% Text title            : sArtha raamarakShA
% File name             : ramarakmean.itx
% Category              : raksha, raama, svara, budhakauShika, kavacha
% Location              : doc\_raama
% Author                : budhakauShika
% Transliterated by     : NA, S. V. Ganesan, Chandrasekhar Karumuri 
% Proofread by          : S. V. Ganesan, Shashi and Avinash Sathaye, Jayesh Mistry
% Translated by         : S. V. Ganesan, P. Krishna Moorty (TTD, Tirupati)
% Description-comments  : The alternative translation by P. Krishna Moorty is taken from Stotra Malika at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam publication (4* below)
% Latest update         : January 7, 2024
% Send corrections to   : sanskrit at cheerful dot c om
%
% This text is prepared by volunteers and is to be used for personal study 
% and research. The file is not to be copied or reposted for promotion of 
% any website or individuals or for commercial purpose without permission. 
% Please help to maintain respect for volunteer spirit.
%
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\begin{document}
\engtitle{.. rAmarakShAstotra (meanings)   ..}##
\itxtitle{.. shrIrAmarakShAstotraM sArtham ..}##\endtitles ##
## Translation by S . V . Ganesan.
Second version by P. Krishna Moorty (TTD, Tirupati)

## atha shrIrAmarakShAstotraM ##
## atha  ##  (atha) = Thus ;
## shrI  ##  (shrI) = LakShmi or a respectful prefix ;
## rAma  ##  (rAma) = Lord RAma ;
## rakShA  ##  (rakShA) = Protection, safety, mail/armour ;
## stotra  ##  (stotra) = hymn ;

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Thus begins the  hymn of Lord Ram for protection.

##
|| OM shrIgaNeshAya namaH ||
##
## OM  ##  (OM) = OmkAra or Brahman ;
## shrIgaNeshAya  ##  (shrIgaNeshAya) = to Lord Ganesh ;
## namaH  ##  (namaH) = salutation ;
          ##bhAvArthaH ##
OM, Salutations to Lord Ganesh.

##
asya shrIrAmarakShAstotramantrasya | budhakaushika R^iShiH |
shrIsItArAmachandro devatA | anuShTubh ChandaH  |
sItA shaktiH | shrImad hanumAn kIlakam |
shrIrAmachandraprItyarthe rAmarakShAstotrajape viniyogaH ||
##
## asya  ##  (asya) = of this ;
## rAmarakShA  ##  (rAmarakShA) = rAma armour or rama- protection ;
## stotra  ##  (stotra) = hymn ;
## mantrasya  ##  (mantrasya) = mantra's ;
## budhakaushika  ##  (budhakaushika) = the person budhakaushika ;
## R^iShiH  ##  (RiShiH) = the sage ;
## shrI  ##  (shrI) = respectful prefix ;
## sItA  ##  (sItA) = sItA (Lord Ram's consort) ;
## rAmachandro  ##  (rAmachandro) = Lord RAmachandra ;
## devatA  ##  (devatA) = God or little god ;
## anuShTub  ##  (anuShTub) = the format's name ;
## ChandaH  ##  (ChandaH) = metre (poetic) ;
## sItA  ##  (sItA) = Lord Ram's consort sItA ;
## shaktiH  ##  (shaktiH) =  power, energy ;
## shrImad  ##  (shrImad) = respectful prefix ;
## hanumAn  ##  (hanumAn) = Lord HanumAn ;
## kIlakam  ##  (kIlakam) = pivot point ;
## shrIrAmachandraprItyarthe  ##  (shrIrAmachandraprItyarthe) = For pleasing
         the Lord sItArAma ;
## rAmarakShAstotrajape  ##  (rAmarakShAstotrajape) = in the chanting of
         rAmarakSha hymn ;
## viniyogaH  ##  (viniyogaH) = use ;

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
(Note every mantra has a `devatA, shakti and central point' in addition to its author and usage) The author of this hymn is budhakaushika. The god is sitArAmachandra. The metre is anushTubh. The power is sitA, central pivot is hanumAn and usage is to recite.

##
|| atha dhyAnam ||
##
## atha ##  (atha) = thus ;
## dhyAnam ##  (dhyAnam) = meditation ;

##
dhyAyedAjAnubAhuM dhR^itasharadhanuShaM baddhapadmAsanasthaM
pItaM vAso vasAnaM navakamaladalaspardhinetraM prasannam |
vAmA~NkArUDha sItAmukhakamalamilallochanaM nIradAbhaM
nAnAla~NkAradIptaM dadhatamurujaTAmaNDanaM rAmachandram ||
##
## dhyAyed  ##  (dhyAyed) = one should meditate ;
## AjAnubAhuM  ##  (AjAnubAhuM) = the one whose arms extend upto his knees ;
## dhR^ita  ##  (dhRita) = having borne ;
## shara  ##  (shara) = arrows ;
## dhanuShaM  ##  (dhanuShaM) = bow ;
## baddhapadma  ##  (baddhapadma) = having bound himself in lotus- ;
## Asanastham  ##  (Asanastham) = (lotus like-)posture-stood ;
## pItaM  ##  (pItaM) = yellow ;
## vAso  ##  (vAso) = cloth, dress ;
## vasAnaM  ##  (vasAnaM) = having worn ;
## navakamaladala  ##  (navakamaladala) = newly blossomed lotus petal
         (another meaning for `nava' is ;
nine)
## spardhi  ##  (spardhi) = competing ;
## netraM  ##  (netraM) = eye ;
## prasannam  ##  (prasannam) = with pleasant/satisfied look ;
## vAmA~NkArUDha  ##  (vAmA.nkArUDha) = having the left side of the body
         climbed/occupied by ;
## sItA  ##  (sItA) = sItA ;
## mukha  ##  (mukha) = face ;
## kamala  ##  (kamala) = lotus ;
## milallochanaM  ##  (milallochanaM) = eyes fixed on ;
## nIradAbham  ##  (nIradAbham) = bearing a resemblance to rain-bearing
         cloud i.e with blackish complexion ;
## nAnA  ##  (nAnA) = various, many-sided ;
## ala~NkAradIptaM  ##  (ala.nkAradIptaM) = shining with
         adornments/decorations ;
## dadhatam  ##  (dadhatam) = wearing ;
## urujaTA  ##  (urujaTA) = jaTA (hair) upto his thighs ;
## maNDanaM   ##  (ma.nDanaM) = profusely-adorned ;
## rAmachandram  ##  (rAmachandram) =  rAmachandra ;
##
|| iti dhyAnam ||
##
## iti ##  (iti) = thus ends ;
## dhyAnam ##  (dhyAnam) = meditation ;
##bhavArtha: ##
Thus begins the dhyAna of this mantra -
one should meditate rAma who has arms reaching his knees, who is holding a
bow and arrow,
who is seated in a lotus position, who is wearing yellow clothes, whose eyes
compete with
petals of a fresh lotus, who looks satisfied, whose eyes are fixed on
lotus-like (pretty)
face of sitA sitting in his left lap, whose color is like that of rain cloud,
who has
adorned different jewelery, who is wearing hair reaching upto his thighs.

##
charitaM raghunAthasya shatakoTi pravistaram |
ekaikamakSharaM pu.nsAM mahApAtakanAshanam || 1||
##
## charitaM  ##  (charitaM) = life story, character ;
## raghunAthasya  ##  (raghunAthasya) = lord of the Raghu's(rAma ;
descended from the famous forefather Raghu and became known as raghunAtha)
## shatakoTi  ##  (shatakoTi) = 100 koti or 1000 millions ;
## pravistaram  ##  (pravistaram) = extensively ;
## ekaikamakSharaM  ##  (ekaikamakSharaM) = each and every letter;
## pu.nsAM  ##  (pu.nsAM) = of the human ;
## mahApAtaka  ##  (mahApAtaka) = great sins ;
## nAshanam  ##  (nAshanam) = destroyer ;
1

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
The life story of Shri RAma has a vast expanse and each and every letter  of it is capable of destroying even the greatest sins of mankind.  (1)

##
dhyAtvA nIlotpalashyAmaM rAmaM rAjIvalochanam |
jAnakIlakShmaNopetaM jaTAmukuTamaNDitam || 2||
##
## dhyAtvA  ##  (dhyAtvA) = having meditated ;
## nIlotpalashyAmaM  ##  (nIlotpalashyAmaM) = bearing the bluish black
            color of blue lilies ;
## rAmaM  ##  (rAmaM) = rAma ;
## rAjIva  ##  (rAjIva) = lotus ;
## lochanam  ##  (lochanam) = eyes ;
## jAnakIlakShmaNopetaM  ##  (jAnakIlakShmaNopetaM) = having LakShmana
            and JAnakI (sitA) nearby ;
## jaTAmukuTamaNDitam  ##  (jaTAmukuTama.nDitam) = adorned by locks
            of hair forming a crown ;
2

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Let us meditate on the lotus-eyed, dark-complexioned Rama who is well-adorned with a crown of hair and has Sita and LakShmana alongside. (2)

##
sAsitUNadhanurbANapANiM nakta.ncharAntakam |
svalIlayA jagattrAtumAvirbhUtamajaM vibhum || 3||
##
## sa ##  (sa) = with ;
## asi ##  (asi) = sword ;
## tUNa ##  (tUNa) = receptacle ;
## dhanuH  ##  (dhanuH) = Bow ;
## bANapANiM  ##  (bANapANiM) = with hand holding arrow (and Bow) ;
## nakta.ncharAntakam  ##  (nakta.ncharAntakam) = the finisher(destroyer)
              of the night-wanderers(rAkShasAs) ;
## svalIlayA  ##  (svalIlayA) = sva+lIlaya, through one's play-like action ;
## jagat  ##  (jagat) = world ;
## trAtuM ##  (trAtuM) = for protecting ;
## AvirbhUtaM  ##  (AvirbhUtaM) = having taken a physical form or incarnation ;
## ajaM  ##  (ajaM) = normally sheep but it is also applied to Brahma or God
              in the sense of not born(a+jaM)
## vibhum  ##  (vibhum) = the Lord who shines ;
3

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
(Let us meditate rAma) who has a sword in a receptacle and bow, and arrows, who destroyed the demons, who is not born but is incarnated to protect the world with his actions. (3)

##
rAmarakShAM paThetprAj~naH pApaghnIM sarvakAmadAm |
shiro me rAghavaH pAtu bhAlaM dasharathAtmajaH || 4||
##
## rAmarakShAM  ##  (rAmarakShAM) = rAmarakShA (hymn) ;
## paThet  ##  (paThet) = may read ;
## prAj~naH  ##  (prAj~naH) = the learned man ;
## pApaghnIM  ##  (pApaghnIM) = which kills the sins (the hymn) ;
## sarva  ##  (sarva) = all ;
## kAmadAm  ##  (kAmadAm) = (the hymn which) gives (grants) all desires ;
## shiraH  ##  (shiraH) = head ;
## me  ##  (me) = of mine ;
## rAghavaH  ##  (rAghavaH) = RAghava (RAma) ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## bhAlaM  ##  (bhAlaM) = forehead ;
## dasharatha  ##  (dasharatha) = dasharatha's ;
## AtmajaH  ##  (AtmajaH) = son ;
4

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May the learned read the RamarakSha `stotram', which destroys all sins and grants all desires. (Begin listing details of the body to be protected)
May rAma who is raghu's descendant protect my head. May rAma who is dasharatha's son protect my forehead. (4)

##
kausalyeyo dR^ishau pAtu vishvAmitrapriyaH shrutI |
ghrANaM pAtu makhatrAtA mukhaM saumitrivatsalaH || 5||
##
## kausalyeyo  ##  (kausalyeyo) = kausalyA's (son) ;
## dR^ishau  ##  (dRishau) = two eyes ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## vishvAmitra  ##  (vishvAmitra) = vishvAmitra's ;
## priyaH ##  (priyaH) = dear ;
## shrutI ##  (shrutI) = that which hears i.e.two ears ;
## ghrANaM  ##  (ghrANaM) = that which smells i.e.nose ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## makhatrAtA  ##  (makhatrAtA) = the protector/saviour of makha (yaJ~na) ;
## mukhaM ##  (mukhaM) = mouth (in a different context may mean the whole face) ;
## saumitrivatsalaH  ##  (saumitrivatsalaH) = he who is affectionate to LakShmaNa ; 5

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May the lord rAma who is kausalyA's son, protect my eyes. rAma who is favorite of vishvAmitra protect my ears. rAma who is savior of yaj~na protect my nose.
rAma who is affectionate to lakShmaNa protect my mouth. (5)

##
jihvAM vidyAnidhiH pAtu kaNThaM bharatavanditaH |
skandhau divyAyudhaH pAtu bhujau bhagneshakArmukaH || 6||
##
## jihvAM  ##  (jihvAM) = tongue ;
## vidyAnidhiH  ##  (vidyAnidhiH) = the stock-pile of knowledge (here rAma) ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## kaNThaM  ##  (ka.nThaM) = neck ;
## bharatavanditaH  ##  (bharatavanditaH) = the who has been saluted by Bharata ;
## skandhau  ##  (skandhau) = two shoulders ;
## divyAyudhaH  ##  (divyAyudhaH) = the man with divine weapons ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## bhujau  ##  (bhujau) = two upper arms ;
## bhagneshakArmukaH  ##  (bhagneshakArmukaH) = the one who broke the bow
                       of Isha(shiva) i.e. rAma ;
6

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May the rAma who is a sea of knowledge protect my tongue.
May rAma who is saluted by bharata protect my neck.
May rAma who holds divine weapons protct my two shoulders.
May rAma who broke shiva's bow protect my two upper arms. (6)

##
karau sItApatiH pAtu hR^idayaM jAmadagnyajit |
madhyaM pAtu kharadhva.nsI nAbhiM jAmbavadAshrayaH || 7||
##
## karau  ##  (karau) = two hands (lower arms) ;
## sItApatiH  ##  (sItApatiH) = the husband or lord of sItA ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## hR^idayaM  ##  (hRidayaM) = heart ;
## jAmadagnyajit  ##  (jAmadagnyajit) = he who scored a victory over
               jAmadagni(ParashurAm, the son ;
of jamadagni)
## madhyaM  ##  (madhyaM) = middle (part of the body) ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## kharadhva.nsI  ##  (kharadhva.nsI) = he who smashed (killed) khara (a rAkShasa) ;
## nAbhiM  ##  (nAbhiM) = navel ;
## jAmbavadAshrayaH  ##  (jAmbavadAshrayaH) = ;
he who gave refuge to jhambavad (the bear-chieftain  of rAma's army)
7

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May the rama who is the husband of sitA protect my two hands.
May rAma who conquered parashurAma protect my heart.
May rAma who killed rakShasa named khara protect my abdomen.
May rAma who gave refuge to jambavad protect my navel . (7)

##
sugrIveshaH kaTI pAtu sakthinI hanumatprabhuH |
UrU raghUttamaH pAtu rakShaHkulavinAshakR^it || 8||
##
## sugrIveshaH  ##  (sugrIveshaH) = master of sugrIva, the monkey king
            (literally meaning the one ;
with a beautiful nack)
## kaTI  ##  (kaTI) = waist ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## sakthinI  ##  (sakthinI) =  two hips ;
## hanumatprabhuH  ##  (hanumatprabhuH) = the lord of Hanuman ;
## UrU  ##  (UrU) = two thighs ;
## raghUttamaH  ##  (raghUttamaH) = the best of the raghus (raghu-descendants) ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## rakShaH  ##  (rakShaH) = the rAkShasAs ;
## kulavinAsha  ##  (kulavinAsha) = the destroyer of the kula
           (dynasty/lineage) of (rAkShasAs) ;
## kR^it  ##  (kRit) = the man who did (the destruction of rAkShasa kula) ;
8

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May rAma who is master of sugrIva protect my waist.
May rAma who is master of hanumAma protect my two hips.
May rAma who is the best of raghus and who destroyed the
lineage of rAkShasa protect my two thighs . (8)

##
jAnunI setukR^itpAtu ja~Nghe dashamukhAntakaH |
pAdau bibhIShaNashrIdaH pAtu rAmo.akhilaM vapuH || 9||
##
## jAnunI  ##  (jAnunI) = knees ;
## setukR^it  ##  (setukRit) = the builder of bridge (over the sea) ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = protect ;
## ja~Nghe  ##  (ja.nghe) = two shanks (leg from ankle to knee) ;
## dashamukhAntakaH  ##  (dashamukhAntakaH) = the finisher (destroyer)
            of the ten-faced one (rAvaNa) ;
## pAdau  ##  (pAdau) = two feet ;
## bibhIShaNashrIdaH  ##  (bibhIShaNashrIdaH) = the man who gave `shrI'
            riches etc, to vibhIShaNa ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may he protect ;
## rAmaH  ##  (rAmaH) = Lord Rama ;
##akhilaM ##  (akhilaM) = the entire ;
## vapuH  ##  (vapuH) = the body, the person ;
9

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May rAma who built the bridge protect my two knees.
May rAma who killed ten faced ones protect my two shins.
May rAma who gave the wealth to bibhIShaNa protect my two feet.
Thus may he protect my entire body . (9)

##
etAM rAmabalopetAM rakShAM yaH sukR^itI paThet |
sa chirAyuH sukhI putrI vijayI vinayI bhavet || 10||
##
## etAM  ##  (etAM) = this(feminine form vis-a-vis `etaM' the masculine) ;
## rAmabalopetAM  ##  (rAmabalopetAM) = that which has attained rAma's
              strength/power ;
## rakShAM  ##  (rakShAM) = protecting armour ;
## yaH  ##  (yaH) = who ;
## sukR^itI  ##  (sukRitI) = the man with good deeds ;
## paThet  ##  (paThet) = reads ;
## sa  ##  (sa) = he ;
## chirAyuH  ##  (chirAyuH) = long-life- span (`chira' actually means
              permanent cf . chiranjIvI) ;
## sukhI  ##  (sukhI) = a happy man ;
## putrI  ##  (putrI) = with sons ;
## vijayI  ##  (vijayI) = victorious man ;
## vinayI  ##  (vinayI) = man with humility ;
## bhavet  ##  (bhavet) = may he become so . ;
10

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May the good man who readeth this `stotra', which has all the power of Rama, be blessed with long life, happiness, children, success and humility . (10)

##
pAtAlabhUtalavyomachAriNashChadmachAriNaH |
na draShTumapi shaktAste rakShitaM rAmanAmabhiH || 11||
##
## pAtAla  ##  (pAtAla) = nether-world ;
## bhUtala  ##  (bhUtala) = the earth surface ;
## vyoma  ##  (vyoma) = sky ;
## chAriNaH  ##  (chAriNaH) = the people who wander ;
## ChadmachAriNaH  ##  (ChadmachAriNaH) = those who wander by adopting
                      tricks such as becoming ;
invisible etc.
## na  ##  (na) = not ;
## draShTuM  ##  (draShTuM) = to see ;
## api  ##  (api) = even (won't be able to see even, let alone harming) ;
## shaktAH ##  (shaktAH) = capable ;
## te ##  (te) = they ;
## rakShitaM  ##  (rakShitaM) = the person who has ben protected(by) ;
## rAma  ##  (rAma) = Rama ;
## nAmabhiH  ##  (nAmabhiH) = the names of rAma ;
11

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
No one, who is wandering below the earth or on the earth or above the earth or those who wander surreptitiously changing their forms, will even be able to see the man protected by  rAmanAma . (let alone bring any harm to him). (11)

##
rAmeti rAmabhadreti rAmachandreti vA smaran |
naro na lipyate pApaiH bhuktiM muktiM cha vindati || 12||
##
## rAmeti  ##  (rAmeti) = rAma+iti saying thus rAma ;
## rAmabhadreti  ##  (rAmabhadreti) = rAmabhadra+iti saying  `rAmabhadra'
## rAmabhadra  ##  (rAmabhadra) = rAma who gives the well-being ;
## rAmachandreti  ##  (rAmachandreti) = saying `rAmachandra' ;
## vA  ##  (vA) = or ;
## smaran  ##  (smaran) = reciting ;
## naro  ##  (naro) = man ;
## na  ##  (na) = not ;
## lipyate  ##  (lipyate) = gets engulfed, gets covered ;
## pApaiH  ##  (pApaiH) = by sins ;
## bhuktiM  ##  (bhuktiM) =  earthly wealth ;
## muktiM  ##  (muktiM) =  salvation ;
## cha  ##  (cha) = also ;
## vindati  ##  (vindati) = obtains ;
12

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
No sin can attach to the man who singeth the praise of the lord and he will prosper in this world and get salvation . (12)

##
jagajjaitreka mantreNa rAmanAmnA.abhirakShitam |
yaH kaNThe dhArayetasya karasthAH sarvasiddhuyaH || 13||
##
## jagajjaitra  ##  (jagajjaitra) = jagat+jetra in the world +here ;
## eka  ##  (eka) = one ;
## mantreNa  ##  (mantreNa) = by the mantra ;
## rAmanAmnA  ##  (rAmanAmnA) = by the name of rAma ;
## abhirakShitam  ##  (abhirakShitam) = who has been well protected ;
## yaH  ##  (yaH) = who ;
## kaNThe  ##  (ka.nThe) = in the neck ;
## dharayet  ##  (dharayet) = bears ;
## tasya ##  (tasya) = his ;
## karasthAH  ##  (karasthAH) = obtaining(literally standing) in his very hands ;
## sarva  ##  (sarva) = all ;
## siddhayaH  ##  (siddhayaH) = great achievements including mystic powers ;
13

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
One who wears this mantra of rAma nAma that has conquered the world around his neck will have all the powers at his beck and call . (13)

##
vajrapa.njaranAmedaM yo rAmakavachaM smaret |
avyAhatAj~naH sarvatra labhate jayama~Ngalam || 14||
##
## vajra ##  (vajra) =  indra's weapon, pa.njara  weapon) ;
## yo  ##  (yo) = who ;
## rAmakavachaM  ##  (rAmakavachaM) = rAma-armour ;
## smaret  ##  (smaret) = remembers/recalls ;
## avyAhatAj~naH  ##  (avyAhatAj~naH) = avyAhatA+AgyA yasya not feeling the hit;
## sarvatra  ##  (sarvatra) = everywhere ;
## labhate  ##  (labhate) = obtains ;
## jayama~Ngalam  ##  (jayama.ngalam) = victory that is auspicious ;
14

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
He who wears this armour called vajrapa.njara will be unscathed and will win victory everywhere . (14)

##
AdiShTavAn yathA svapne rAmarakShAmimAM haraH |
tathA likhitavAn prAtaH prabhuddho budhakaushikaH || 15||
##
## AdiShTavAn  ##  (AdiShTavAn) = commanded ;
## yathA  ##  (yathA) = as or like, in which manner ;
## svapne  ##  (svapne) =   in dream ;
## rAmarakShAM  ##  (rAmarakShAM) = rAmarakShA (mantra/hymn) ;
## imAM  ##  (imAM) = this ;
## haraH  ##  (haraH) = shiva ;
## tathA  ##  (tathA) = so, in that manner ;
## likhitavAn  ##  (likhitavAn) = wrote ;
## prAtaH  ##  (prAtaH) = in the morning ;
## prabhuddho  ##  (prabhuddho) = having risen( after sleep/unconscious state) ;
## budhakaushikaH  ##  (budhakaushikaH) = budhakaushikaH (the author of this hymn) ; 15

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Budhakaushika was commanded in his dream by Lord Shiva to compose this hymn and he  did so, as soon as he awoke in the morning . (15)

##
ArAmaH kalpavR^ikShANAM virAmaH sakalApadAm |
abhirAmastrilokAnAM rAmaH shrImAn sa naH prabhuH || 16||
##
## ArAmaH  ##  (ArAmaH) = place of rest ;
## kalpavR^ikShANAM  ##  (kalpavRikShANAM) = of the kalpa vRikSha trees
               (the wish-yielding ; trees  )
## virAmaH  ##  (virAmaH) = respite, full stop ;
## sakalApadAm  ##  (sakalApadAm) = all dangers' ;
## abhirAmastrilokAnAM  ##  (abhirAmastrilokAnAM) = the laudable rAma for
               all the three worlds ;
## rAmaH  ##  (rAmaH) = rAma ;
## shrImAn  ##  (shrImAn) = the man with `shrI' i.e . the endowed man ;
## sa  ##  (sa) = he ;
## naH  ##  (naH) = to us ;
## prabhuH  ##  (prabhuH) = the lord ;
16

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Rama, who grants all desires, removes all obstacles and is the praise of all three worlds, is our `Lord' indeed. (16)

##
taruNau rUpasa.npannau sukumArau mahAbalau |
puNDarIkavishAlAkShau chIrakR^iShNAjinAmbarau || 17||
##
## taruNau  ##  (taruNau) = (two)youths ;
## rUpasa.npannau  ##  (rUpasa.npannau) = (two)persons endowed with
               beautiful appearance ;
## sukumArau  ##  (sukumArau) = (two) handsome young lads ;
## mahAbalau  ##  (mahAbalau) = (two)great powerful persons ;
## puNDarIka  ##  (pu.nDarIka) = lotus ;
## vishAlAkShau  ##  (vishAlAkShau) = (two)persons with (lotus-like)large eyes ;
## chIra  ##  (chIra) = dress made of bark? ;
## kR^iShNAjinAmbarau  ##  (kRiShNAjinAmbarau) = (two) persons wearing
               the deer-skin as clothes ;
(ambara has another meaning as `sky' besides clothing)
17

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
May the two brothers ever protect us, who are young, handsome, lotus-eyed and bark and deer-skin dressed. (17)

##
phalamUlAshinau dAntau tApasau brahmachAriNau |
putrau dasharathasyaitau bhrAtarau rAmalakShmaNau || 18||
##
## phala  ##  (phala) = fruits ;
## mUlAshinau  ##  (mUlAshinau) = roots-eaters (2 persons) ;
## dAntau  ##  (dAntau) = the two who have restraining power;
## tApasau  ##  (tApasau) = (2)penance-doers ;
## brahmachAriNau  ##  (brahmachAriNau) = (2)bachelors ;
## putrau  ##  (putrau) = 2 sons of ;
## dasharathasyaitau  ##  (dasharathasyaitau) = dasharathasya+etAu
               dasharatha's+this pair;
## bhrAtarau  ##  (bhrAtarau) = the two brothers ;
## rAmalakShmaNau  ##  (rAmalakShmaNau) = rAma  lakShmaNa ;
18

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
These two sons of Dasharatha, the brothers Rama and LakShmana, the ones  who are subsisting  on roots and fruits and practicing penance and celibacy, (continued in the next.) (18)

##
sharaNyau sarvasattvAnAM shreShThau sarvadhanuShmatAm |
rakShaH kulanihantArau trAyetAM no raghUttamau || 19||
##
## sharaNyau  ##  (sharaNyau) = the refuge, the ones who should be
               approached for refuge ;
## sarva  ##  (sarva) = all ;
## sattvAnAM  ##  (sattvAnAM) = (of) beings  ;
## shreShThau  ##  (shreShThau) = the best (2 persons) ;
## sarvadhanuShmatAm  ##  (sarvadhanuShmatAm) = of all archers ;
## rakShaH  ##  (rakShaH) = rAksshasa (demons) ;
## kulanihantArau  ##  (kulanihantArau) = family+destroyers (2 persons) ;
## trAyetAM  ##  (trAyetAM) = (may the two) protect/save (us).
              (for one persons the verb is  trAyet)
## no  ##  (no) = us ;
## raghUttamau  ##  (raghUttamau) = the best two of the Raghu race ;
19

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
these two scions of Raghu protect us, the foremost among the archers, the destroyers of the demons  and the refuge of all beings, (may they) protect us. (19)

##
AttasajjadhanuShAviShuspR^ishAvakShayAshuganiSha~Ngasa~Nginau |
rakShaNAya mama rAmalakShmaNAvagrataH pathi sadaiva gachChatAm || 20||
##
##Atta ##  (Atta) = possesing ;
##sajja ##  (sajja)  = equipped ;
##dhanuShau ##  (dhanuShau) = bows,
##AttasajjadhanuShau ## (AttasajjadhanuShau) = the two who posses equipped bows ;
##iShuspR^ishau ##  (iShuspRishau) = (two) touching their arrows ;
##akShaya ##  (akShaya) = unending ;
##Ashuga ##  (Ashuga) = fast ;
##niSha~Nga ##  (niSha.nga) = arrow ;
##sa~Nginau ##  (sa.nginau) = quiver carrying ;
## rakShaNAya  ##  (rakShaNAya) = for protection ;
## mama  ##  (mama) = my ;
## rAmalakShmaNAvagrataH  ##  (rAmalakShmaNAvagrataH) = rAmalakShmaNau+agrataH
               (let the two go) before (me);
## pathi  ##  (pathi) = in the street (during the outing/journey);
## sadaiva  ##  (sadaiva) =  always;
## gachChatAm  ##  (gachChatAm) =   (may the two)go ;
20

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Rama and LakShmana (both), their bows pulled and ready, their hands on the arrows (packed) in ever full quivers (carried on their backs), may they always escort me  in my path, for my protection.  (20)

##
sannaddhaH kavachI khaDgI chApabANadharo yuvA |
gachChanmanoratho.asmAkaM rAmaH pAtu salakShmaNaH || 21||
##
## sannaddhaH  ##  (sannaddhaH) = fully armed/prepared ;
## kavachI  ##  (kavachI) = with armor ;
## khaDgI  ##  (khaDgI) = with sword ;
## chApabANadharo  ##  (chApabANadharo) = bearing bow and arrow ;
## yuvA  ##  (yuvA) = young ;
## gachChan  ##  (gachChan) = going (walking) ;
## manorathaH  ##  (manorathaH) = wish (heart-felt desire)
                (alternate version:mama+agrato+nityam) ;
## asmAkaM  ##  (asmAkaM) = our ;
## rAmaH  ##  (rAmaH) = rAma ;
## pAtu  ##  (pAtu) = may protect ;
## salakShmaNaH  ##  (salakShmaNaH) = with LakShmaNa ;
21

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Ever prepared and armed with sword, shield and bows and arrows and followed by LakShman , Rama is like our cherished thoughts come to life, may he (along with LakShman)  protect us. (21)

##
rAmo dAsharathiH shUro lakShmaNAnucharo balI |
kAkutsthaH puruShaH pUrNaH kausalyeyo raghUttamaH || 22||
##
## rAmo  ##  (rAmo) = rAma ;
## dAsharathiH  ##  (dAsharathiH) = dasharatha's son ;
## shUro  ##  (shUro) = brave ;
## lakShmaNAnucharo  ##  (lakShmaNAnucharo) = having LakShmaNa as
                the follower ;
## balI  ##  (balI) = the powerful one ;
## kAkutsthaH  ##  (kAkutsthaH) = descendant of'kakutstha'((kakudi+sthitaH ;
## puruShaH  ##  (puruShaH) = male person ;
## pUrNaH  ##  (pUrNaH) = the complete/perfect one ;
## kausalyeyo  ##  (kausalyeyo) = kausalya's ;
## raghUttamaH  ##  (raghUttamaH) = best of the Raghu race ;
22

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Rama, the scion of Raghu and the son of Dasaratha and Kausalya, and ever, accompanied by LakShmana, is all powerful and is the perfect man (Lord). (22)

##
vedAntavedyo yaj~neshaH purANapuruShottamaH |
jAnakIvallabhaH shrImAn aprameya parAkramaH || 23||
##
## vedAntavedyo  ##  (vedAntavedyo) = one knowable thro' `upaniShadaH' ;
## yaj~neshaH  ##  (yaj~neshaH) = lord of all sacrifices rites ;
## purANapuruShottamaH  ## (purANapuruShottamaH) = the ancient and the best of men ;
## jAnakIvallabhaH  ##  (jAnakIvallabhaH) =  the darling of jAnaki (sItA) ;
## shrImAn  ##  (shrImAn) = one  with `shrI' (wealth) ;
## aprameya  ##  (aprameya) = the unmeasurable ;
## parAkramaH  ##  (parAkramaH) = bravery ;
23

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
The rama, who is perceived thru vedAnta, who is lord of all yaj~na, is ancient and the best man who is beloved of jAnakI and whose bravery is unmeasurable. (23)
##
ityetAni japannityaM madbhaktaH shraddhayAnvitaH |
ashvamedhAdhikaM puNyaM samprApnoti na sa.nshayaH || 24||
##
## ityetAni  ##  (ityetAni) = iti+etAni thus+ these;
## japannityaM  ##  (japannityaM) = japan+nityaM chanting+ever;
## madbhaktaH  ##  (madbhaktaH) =  my devotee ;
## shraddhayAnvitaH  ##  (shraddhayAnvitaH) = accompanied with faith ;
## ashvamedha  ##  (ashvamedha) = a very difficult sacrifice, to
perform it a king has to release ; a horse for a year and defeat
all the kings whose kingdoms are visited by the horse - the horse is
finally sacrificed and the kingdom won by the king is also offered in
donation to the brahmins!
## ashvamedhAdhikaM  ##  (ashvamedhAdhikaM)
            = ashwamedhAt+adhikaM  more than `ashvamedha' sacrifice ;
## puNyaM  ##  (puNyaM) = virtue, religious merit (leading to life in heaven)  ;
## samprApnoti  ##  (samprApnoti) =   attains ;
## na  ##  (na) = no ;
## sa.nshayaH  ##  (sa.nshayaH) = doubt ;
24

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
My devotee(says Lord Shiva), who recites these (names of rAma) with faith, will attain more religious merit than one obtainable by  horse-sacrifice . There is no doubt about it. (24)

##
rAmaM dUrvAdalashyAmaM padmAkShaM pItavAsasam |
stuvanti nAmabhirdivyairna te sa.nsAriNo naraH || 25||
##
## rAmaM  ##  (rAmaM) = rAma ;
## dUrvAdalashyAmaM  ##  (dUrvAdalashyAmaM) = black as the leaves of
               `dUrvA' (blue grass) ;
## padmAkShaM  ##  (padmAkShaM) = lotus-eyed ;
## pItavAsasam  ##  (pItavAsasam) = wearing the yellow dress ;
## stuvanti  ##  (stuvanti) = praise, flatter ;
## nAmabhirdivyaiH  ##  (nAmabhirdivyaiH) = by the divine `nAmAs'(names) ;
## na  ##  (na) = not ;
## te  ##  (te) = to them ;
## sa.nsAriNo  ##  (sa.nsAriNo) = those with (ordinary) family ;
## narAH  ##  (narAH) = men ;
25

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Those who sing the praise of RAma (who is lotus-eyed, dark-complexioned and dressed in yellow clothes) thro' this hymn, are (no longer) ordinary men trapped in the world (they get liberated!) (25)

##
rAmaM lakShmaNapUrvajaM raghuvaraM sItApatiM sundaraM
     kAkutsthaM karuNArNavaM guNanidhiM viprapriyaM dhArmikam |
rAjendraM satyasandhaM dasharathatanayaM shyAmalaM shAntamUrtiM
     vande lokAbhirAmaM raghukulatilakaM rAghavaM rAvaNArim || 26||
##
## rAmaM  ##  (rAmaM) = rAma ;
## lakShmaNapUrvajaM  ##  (lakShmaNapUrvajaM) = the  (earlier-born)elder
               of LakShmaNa ;
## raghuvaraM  ##  (raghuvaraM) = the chosen Raghu ;
## sItApatiM  ##  (sItApatiM) = sitA's husband ;
## sundaram  ##  (sundaram) = the handsome one ;
## kAkutsthaM  ##  (kAkutsthaM) =  kAkutsthaH is another family name for
               rAma(kakutstha's descendant) ;
## karuNArNavaM  ##  (karuNArNavaM) = the ocean of `karuna' (compassion) ;
## guNanidhiM  ##  (guNanidhiM) = the stock-pile of good qualities ;
## viprapriyaM  ##  (viprapriyaM) = the beloved of the Brahmins ;
## dhArmikam  ##  (dhArmikam) = the religious one ;
## rAjendraM  ##  (rAjendraM) = the lord of kings ;
## satyasandhaM  ##  (satyasandhaM) = the one bound by Truth ;
## dasharathatanayaM  ##  (dasharathatanayaM) = the son of dasharatha ;
## shyAmalaM  ##  (shyAmalaM) = the dark-complexioned one ;
## shAntamUrtim  ##  (shAntamUrtim) =  the personification of peace ;
## vande  ##  (vande) = (I - says shiva to budhakaushika) salute or bow ;
## lokAbhirAmaM  ##  (lokAbhirAmaM) = the one who is pleasing to the people ;
## raghukulatilakaM  ##  (raghukulatilakaM) = the mark (e.g . one on the
               forehead) of the Raghu family ;
## rAghavaM  ##  (rAghavaM) = the descendant of Raghu ;
## rAvaNArim  ##  (rAvaNArim) = rAvaNasya ariM ;
26

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I salute that Rama who is handsome, the elder brother of LakShmana, the husband of Sita and the best of the scions of the Raghu race, Him who is the ocean of compassion, the stockpile of virtues, the beloved of the Brahmans and the protector of Dharma, Him who is the practiser of the Truth, the lord emperor of kings, the son of Dasaratha, dark-complexioned and the personification of Peace and tranquillity, Him who is the enemy of Ravana, the crown jewel of the Raghu dynaty and the cynosure of all eyes. (26)

##
rAmAya rAmabhadrAya rAmachandrAya vedhase |
raghunAthAya nAthAya sItAyAH pataye namaH || 27||
##
## rAmAya  ##  (rAmAya) = to rAma ;
## rAmabhadrAya  ##  (rAmabhadrAya) = to the good-giving/protecting RAma ;
## rAmachandrAya  ##  (rAmachandrAya) = to rAmachandra ;
## vedhase  ##  (vedhase) = to the Brahman (like rAma) ;
## raghunAthAya  ##  (raghunAthAya) = to the lord of Raghus ;
## nAthAya  ##  (nAthAya) = to the protector or lord ;
## sItAyAH  ##  (sItAyAH) = sItA's ;
## pataye  ##  (pataye) = husband ;
## namaH  ##  (namaH) = salutation ;
27

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I salute that Rama who is benevolent and cool as moon, and who is the lord of Sita and the master guardian of all. (27)

##
shrIrAma rAma raghunandana rAma rAma
     shrIrAma rAma bharatAgraja rAma rAma |
shrIrAma rAma raNakarkasha rAma rAma
     shrIrAma rAma sharaNaM bhava rAma rAma || 28||
##
## shrIrAma  ##  (shrIrAma) = Lord Rama ;
## rAma  ##  (rAma) = Rama ;
## raghunandana  ##  (raghunandana) = the delighter of the Raghus ;
## shrIrAma  ##  (shrIrAma) = Lord Rama ;
## bharatAgraja  ##  (bharatAgraja) = the one born before Bharata
               (elder of bharata) ;
## raNa  ##  (raNa) = fight, war ;
## karkasha  ##  (karkasha) = tough, merciless, strong, violent ;
## raNakarkasha  ##  (raNakarkasha) = one who is merciless or tough in war ;
## sharaNaM  ##  (sharaNaM) = refuge ;
## bhava  ##  (bhava) = (you) become (my refuge) ;
28

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I surender to that Rama who is the delight of the Raghus, elder brother of Bharata and the tormentor of his enemies in the war . (28)

##
shrIrAmachandracharaNau manasA smarAmi
     shrIrAmachandracharaNau vachasA gR^iNAmi |
shrIrAmachandracharaNau shirasA namAmi
     shrIrAmachandracharaNau sharaNaM prapadye || 29||
##
## shrIrAmachandracharaNau  ##  (shrIrAmachandracharaNau) = the  two feet
                 of rAmachandra ;
## manasA  ##  (manasA) = with the mind ;
## smarAmi  ##  (smarAmi) = remember ;
## vachasA  ##  (vachasA) = with words ;
## gR^iNAmi  ##  (gRiNAmi) = I praise ;
## shirasA  ##  (shirasA) = with the head ;
## namAmi  ##  (namAmi) = I bow ;
## sharaNaM  ##  (sharaNaM) = surrender ;
## prapadye  ##  (prapadye) = (I) resort to ;
29

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
The two feet of Rama, I  remember them in my mind, I praise them by my speech, I bow to them by my head I take resort in them! (29)

##
mAtA rAmo matpitA rAmachandraH
     svAmI rAmo matsakhA rAmachandraH |
sarvasvaM me rAmachandro dayAlu\-
     rnAnyaM jAne naiva jAne na jAne || 30||
##
## mAtA  ##  (mAtA) = mother ;
## rAmo  ##  (rAmo) = rAmaH(rAma) ;
## mat  ##  (mat) = mine ;
## pitA  ##  (pitA) = father ;
## rAmachandraH  ##  (rAmachandraH) = rAma ;
## svAmI  ##  (svAmI) = the master ;
## rAmo  ##  (rAmo) = rAmaH :rAma ;
## mat  ##  (mat) = mine ;
## sakhA  ##  (sakhA) = friend ;
## rAmachandraH  ##  (rAmachandraH) = the moon-like rAma ;
## sarvasvaM  ##  (sarvasvaM) = all of one's belongings/holding ;
## me  ##  (me) = mine or to me ;
## rAmachandro  ##  (rAmachandro) = rAma ;
## dayAluH  ##  (dayAluH) = the kind-hearted ;
## nAnyaM  ##  (nAnyaM) = na+anyaM no other;
## jAne  ##  (jAne) = I know ;
## naiva  ##  (naiva) = na+eva not at all;
## jAne  ##  (jAne) = I know ;
## na  ##  (na) = no ;
## jAne  ##  (jAne) = I know ;
30

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Rama  is  (like) my mother, father, master and friend, indeed the kind-hearted Rama is all I have . I know of no other (like him), (I really) don't! (30)

##
dakShiNe lakShmaNo yasya vAme tu janakAtmajA |
purato mArutiryasya taM vande raghunandanam || 31||
##
## dakShiNe  ##  (dakShiNe) = to the right ;
## lakShmaNo  ##  (lakShmaNo) = lakShmaNaH ;
## yasya  ##  (yasya) = whose ;
## vAme  ##  (vAme) = left side ;
## tu  ##  (tu) = but, on the other hand ;
## janakAtmajA  ##  (janakAtmajA) = janakA's daughter Sita ;
## purato  ##  (purato) = in the front ;
## mArutiryasya  ##  (mArutiryasya) = mArutiH+yasya Hanuman+whose;
## taM  ##  (taM) = him ;
## vande  ##  (vande) = I salute/bow ;
## raghunandanam  ##  (raghunandanam) =  the delighter of Raghus ;
31

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I salute that Rama who has LakShmana on his right and  Sita on the left and who has Hanuman in his front. (31)

##
lokAbhirAmaM raNara~NgadhIraM
     rAjIvanetraM raghuva.nshanAtham |
kAruNyarUpaM karuNAkara.n taM
     shrIrAmachandram sharaNaM prapadye || 32||
##
## lokAbhirAmaM  ##  (lokAbhirAmaM) = the one who is pleasing to the people ;
## raNara~NgadhIram  ##  (raNara.ngadhIram) =  the brave in the stage of war ;
## rAjIvanetraM  ##  (rAjIvanetraM) = the lotus-eyed ;
## raghuva.nshanAtham  ##  (raghuva.nshanAtham) =  the lord of the Raghu family ;
## kAruNyarUpaM  ##  (kAruNyarUpaM) = the personification of compassion ;
## karuNAkara.n  ##  (karuNAkara.n) = the one induces compassion ;
## tam  ##  (tam) = him ;
## shrIrAmachandram  ##  (shrIrAmachandram) =  rAma ;
## sharaNaM  ##  (sharaNaM) = refuge ;
## prapadye  ##  (prapadye) = (I) resort to ;
32

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I take refuge in that Rama who is quite pleasing to the sight, the master of the stage of  war, lotus-eyed, lord of the Raghu race and compassion- personified. (32)

##
manojavaM mArutatulyavegaM
     jitendriyaM buddhimatAM variShTham |
vAtAtmajaM vAnarayUthamukhyaM
     shrIrAmadUtaM sharaNaM prapadye || 33||
##
## manojavaM  ##  (manojavaM) = having the speed of mind ;
## mArutatulyavegam  ##  (mArutatulyavegam) = with the speed equal to
               that of wind-god(his father ;
'vAyu')
## jitendriyaM  ##  (jitendriyaM) = the one who has conquered his senses ;
## buddhimatAM  ##  (buddhimatAM) = of the learned ;
## variShTham  ##  (variShTham) = the foremost ;
## vAtAtmajaM  ##  (vAtAtmajaM) = the son of the wind-god (`vAta' or `vAyu) ;
## vAnarayUthamukhyam  ##  (vAnarayUthamukhyam) = the chieftain of the
               monkey brigade ;
## shrIrAmadUtaM  ##  (shrIrAmadUtaM) = the messenger of rAma ;
## sharaNaM  ##  (sharaNaM) = refuge ;
## prapadye  ##  (prapadye) = (I) resort to ;
33

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I take refuge in the lord Hanuman who is as fast as the mind, equals his father, the wind-God, in speed, is the master of the senses, the foremost amongst the learned, the leader of the Monkey forces and the great messenger of Shri Rama. (33)

##
kUjantaM rAma rAmeti madhuraM madhurAkSharam |
Aruhya kavitAshAkhAM vande vAlmIkikokilam || 34||
##
## kUjantaM  ##  (kUjantaM) = making the `coo'ing sound ;
## rAma  ##  (rAma) = Rama ;
## rAmeti  ##  (rAmeti) = rAma+iti rAma+thus;
## madhuraM  ##  (madhuraM) = sweet ;
## madhurAkSharam  ##  (madhurAkSharam) = sweet letter(s) ;
## Aruhya  ##  (Aruhya) = having climbed ;
## kavitAshAkhAM  ##  (kavitAshAkhAM) = the poetry-branch (of a tree) ;
## vande  ##  (vande) = salute/bow ;
## vAlmIkikokilam  ##  (vAlmIkikokilam) = the vAlmIki-cuckoo ;
34

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I salute the great sage Valmiki who sings the glorious name of Rama resorting to his Ramayana as sweetly as a cuckoo will sing sitting atop a tree. (34)

##
ApadAmapahartAraM dAtAraM sarvasampadAm |
lokAbhirAmaM shrIrAmaM bhUyo bhUyo namAmyaham || 35||
##
## ApadAM  ##  (ApadAM) = dangers ;
## apahartAraM  ##  (apahartAraM) = the remover,destroyer ;
## dAtAraM  ##  (dAtAraM) = the giver ;
## sarvasampadAm  ##  (sarvasampadAm) = all wealth ;
## lokAbhirAmaM  ##  (lokAbhirAmaM) = the one who is pleasing to the people ;
## shrIrAmaM  ##  (shrIrAmaM) = shrI rAma ;
## bhUyo  ##  (bhUyo) = again ;
## namAmyaham  ##  (namAmyaham) = namAmi+ahaM,  bow+I;
35

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
I bow again and again to Ram who removes all obstacles and grants all wealth and pleases all. (35)

##
bharjanaM bhavabIjAnAmarjanaM sukhasampadAm |
tarjanaM yamadUtAnAM rAma rAmeti garjanam || 36||
##
## bharjanaM  ##  (bharjanaM) = annihilating also roasting, frying, baking ;
## bhava  ##  (bhava) = worldly existance, world ;
## bhavabIjAnAM  ##  (bhavabIjAnAM) = the causes of rebirth ;
## arjanaM  ##  (arjanaM) = the earning or acquiring or acqusition ;
## sukhasampadAm  ##  (sukhasampadAm) = of the happiness and wealth ;
## tarjanaM  ##  (tarjanaM) = threatening, frightening, censuring ;
## yamadUtAnAM  ##  (yamadUtAnAM) = the messengers of the lord of death (yama) ;
## rAma  ##  (rAma) = Rama ;
## rAmeti  ##  (rAmeti) = rAma+iti rAma+thus;
## garjanam  ##  (garjanam) = roaring, thundering or sound in general ;
36

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
The roar of the Ramanama is the destruction of the cause of rebirth (hence cause of liberation), the earning  of all wealth and a scare to Yama's messengers. (36)

##
rAmo rAjamaNiH sadA vijayate rAmaM rameshaM bhaje
rAmeNAbhihatA nishAcharachamU rAmAya tasmai namaH |
rAmAnnAsti parAyaNaM parataraM rAmasya dAso.asmyahaM
rAme chittalayaH sadA bhavatu me bho rAma mAmuddhara || 37||
##
## rAmo  ##  (rAmo) = rAma ;
## rAjamaNiH  ##  (rAjamaNiH) = the jewel of the kings ;
## sadA  ##  (sadA) = ever ;
## vijayate  ##  (vijayate) = is victorious ;
## rAmaM  ##  (rAmaM) = to rAma ;
## rameshaM  ##  (rameshaM) = to the lord  rAma ;
## bhaje  ##  (bhaje) = I worship ;
## rAmeNAbhihatA  ##  (rAmeNAbhihatA) = the one struck by rAma ;
## nishAcharachamU  ##  (nishAcharachamU) = the army of the
               night-wanderers(demons) ;
## rAmAya  ##  (rAmAya) = to rAma ;
## tasmai  ##  (tasmai) = to him ;
## namaH  ##  (namaH) = salutation ;
## rAmAnnAsti  ##  (rAmAnnAsti) = no one   except  rAma ;
## parAyaNaM  ##  (parAyaNaM) = destiny ;
## parataraM  ##  (parataraM) = superior ;
## rAmasya  ##  (rAmasya) = rAmA's ;
## dAso.asmyaham  ##  (dAso.asmyaham) = disciple+am+I ;
## rAme  ##  (rAme) = in RAma ;
## chittalayaH  ##  (chittalayaH) = absorbed mind ;
## sadA  ##  (sadA) = ever ;
## bhavatu  ##  (bhavatu) = let there be ;
## me  ##  (me) = my or to me ;
## bho  ##  (bho) = exclamatory word for addressing a person ;
## rAma  ##  (rAma) = Rama ;
## mAM  ##  (mAM) = me ;
## uddhara  ##  (uddhara) = uplift ;
37

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
Rama, the jewel among the kings,  Him I worship, by Him the hordes demons have been destroyed, to him is said my prayer, beyond Him there is nothing to be worshipped, His servant I am, my mind is totally absorbed in Him, O Ram, please lift me up.  This verse gives all the seven declensions of the singular word rAma and gives one way of remembering them! (37)

##
rAma rAmeti rAmeti rame rAme manorame |
sahasranAma tattulyaM rAmanAma varAnane || 38||
##
##rAma rAma iti ##  (rAma rAma iti) = saying rAma rAma ;
## rAme  ##  (rAme) = rAmA also may mean `pleasing' and applies here to pArvati ;
## manorame  ##  (manorame) = another appellation to PArvati here meaning
              `pleasing to the mind' ;
## sahasra  ##  (sahasra) = one thousand ;
## nAma  ##  (nAma) = names ;
## tat  ##  (tat) = that ;
## tulyaM  ##  (tulyaM) = equivalent, comparable ;
## rAmanAma  ##  (rAmanAma) = the  (one) name of rAma;
## varAnane  ##  (varAnane) = Oh! lady having the best face! ;
38

          ##bhAvArthaH ##
O fair-faced Parvati!  I enjoy saying rAma rAma.  Uttering but once the name `Rama' is equal to the uttering of any other `name' of God, a thousand times . (38)

##
|| iti shrIbudhakaushikavirachitaM shrIrAmarakShAstotraM sampUrNam ||
##

##
|| shrIsItArAmachandrArpaNamastu ||
##

## iti  ##  (iti) = thus ;
## shrIbudhakaushika  ##  (shrIbudhakaushika) = sHrI budhakaushika
                (the author of this hymn) ;
## virachitaM  ##  (virachitaM) = created/composed ;
## shrI  ##  (shrI) = LAkShmi or respectful prefix ;
## rAmarakShA  ##  (rAmarakShA) = rAmarakShA( hymn) ;
## stotraM  ##  (stotraM) = hymn ;
## sampUrNam  ##  (sampUrNam) = complete, finis, over ;
## shrI  ##  (shrI) = LakShmi or respectful prefix ;
## sItA  ##  (sItA) = sItA ;
## rAmachandra  ##  (rAmachandra) = rAmachandra ;
## arpaNaM  ##  (arpaNaM) = dedication ;
## astu  ##  (astu) = let that be . ;

\chapter{sArtha shrIrAmarakShAstotram bhAvArtha : Another version}
Thus begins the  hymn of Lord Ram for protection.
OM, Salutations to Lord Ganesh.
The author of this hymn is budhakaushika. The god is sitArAmachandra. The metre is anushTubh. The power is sitA, central pivot is hanumAn and usage is to recite.
Thus begins the dhyAna of this mantra - one should meditate rAma who has arms reaching his knees, who is holding a bow and arrow, who is seated in a lotus position, who is wearing yellow clothes, whose eyes compete with petals of a fresh lotus, who looks satisfied, whose eyes are fixed on lotus-like (pretty) face of sitA sitting in his left lap, whose color is like that of rain cloud, who has adorned different jewelery, who is wearing hair reaching upto his thighs.
The story of the life of Shri Rama, the most illustrious of the line of Raghu has permeated through the lives of hundreds of crores of human beings. Every letter in the story of the life of that illustrious prince is capable of washing away all the great sins of all people in the world. 1
I meditate upon Shri RAma whose body is of the hue of a blue lotus, whose eyes have all the grace and beauty of lotuses, who is ever associated with Sita and Lakshmana and who shines with the crown of twisted matted locks of hair. 2
I offer my prayers to that Lord of the universe who destroys the RAkshasas with a sword, quiver of arrows and a bow in his hands, who has taken incarnations upon this earth for protecting people of this earth by his sportive and miraculous deeds. He is eternal and everlasting. 3
The grace of Shri Rama is verily obtainable by all those who recite this blessed ``shrIrAma rakShA stotram'' that is capable of wiping away all sins and granting all boons. May Raghava protect the head and Shri RAma, the forehead. 4
Shri Rama, the son of Kausalya should grant protection to my eyes. Shri Rama, the endeared disciple of Visvamitra should guard my ears. Shri RAmachandra the protector of the holy sacrifice should guard my nose and Shri Rama the affectionate brother of Lakshman, son of Sumitra should guard my face. 5
May Shri Rama the mine of learning protect my tongue. May He who is the adored by Bharata protect my throat. May he who is the possessor of divine weapons protect my shoulders. May He who rent the bow of Siva, protect my arms. 6
May the Lord consort of Sita protect my hands. May He who has vanquished Parasurama protect my heart. May He who slew the demon Khara protect mywaist. May He who gave asylum to JAmbavAn protect the centre of my abdomen. 7
May He who is the Lord of Sugriva protect my hips. May He who is the supreme lord of HanumAn protect my upper thighs and the destroyer of RAkshasa community protect my thighs. 8
May Shri Rama, who built a bridge at setu protect my knees. May He who destroyed RAvana protect the calves of my legs. May He who bestowed prosperity on Vibhishana protect my feet and may that Shri RAma protect my entire body. 9
Whosoever good men read and recite this Kavaca which is augmented with the might of Shri Rama, such people enjoy long life, all happiness, good children, great success and boundless humility. 10
None of those beings that live either upon the earth or in the nether world or in the ethereal regions and the dishonest and the deceitful can even approach and gaze at those who are shielded by RAmanAma. 11
Those who constantly repeat the blessed words of RAma, Ramachandra and Ramabhadra are not subjected to any kind of sin. Such people can, on account of the glory and potency of the name of Shri Rama, enjoy all kinds of prosperity and attain (mokSha) beatitude. 12
Whosoever repeats and recites and memorises this RAma mantra which can secure success over the entire universe and whosoever makes this useful for them in their daily needs with the power of their retention and recapitulation, to such people all super human faculties and all powers (siddhAH) become easy of acquisition and accomplishment. 13
Whosoever recites this  ``shrIrAma rakShA kavacham'' compared to a diamond cage, a word of such great people is never disobeyed or violated. Further they become successful in everything and attain peace and prosperity. 14
In the way in which Shri Sankara Bhagavan propounded about this ``shrIrAma rakShA kavacham'' in the night time in his dreamy state, so did the sage Shri Budha Kausika composed it at the time of dawn. 15
Shri RAma who is like a grove of Kalpa trees to us, who is capable of freeing us from all troubles and dangers and who is the most handsome of all in the three worlds, that Shri Rama who is the possessor of all wealth and prosperity is our Lord. 16
May Shri RAma and Lakshmana, who are the most noble of the race of Raghu and the sons of Dasaratha, who are in their prime of youth, who are the most handsome, who are the most delicate and tender, who are endowed with great strength, who have eyes beautiful and expansive as lotuses, who wear the deer skin, who live on fruits and roots, who are themselves great sages, who are endowed with great vitality resulting from great penances, who are verily Brahmacharins in spirit, who accord protection and refuge to all living beings, and who are the most adept of all archers, may those Shri RAma and Lakshmana spread over us their umbrella of protection and succour. 17-18-19
May Shri RAma and Lakshmana, who are ever on the alert with their bows and arrows.  Who have ever their finger tips upon the arrows. Who have quivers containing infinite numbers of arrows, may they be ever ahead of me in my way, saving and shielding me. 20
The youthful brothers, Shri RAma and Lakshmana who are armed with their armours, bows and arrows are proceeding ahead of me to fulfil my heart's most cherished desires. 21
Shri Bhagavan spoke thus:- ``Whosoever among my devotees regularly recited everyday the various names - RAma, Dasarathi (the son of Dasaratha), hero of heroes, who is ever accompanied by Lakshmana, who is a mine of strength, who is the illustriousesion of the line of Kakutthisa, who is the great puruşa, who is worthy of all adoration, who is the son of Kausalya, who is the supreme of the line of Raghu, who is comprehended only by the great VedAntins, who is the lord of all yajñas and sacrifices, who is the greatest of the great PurAņa purusas, who is the lord consort of Janaki, who is an inexhaustible store of wealth and who is the bravest and the most incomprehensible, will undoubtedly enjoy all merits obtained by the performance of the great Aśvamedha Yaga. 22-23-24
Those who repeat the blessed name of Shri RAma, who is of a dark dusky hue that of Durva grass, who has eyes resembling lotuses, and who wears yellowish silken robes will not be caught and entangled in the web of transmigration. 25
I offer my salutations to Shri RAma, the elder brother of Lakshmana, the noblest of the race of Raghu, the Lord consort of Sita, the most handsome, the ornament to the family of Kakutsthas, an ocean of kindness and compassion, a mine of all virtues, dear to the BrAhmanas, the most pious and righteous, the most illustrious of the royalty, one devoted to the path of truth, the son of king Dasaratha, one who is of dark bluish complexion, one who is peace and tranquillity incarnate, one who is dear to the entire universe, the jewel of the race of Raghu, and the foe of RAvana. 26
My salutations to Ramabhadra, RAmachandra (Creator Supreme), Raghunatha, the Lord of the Universe and Sita's Lord consort. 27
O Raghunandana, O the elder brother of Bharata, O the great pitiless on the battlefield, O Lord Shri RAmachandra, I seek thy refuge. 28
I bend down my head and offer my salutations to Shri RAma, ever meditating in my mind upon his sacred feet and singing his praises with my mouth, I seek refuge, in the feet of Shri RAmachandra. 29
He is my mother, my father, my Lord and my friend. The most compassionate Shri Ramachandra is every thing to me. I know not any other God but him. 30
I offer my salutations to that Shri Ramachandra, who is ever associated with Lakshmana on his right, Sitä on his left and Hanuman in the front. 31
I seek refuge in Shri Ramachandra who is the beloved of the universe, who is a courageous hero on the battlefield, who has eyes resembling lotuses, who is a gem of the race of Raghu, who is a mine of pity and compassion incarnate and who is the very personification of compassion. 32
I seek refuge in Hanuman, who has the speed of the mind, whose speed is equal to that of wind, one who has conquered his senses, who is the wisest among the wise and who is the son of wind and Chieftan of the hosts of monkeys and who is the messenger of Lord Shri Rama. 33
I salute the Cuckoo Valmiki, sitting on the branch of poetry of the tree of literature and whistling most melodiously the sweet words ``RAma and RAma''. 34
I tender my salutations at the feet of Shri Rama who can relieve us from all hardships and dangers, who can grant all auspicious things and who is the most endeared of the universe again and again. 35
The roar of the name of Rama, destroys all sources of the troubles of Samsara. It bestows all things conducive to happiness. It frightens even the minions of Yama. 36
Shri Rama, the crest jewel among the royalty of the world, will ever spread his splendour. I ever pray RAma, the Lord consort of Lakshmi. The entire raksasa race has been destroyed by Rama. My salutations to RAma. There is no safer asylum to any one than RAma. I am ever at the behest of Rama. May my entire mind and soul find their greatest delight in RAma. O RAma uplift me. 37
Thus spake Lord Paramesvara to Parvati. 'O beloved, the name of Rama is as holy and efficacious as the repetition of the thousand names of the Lord signifying Lord Visņu. I ever find my greatest delight in constantly repeating the sweet and blessed name of Rama often and often.  38

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