishnu.
