Add Your Heading Text Here
SHREE MAHAAMANTRARAAJA STOTRAM
ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः। ॐ श्री भवानिशङ्कराय नमः।
ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः।
JAI SHANKAR
From today I am taking up a beautiful Stotra entitled श्री महामन्त्रराज स्तोत्रम् composed by Swami
LakshmaN Shastri. This hymn glorifies Shri Raama. The beautiful
नाम रामायणम्(शुद्ध ब्रह्म परात्पर राम। कालात्मक परमेश्वर राम।), sung on every Ekadashi at Sri Ramakrishna Maths during evening भजन सेवा is ascribed to Sri Lakshmanacharya. Maybe he and LakshmaN Shastri are one and the same. As in नाम रामायणम्, this Stotra, too, summarises the story of Shri Rama. Indeed, it overflows with the name of Rama in every verse. This Stotra is not much heard of.
It has 117 verses and, in each verse the name राम occurs nine times. The fourth line has राम four times and the fifth line five times. The first verse is invocatory(मङ्गलाचरण). The next 9( nine) verses are in praise of the Trinity. The next 24 verses describe the 24 incarnations of Shri VishNu as described in the second canto( द्वितीय स्कन्ध) in the 7th chapter of Shrimad Bhaagwatam. The next 9 verses deal with Nine-fold Devotion(नवविध भक्ति). Next one verse describes the uniqueness of VishNu,. Next 53 verses describe the story of Shri Raam as set forth by poet Vaalmiki. Next 18 verses tell the story of Shri KrishNa as told in Bhaagavatam. Next one verse is prayer for forgiveness(क्षमा याचना). Last two verses are concluding verses. The Sanskrit is simple, uncluttered by difficult compounds. This hymn is not so well-known and hence I felt like taking it up.
पण्डितप्रवर श्री लक्ष्मणशास्त्रिणा विरचितम् श्री महामन्त्रराज
स्तोत्रम्। (श्री रामनाम स्तोत्रम्).
SHREE MAHAAMANTRARAAJA STOTRAM
मङ्गलाचरणम् – INVOCATION
नत्वा जगत्पतिमिदं रचये त्वदीयं,
स्तोत्रं वसन्ततिलकाह्वय वृत्तजुष्टम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘कविसंस्तुत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। 1।।
1. After my obeisance to Shri Raama, the Lord of the universe, I am composing a hymn in Thy
praise in the metre known as वसन्ततिलका. To
श्री राम, glorified by poets, I surrender.
NOTE: The ‘poet’ in the verse may refer to Vaalmiki in particular or poets in general. All the verses are in the वसन्ततिलका metre. Please note the name राम occurs nine times, 3rd and 4th lines taken together. This will be the pattern for all the verses. In the third line of each verse there will be an adjective for Shri Raama.
LET US BEGIN THIS STOTRA ON AN AUSPICIOUS NOTE BY LISTENING TO नाम रामायणम् (picturised),
presumably composed by the same scholar who wrote श्री महामन्त्रराज स्तोत्रम्।
श्री विष्णुचरित्र वर्णनम्। ON VISHNU
श्रीविष्णुरूपमधिगम्य भवान् समस्तं,
विश्वं च पाति सततं धृत सत्वशक्तिः।
श्री राम राम ‘कृतरक्षण’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।२।।
2. Assuming the form of Shri VishNu and wielding the power of Satva guNa, You protect the entire universe always. To this Shri Raama, the Protector, I surrender.
NOTE: As I said yesterday, in every third line there is an adjective for Shri Raama. Here it is
कृतरक्षण and in the following verses मधुसूदन, हतकैठभ etc.
पूर्वं भवान् दिविषदां परमं सपत्नं,
नाम्ना मधुं निहतवान् दितिजं सुदुष्टम्।
श्री राम राम ‘मधुसूदन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।३।।
3. O Shiva, which seat shall I provide Thee, who are seated here and everywhere? How can I offer Thee water to wash the Feet) and arghya(a respectful offering into the hand) when Thy feet and hands are everywhere?
God is called Shiva, the ever-serene. He is always at peace, hence called Sadaashiva. We, too, can be in peace always and everywhere by communing with Him. His Name is the Password to Peace.
हर्तुं श्रुतीः कृतमतिं च भवान् भवादौ,
दैत्यं पुरा निहतवान् किल कैठभाख्यम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतकैठभ’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।४।।
4. At the dawn of creation, You killed a demon by name Kaithabha, who had made up his mind to steal the Veda-s. To this Shri Raama, ‘Slayer of
Kaithabha’, I surrender.
NOTE: The sage Kashyapa had two wives, diametrically opposite in nature. The children of Diti are Daitya -s(demons) and those of Aditi
are gods. The Sanskrit root दो means to cut
(दो अवखण्डने). दिति is divisive mentality and the demons, offspring of Diti, are those who foment divisiveness and hatred. Aditi signifies the urge to unite, to harmonise, to reconcile, to love and gods partake of this nature. Amongst us, those who have such benign nature, we call them godly (देवमाणूस). Gods and demons are stepbrothers, but,they are so unlike each other!
Stealing Veda(श्रुति) signifies perverse interpretation of the Words of God to suit one’s decadent ways and views of life. It is what we call Devil quoting the scriptures. This compels God to come down as benevolent आचार्य-s to restore Shruti to its original glory.
साधून् भवान् अवति नैकविधैः स्वरूपैः,
संसारविप्लवकरान्श्च निहत्यसाधून्।
श्रीराम राम ‘भववर्धन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५।।
5. By assuming various forms, You protect the good and the righteous by annihilating the wicked and the vicious who foment trouble for those in संसार. To this Shri Raama, the Promoter of Universal Welfare’ I surrender.
धर्मं भवान् अवति कालबलेन लुप्तं,
स्वायम्भुवादिकनृपैश्च निजांशभूतैः।
श्रीराम राम ‘वृषरक्षक ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ६।।
6. You protect Dharma which got lost with the
passage of Time. You safeguard it through kings like Manu,who are Your own partial manifestation s . To this Shri Raama, the ‘Guardian of Dharma’
I surrender.
NOTE: Manu’s treatise MANU SMRITI is a standard manual of our सनातन धर्म, revered over the centuries.
वृष, in above verse, means bull, Nandi, hailed as a symbol of Dharma – वृषो हि भगवान् धर्मः।
Shri Raama is the ‘guardian of the bull’ means He is the ‘Guardian of Dharma’.
शास्त्राण्यधर्मनिरतैः कलुषीकृतानि,
त्वं सर्वदाऽप्तवचनैः विषदीकरोषि।
श्रीराम राम ‘विमलीकर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ७।।
7. You always purify the scriptures defiled by the unrighteous. You make them unsullied through words of the trustworthy Teachers. To this Shri Raama, the ‘Purifier’, I surrender.
वव्रे पुरातिचतुरा हि समुद्रकन्या,
हित्वा परान् सुरवरांश्च भवन्तमेव।
श्रीराम राम ‘कमलावृत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ८।।
8. In the days of yore, the intelligent daughter of the ocean(Lakshmi), chose You as her spouse, rejecting other noble deities. To this Shri Raama, chosen by Kamalaa(Lakshmi) as her Lord, I surrender.
NOTE: Various ‘gems’ emerged as a result of the legendary समुद्र मन्थन and Lakshmi was one of them. Hence her reference as ‘daughter of the ocean’.
BRAHMA CHARITRA VARNANAM
धृत्वा भवान् द्रुहिणमूर्तिमनन्यलब्धां,
विश्वं ससर्ज निखिलं च रजोगुणेन।
श्रीराम राम ‘सृजतां वर ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ९।।
9. By assuming the form of Brahma, unattainable by others, You created the entire universe by
employing RajoguNa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the
best among Creators’, I surrender.
NOTE: VishNu has been called ‘धृतसत्वशक्तिः’ in verse no.2 above and here Brahma is associated with RajoguNa. When the Impersonal(निर्गुण) Brahman becomes Personal, He has to enlist the गुण-s of Prakriti to perform tasks like सृष्टि स्थिति and लय.
SHIVA CHARITRA VARNANAM
धृत्वा महेश्वरतनुं च तमोगुणेन,
विश्वं हरिष्यति भवान् सहसा समग्रम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘भवनाशक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। १०।।
10. By employing TamoguNa You assume the form of Maheshvara and wipe out the entire creation (at the time of dissolution). To this
Shri Raama, ‘destroyer of creation ‘, I surrender.
NOTE: In his Shivamahimna Stotram, Pushpadanta assigns Satva to MriDa, Rajas to
Bhava and Tamas to Hara – three forms of Shiva.
बहलरजसे विश्वोत्पत्तौ भवाय नमो नमः, प्रबलतमसे तत्संहारे हराय नमो नमः। जनसुखकृते सत्त्वोद्रिक्तौ मृडाय नमो नमः, प्रमहसि पदे निस्त्रैगुण्ये शिवाय नमो नमः।।३०।। How can the Impersonal(निर्गुण) Brahman become the सगुण Trinity? Goswami Tulsidas answers: जो गुणरहित सगुण सो कैसे? जल हिम-उपल विलग नहिं जैसे। (Water turned into ice due to snowfall is not different from water).
AVATAARA CHARITRA VARNANAM (अवतार चरित्र वर्णनम्).
त्वं दंष्ट्रया प्रलयकालजले निमग्नां,
पातालतो वसुमतीं सहसोज्जहर्थ।
श्रीराम राम ‘वसुधाधर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ११।।
11. You lifted up the earth, submeged in the deluge of dissolution(प्रलय), from the nether-world(पाताल) at once with Your tusks.
To this Shri Raama, the ‘Uplifter of the Earth’,
I surrender.
NOTE: The reference here is to the Varaaha
(wild boar) Incarnation of VishNu. The demon
HiraNyaksha had kidnapped Vasumati
(earth) and had hidden her in the nether-world
(पाताल). She was rescued by Lord VishNu.
स्वायम्भुवस्य तनयातनयोऽथ यज्ञो,
भूत्वा भवान् सुरगणान् सुयमान् पुरापात्।
श्रीराम राम ‘सुररक्षक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। १२।।
12. In the days of yore, You turned into a caretaker of gods like Yama by incarnating in the womb of the daughter of Svaayambhuva Manu as her son called Yajna. To this Shri Raama, the ‘guardian of the gods’, I surrender.
त्वं कर्दमस्य तनुजः कपिलोऽथ भूत्वा,
प्राचीकटः क्षितितले खलु सांख्यशास्त्रम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘ मुनिपुङ्गव’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। १३।।
13. By incarnating as Kapila, the son of Kardama (and Devahooti), You revealed to the world the science called Saankhya. To this Shri Raama, the ‘Foremost Sage’, I surrender.
NOTE: In the Bhaagavatam, we have the famous dialogue between Kapila and his mother Devahooti. The son enlightens his mother here. Late Swami Akhandananda Saraswati Maharaj’s book in Hindi on this dialogue is quite well-known. Our Parama Guru refered to this book in one of His discourses. In the गीता, the Lord says: Of the Siddhaa-s, I am Kapila(सिद्धानां कपिलो मुनिः। 10-26).
भूत्वा त्वमत्रितनुजो विदितोऽथ दत्त:,
प्राचीकशः क्षितितले नियमान् मुनीनाम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘शमिनां वर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। १४।।
14. Born as a son of sage Atri, You became renowned as Dattaatreya and You revealed on this earth the rules and regulations for the ascetics. To this Shri Raama, ‘the foremost among those who control the mind’, I surrender.
धृत्वा पुरा खलु भवान् सनकादिरूपं,
दधे व्रतं च कठिनं प्रथमाश्रमस्य।
श्रीराम राम ‘कठिनव्रत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। १५।।
15. In the days of yore, You assumed the forms
of Sanaka etc(Sanandana, Sanaatana, Sanatkumaara) and practised the rigorous vows of the first Aashrama(Brahmacharya). To this Shri Raama, ‘the practitioner of rigorous vows’, I surrender.
नारायणो नर इति प्रथितो द्विमूर्तिः,
तेपे भवान् शिवकरं हि तपोऽतितीव्रम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘तपतां वर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। १६।।
16. As the renowned duo Nara and NaaraayaNa, You practised rigorous penance beneficial (to mankind). To this Shri Raama, ‘the foremost of the ascetics’ , I surrender.
उत्तानपादतनय: कृपया तवैव,
लेभे ध्रुवो ध्रुवपदं त्रिदशैकवन्द्यम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘करुणाकर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१७।।
17. Dhruva, son of Uttaanapaada, attained an eternal seat(in the sky), adored by the heavenly gods and goddesses, thanks to Your grace alone. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Compassionate’,
I surrender.
NOTE: The story of the small boy, Dhruva, is in
Bhaagavatam. He abides eternally as the Dhruva star. Uttaanapaada had two wives – Suniti(mother of Dhruva) and Suruchi. When the small boy Dhruva wished to sit on the lap of his father, Suruchi humiliated him. Later, taught by sage Naarada, Dhruva meditates and propitiates
Lord VishNu. He gets blessed with a boon and becomes immortal as Dhruva नक्षत्र।
भूत्वा पृथुस्त्वमवनौ प्रथितप्रभावः,
पृथ्वीं दुदोहिथ पुरा जनताहिताय।
श्रीराम राम ‘जनतेष्टद ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१८।।
18. In the days of yore, You came down as the renowned king Prathu and ‘milked’ the earth for universal welfare. To this Shri Raama, the
‘Benefactor of people’, I surrender.
NOTE: Prathu’s story is in Bhagavatam. When there was famine and people were suffering, he ‘milked the Earth'(compelled Mother Earth) to make available her bounty – grains, vegetables etc. Since then the earth is called Prithvi.
भूत्वर्षभो नृपवरस्य गृहे च नाभेः,
प्रादीदृशः परमहंसपथं पुरा त्वम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिपूजित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१९।।
19. You were born as Rishabha Dev in the family of king Naabhi and charted out the path to be followed by the advanced ascetics known as Paramahamsa-s. To this Shri Raama, ‘Adored by sages’, I surrender.
NOTE: Some scholars identify Rishabha Dev to be the first तीर्थङ्कर of Jainism, also known as Aadinaath. Though a born royal, he became a great ascetic.
सत्रे विधातुरुदभूत् च भवान् हयास्यो,
यत् श्वावासतः समभवञ्छ्रुतयः समस्ताः।
श्रीराम राम ‘हयमस्तक’ राम राम,
श्री राम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २०।।
20. During a Yajna conducted by Brahmaa, You
appeared as Hayagreeva(upto neck(ग्रीव )the form of a horse(हय). From Your exhalation came forth all the Veda-s. To this Shri Raama, ‘with horse-head), I surrender.
त्वं प्रत्यदाः प्रलयकालजलेऽथ लुप्तान्,
मत्स्यात्मना निखिल वेदगणान् विधात्रे।
श्रीराम राम ‘सलिलेचर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २१।।
21. When the Veda-s were submerged under the deluge of dissolution, You assumed the form of a Fish, retrieved the Veda-s and returned them to the Creator Brahmaa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Mover in the Water’, I surrender.
पृष्ठेन मन्दरगिरिं किल कूर्ममूर्त्या
पूर्वं भवानमरदैत्यकृते दधार।
श्रीराम राम ‘धृतमन्दर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।२२।।
22. Long long ago, for the good of gods and the
demons, You bore the Mount Mandaara on Your back as a Tortoise. To this Shri Raama, ‘the
Bearer of Mandara’, I surrender.
सत्यं विधातुमवनौ निजभक्तवाक्यं,
स्तम्भादजायत भवान् नृहरिस्वरूपः।
श्रीराम राम ‘जगदात्मक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २३।।
23. To make the words of your devotee come true in this world, You manifested from a pillar as Man-Lion. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Omnipresent’, I surrender.
पूर्वं त्रिकूटशिखरे गजराजमेकं,
ग्राहादमोचयदमोघबलो भवान्श्च।
श्रीराम राम ‘गजरक्षक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २४।।
24. In the days of yore, You, with Your unfailing strength, rescued a mighty elephant from a crocodile on a peak of Mount Trikuta. To this
Shri Raama, the ‘Elephant-Rescuer’, I surrender.
भूत्वा भवान् कपटवामनरूपधारी,
भूमिं बलेश्च हतवान् त्रिपदच्छलेन।
श्रीराम राम ‘विबुधेष्टद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २५।।
25. With Your माया, You turned into a dwarf called Vaamana and took away all the land from Bali on the pretext of three steps. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Benefactor of gods’, I surrender.
ज्ञानं भवानुपदिदेश पुरा मुनिभ्यो,
हंसस्वरूपमवलम्ब्य निगूढतत्वम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिवन्दित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २६।।
26. Long long ago, You assumed the form of a swan and taught the subtle Vedantic Truth to the sages. To this Shri Raama, ‘ Saluted by sages’, I surrender.
NOTE: It is said in Bhagavatam(11-13-19) that Sanaka, Sanandana and many other sages questioned Brahmaa to solve their philosophical doubts. Brahma, being busy in creation, sought the guidance of VishNu, who flew down as a Swan and gave Upadesh to the sages. This is known as Hamsa Gita.
धृत्वा भवान् प्रतियुगं मनुरूपमेवं,
पाति प्रजाः सर्वाः खलु खलान् निखिलान् निहन्ति।
श्रीराम राम ‘जनपालक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २७।।
NOTE: There are 14 Manu-s presiding over the
14 Manvantara-s. Now, the ruling Manu is Vaivasvata after whom the current epoch is
named.
27. By incarnating as Manu in every epoch, You
took care of the subjects and sent to doom the vile and the wicked. To this Shri Raama, ‘the
Care-taker of the people’, I surrender.
धन्वन्तरिः क्षितितलेऽत्र भवान्श्च भूत्वा,
नाम्ना नृणां गदगणं सततं क्षिणोति।
श्रीराम राम ‘गदनाशक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २८।।
28. By incarnating on the earth as Dhanvantari,
You always reduce progressively the hordes of diseases that plague mankind. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Destroyer of Diseases ‘, I surrender.
भूत्वा पुरा भृगुकुले किल परशुराम:,
त्वं नैकवारमवधीर्नपतीन् नृशंसान्।
श्रीराम राम ‘भृगुनन्दन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। २९।।
29. Long long ago, You were born as Parashuraama in the dynasty of the sage Bhrigu and You annihilated many times the cruel, heartless kings. To this Shri Raama,’the giver of joy to the Bhrigu clan’, I surrender.
NOTE: Nandana means a son and also giver of joy.
भूत्वा भवान् रघुकुले किल राम नाम्ना,
लङ्केश्वरं निहतवान् जगतां हिताय।
श्रीराम राम ‘रघुनन्दन ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३०।।
30. Born with the name Raama in the dynasty of Raghu, You killed the Lord of Lankaa for universal welfare. To this Shri Raama, ‘the giver of joy to the Raghu clan’, I surrender.
भूत्वा भवान् यदुकुले किल कृष्णनाम्ना,
कंसादिकान् निहतवान् नितरां नृशंसान्।
श्रीराम राम ‘यदुनन्दन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३१।।
31. Born with the name KrishNa in the dynasty of Yadu, You killed the utterly wicked kings like Kamsa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the giver of joy to
the Yadu clan’, I surrender.
भूत्वा पराशरसुतोऽथ भवान् सुगूढं,
व्यासाह्वयः श्रुतिगणं सरलं व्यधत्त।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिनायक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३२।।
32. Being born as Vyaasa, son of Paraashara,
in the distant past, he simplified (and classified) the difficult-to-understand Vedic texts. To this Shri Raama, ‘the foremost among the sages’, I surrender.
पूर्वं भवान् क्षितितले खलु बुद्धनामा,
भूत्वातिशुद्धचरितोऽकृत जीवरक्षाम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘विजितेन्द्रिय ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३३।।
33. In the days of yore, You came down upon the earth as Buddha of very immaculate character and saved the beings. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Conqueror of senses’, I surrender.
NOTE: Buddha preached and propagated the gospel of अहिंसा परमो धर्मः (Non-Violence is the highest Dharma). He was thus instrumental in
halting animal sacrifice and ensuring जीवरक्षा.
कल्किस्वरूपमधिगम्य भवान् युगान्ते,
नष्टं करिष्यति नृणां कलिकालकष्टम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘कलिनाशक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३४।।
34. At the end of this epoch, You will assume the form of Kalki and wipe out the distress caused by this Age of Kali. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Destroyer of Kali’, I surrender.
NOTE: Kali means strife, discord, quarrel. The Age we are in, is witness to this reality. Infighting, petty politics, corruption, hypocrisy and fraud have become the order of the day. Cyber fraudsters and tricksters are the latest darlings of this damned Kali(कलि).
NAVADHAA BHAKTI VARNANAM (नवधा भक्ति वर्णनम्)
श्रुत्वा पुरातिविमलं चरितं त्वदीयं,
राजा परीक्षिदभिधो हरिलोकमापत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘नृपमोक्षद ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३५।।
35. In the distant past, King Parikshit attained the abode of Hari by listening to Your story. To this Shri Raama, ‘the bestower of Moksha to the king’, I surrender.
NOTE: Naarada says in his Bhakti Sootra that comparatively the path of devotion is easier.(अन्यस्मात् सौलभ्यं भक्तौ – 58). This Bhakti is nine-fold, says Bhaagavatam: श्रवणं कीर्तनं विष्णोः स्मरणं पादसेवनम् ।अर्चनं वन्दनं दास्यं सख्यमात्मनिवेदनम्।(7-5-23). A brief reference to this nine-fold Devotion now follows in this Stotra.
Hariloka means Vaikuntha. Parikshit
exemplifies SHRAVANA Bhakti – the first rung on the ladder of nine-fold Devotion.
Shringi, son of a sage, had cursed Parikshit that he will die of snakebite for disrespecting his (Shringi’s) father. Shuka, son of Veda Vyaasa, narrated Bhaagavatam within seven days. The curse happened, but, the king attained Moksha by SHRAVANAM (Listening).
त्वत्कीर्तनम् सकलमङ्गलवृन्दमूलं,
प्रोक्तं बुधैर्निखिलपापविनाशबीजम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘शिवकीर्तन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३६।।
36. The wise ones have said that RECITATION
of Your Glory is at the root of all those that are auspicious. It is also the primary cause of the destruction of all sins. To this Shri Raama, ‘the bestower of good for those who do Recitation’,
I surrender.
NOTE: Keertana or RECITATION is the second rung on the ladder of nine-fold Devotion. Shuka is an examplar of this Bhakti. Devotional songs
come under कीर्तन भक्ति.
NINE-FOLD DEVOTION(CONTD)
त्वत् संस्मृतिर्हरति भीतिमरातिजाताम्,
एवं वदन्ति मुनयो विदितेतिहासाः।
श्रीराम राम ‘रिपुभीहर ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३७।।
37. Your remembrance wipes out the fear caused by enemies – thus say the sages with knowledge of history. To this Shri Raama, ‘the remover of
fear of the enemies’, I surrender.
NOTE: This verse refers to the third rung on the
Bhakti-ladder: SMARANAM. Prahlaada is an
exemplar of this devotion.
त्वत् पादसेवनबलं प्रबलं च लब्ध्वा,
जिग्युः पुरेन्द्रियबलं सबलं मुनीन्द्राः।
श्रीराम राम ‘जयदायक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३८।।
38. In the distant past, the great sages could conquer the might of the senses with the mighty power acquired by service at Your Feet. To this Shri Raama, ‘the bestower of victory’, I surrender.
NOTE: The reference here is to the fourth rung on the Bhakti-ladder: PAADA SEVANAM. Goddess Lakshmi and Bharata(brother of Shri
Raama) are exemplars of this mode of Bhakti,.
कृत्वार्चनं तव विभो बहवो मुनीन्द्राः,
प्रापुर्गतिं च परमाम् अपरैरलभ्याम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘सुजनार्चित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ३९।।
39. With Your worship, O Omnipresent Lord,
many sages attained Supreme Blessedness that is unattainable by others. To this Shri Raama, ‘Worshipped by the Good and the Righteous ‘, I surrender.
NOTE: The reference here is to ARCHANAM, the fifth rung of the Bhakti -ladder. ARCHANAM takes place in temples, Maths and at home too.
The various पूजन-s taught to us by our Sadguru Shrimath Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji
come under Archanam.
नत्वैकदापि भवतश्चरणारविन्दं,
प्राप्नोति नैव विपदं पुरुषः कदापि।
श्रीराम राम ‘विपदां हर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।४०।।
40. A person, who offers obeisance to Your Lotus Feet even once, never again comes to grief. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Remover of Calamities’, I surrender.
NOTE: The reference here is to VANDANAM, the sixth rung on the Bhakti-ladder. Akrura is the exemplar of Vandanam-mode of Bhakti. His story is in Bhaagavatam.
त्वत् दासभावनिरतोऽथ पुराम्बरीषः,
शत्रुं जिगाय निजमत्रिसुतं ह्यजेयम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘नृपपालक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४१।।
41. In the distant past, King Ambarisha served You as a devoted servant and scored victory over the indefeatable son of sage Atri. To this
Shri Raama, the ‘caretaker of the king(Ambarisha’, I surrender.
NOTE: Sage Durvaasa, son of Atri, was known for his ill-temper. Ambarisha, a devotee of Lord
VishNu, was fasting and he broke the fast by
having food before Durvaasa had his भिक्षा. Ambarisha had no fore -knowledge that the sage would come. The enraged sage created a demon to kill the king. The demon, a त्रिशूल in hand, came charging at the king. The king was not afraid at all, having faith in his Lord. VishNu despatched His सुदर्शन चक्र which first killed the demon and then started chasing Durvaasa. Fear-stricken he went to all gods who advised him to go to Ambarishs and seek forgiveness. Durvaasa did so. The king readily forgave the sage. The story is in Bhaagavatam. Ambarisha is an exemplar of DAASYA BHAKTI. So is Hanuman.
मित्रत्वमात्रगुणतो भवतोऽर्जुनाद्या,
राज्यादि सम्पदमवापुरनन्यलभ्याम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘सखिवल्लभ’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४२।।
42. Just on the strength of friendship with You,
devotees like Arjuna attained prosperity like kingdoms etc, unattainable otherwise. To this Shri Raama, the ‘friend-lover’, I surrender.
NOTE: Arjuna is a model of SAKHYA BHAKTI.
कुर्वन् नरः सततमात्मनिवेदनं ते,
प्राप्नोति मुक्तिमचिरेण विना प्रयासम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘जनमुक्तिद ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४३।।
43. A person attains liberation quickly and effortlessly by perpetual surrender to You.
To this Shri Raama, the ‘Bestower of Mukti to
Mankind’, I surrender.
The गोपी-s are exemplars of total surrender (आत्म निवेदनम्).
NAVADHAA BHAKTI VARNANAM SAMPOORNAM
Verse 43 is about the last rung on the Bhakti-
ladder. It is total surrender (आत्मनिवेदनम्) – the soul says: Not I, but, Thou, O Lord!
In His beautiful composition called पावन भिक्षा (holy alms), Shri Samartha Ramdas Swami
implores Shri Raama to bestow, among many other things, आत्मनिवेदनम्, too, as alms(भिक्षा).
Let us listen to this Hindi translation by Pujya Swami Govinda Deva Giriji Maharaj sung by Dr.Vijaya Godbole and be blessed.
त्वत् पुण्यनाममहिमानमनन्तपारं,
शेषोऽप्यशेषवदनैर्गदितुं न शक्तः।
श्रीराम राम ‘महिमोर्जित ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४४।।
44. The glory of Your Name is infinite and boundless. Even Aadi Shesha with his innumerable tongues is not able to describe it.
To this Shri Raama, ‘the Glorious’, I surrender.
NOW FOLLOWS IN FIFTY THREE (53) VERSES THE STORY OF SHRI RAAMA AS DESCRIBED BY VAALMIKI,.
पूर्वं भवान् दशरथस्य गृहेऽर्कवंशे,
कौशल्यया समभवत् खलु रामनामा।
श्रीराम राम ‘रविवंशज’राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।४५।।
45. In the days of yore, You were born as Raama in the solar dynasty in Dashratha’s home to
Kausalyaa. To this Shri Raama, ”born in the solar dynasty ‘, I surrender.
सूते स्म चाश्वपतिजा भारतं प्रियं ते,
श्री लक्ष्मणं रिपुहणं च सुतं सुमित्रा।
श्रीराम राम ‘सहजाग्रज’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४६।।
46. Kaikeyi, daughter of Ashvapati, gave birth to
Bharata and Sumitraa gave birth to LakshmaN and Shatrughna – all brothers dear to You.
To this Shri Raama, ‘ the elder brother’,
I surrender.
त्वज्जन्मनाथ समभून्नगरी त्वयोध्या,
लोकत्रये विदितपावन नामधेया।
श्रीराम राम ‘सुयशःप्रद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४७।।
47. On account of Your birth, the city of Ayodhyaa became renowned in the three worlds as a holy city. To this Shri Raama, ‘the bestower of fame’, I surrender.
भ्रातृत्रयेण सहितोऽथ भवान् स्वपुर्यां,
क्रीडाश्चकार विविधाः सुरवृन्दवन्द्याः।
श्रीराम राम ्’जनरञ्जन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।४८।।
48. Along with Your three brothers, You played various games in Your city(अयोध्या) that won accolades from galaxies of gods (and goddesses). To this Shri Raama, ‘the Entertainer of Subjects’, I surrender.
स्वल्पीयसा च समयेन भवान् वसिष्ठाद्,
विद्याः पपाठ सकला निखिलाः कलाश्च।
श्रीराम राम ‘पठतां वर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ४९।।
49. Within a very short time You mastered all sciences and arts from Vasishtha. To this Shri Raama, ‘the best of learners’, I surrender.
नीतो भवान् कुशिकवंशविभूषणेन,
हन्तुं निशाचरगणं मखविघ्नहेतुम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतराक्षस’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५०।।
50. You were taken away by the sage who was like an ornament to the Kaushika lineage –
Sage Vishvaamitra – to kill the demons who were
obstructing performance of sacrifices. To this
Shri Raama, ‘the Slayer of demons’, I surrende
गत्वा स्वपादरजसाथ विधूतपापां,
पूर्वं भवानकृत गौतमधर्मपत्नीम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतकल्मष ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५१।।
51. In the distant past, You cleansed the wife of sage Gautama of her sin with the dust of Your
Feet. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Wiper of Sin’,! I
surrender.
NOTE: Ahalyaa, wife of sage Gautama, had become a lifeless stone due to a curse by Gautama for a sin unwittingly committed by her.
The dust of Shri Raamaa’s foot revives her.
निर्भज्य शङ्करधनुस्त्वमशङ्कयैव,
सीताकरग्रहणमङ्गलमाप्तवान् वै।
श्रीराम राम ‘कृतमङ्गल’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५२।।
52. By breaking the bow of Shankara effortlessly, You had the auspicious wedding with Sita. To this Shri Raama, ‘the auspiciously wedded’, I surrender.
मार्गे व्रजन् विजितवान् किल जामदग्न्यं,
पूर्वं भवान् नृपरिपुं च विवृद्धदर्पम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘जितभार्गव ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५३।।
53. (While returning from Janakapuri with Sita)
on the way You conquered the arrogant son of
Jamadagni – Parashuraama – who was also
inimical to the Kshatriya clan. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Conqueror of Parashuraama’, I surrender.
NOTE: Parashuraama is called as भार्गव, born in the lineage of Bhrigu, whose descendant was
Jamadagni, the father of Parashuraama’.
पित्राज्ञयातिविपुलं च विसृज्य राज्यं,
सेहे भवान् बहुसमा वनवासकष्टम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘दृढसंश्रव’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५४।।
54. On the order of Your father, You gave up Your vast kingdom and bore the hardships of forest-
exile for many years. To this Shri Raama, ‘of very
firm vow’, I surrender.
भूपस्त्वयि प्रियतमे च वनं प्रयाते,
शोकाकुलोऽथ गतवान् किल देवलोकम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘जनकप्रिय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५५।।
55. Upon Your departure to the forest along with Your dear wife, the king(Dasharatha), devastated by sorrow, left for heaven. To this Shri Raama, ‘dear to the father’, I surrender.
गङ्गातटे निवसता हि गुहाभिधेन,
दाशाधिपेन च भवान् बहु सत्कृतोऽभूत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘गुहपूजित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५६।।
56. When You were staying on the banks of Gangaa, You received lavish hospitality from
Guha, the chief of Nishaada tribe. To this Shri Raama, ‘adored by Guha’, I surrender.
सस्नौ भवान् सकलतीर्थवरे प्रयागे,
यद्दर्शनादपि जनो लभतेऽपवर्गम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘शिवदर्शन ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५७।।
57. You had a holy dip in Prayaaga, the foremost among Tirtha -s, even a glimpse of which confers Moksha to people. To this Shri Raama, ‘the see-r of the good and the holy’, I surrender.
भ्रात्रा युतो जनकजासहितो भवान् वै,
द्वाजं मुनिं च भरपूर्वपदं ववन्दे।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिसत्कृत’ राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।५८।।
58. Accompanied by Your wife and brother,
You offered obeisance to the sage Bharadvaaja. To this Shri Raama, ‘honoured by the Sage’, I surrender.
भ्रात्रा युतो दयितया च भवान् पुरा वै,
स्थातुं चिराय समगादथ चित्रकूटम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘विपिनप्रिय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ५९।।
59. In the distant past, along with Your brother
(LakshmaN) and Your beloved wife(Sitaa), You
resorted to Chitrakoot to stay there for a long time. To this Shri Raama, ‘the forest lover’, I
surrender.
LIKE THIS STOTRA, FULL OF RAAM NAAM, THERE IS A CATCHY COMPOSITION WHICH SOUNDS AND RESOUNDS WITH RAAM NAAM.
LET US LISTEN TO IT AND BE BLESSED.
आगत्य मातुलगृहाद् भरतस्त्वयोध्यां,
दृष्ट्वा स्वतातनिधनं व्यथितस्तदाभूत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘भरताग्रज ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६०।।
60. Upon return from his maternal uncle’s home to Ayodhyaa, Bharata learnt that his father was no more and was drowned in sorrow. To this Shri Raama, ‘the elder brother of Bharata’, I surrender.
61. भ्रात्रार्थितो विपिनमेत्य भवान् पुरा वै,
वाक्यं प्रतिश्रुतमहो न विहातुमैच्छत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘निशितव्रत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६१।।
61. In the distant past, when Your brother(Bharata) met You in the forest and pleaded with You to return, You didn’t like to give up Your pledge(given to Dasharatha). To this
Shri Raama, ‘of razorsharp pledge’, I surrender.
62. कृत्वाऽग्रहं च भरतस्तव पादुके वै,
लब्ध्वा प्रणम्य च तदा गतवानयोध्याम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘सहजप्रिय ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६२।।
62. By pressure of persuasion, Bharata secured Your two sandals and came back to Ayodhyaa. To this Shri Raama, ‘dear to brothers’, I surrender.
63. प्रत्यागतोऽथ भरतस्तव पादुकाभ्यां,
राज्यं समर्प्य मुदितो विदधे स्वकार्यम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘शिवपादुक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६३।।
63. Upon return along with Your sandals, Bharata
gladly dedicated the kingdom to them and went about his royal business. To this Shri Raama,
‘of benign पादुका -s’, I surrender.
त्वद्दर्शनेन मुदितः शरभङ्गनामा,
हुत्वा स्वदेहमनले हरिलोकमाप।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिमुक्तिद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६४।।
64. Being very happy with Your दर्शन, the sage
called Sharabhanga attained VaikuNTha by
self-immolation in fire. To this Shri Raama,
‘the bestower of मुक्ति to the Sage’, I surrender.
NOTE: The story of Sharabhanga is in the AraNya KaaNDa of Vaalmiki रामायण.
हत्वा वनेचरविनाशकरं विराधं,
निक्षिप्तवान् खलु भवान् क्षितिगर्भगर्ते।
श्रीराम राम ‘खलनाशक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६५।।
65. By killing the demon Viraadha, the annihilator of forest-dwellers, You buried him by hurling him into an abyss within the womb of the earth. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Destroyer of the Wicked’, I surrender.
पूर्वं सुतीक्ष्ण मुनिनातितपस्विना त्वं,
प्रीत्या निजाश्रममितोऽथ सभाजितोऽभूः।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिनन्दित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६६।।
66. In the days of yore(during Your exile), a sage called SuteekshNa, a great ascetic, extended to you loving hospitality at his Aashram. To this Shri Raama, ‘Giver of Happiness to Ascetics’, I surrender.
पूर्वं भवांश्च मुनिनाथ घटोद्भवेन,
भ्रात्रा स्त्रिया च सहितो बहुसत्कृतोऽभूत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिमानित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६७।।
67. In the distant past(during Your exile), You,
along with Your brother(LakshmaN) and wife
(Sita), were greatly honoured by the ‘pot-born’ sage Agastya. To this Shri Raama, ‘Respected by sages’, I surrender.
NOTE: Agastya, says a legend, was born in a pot and hence his nickname: GhaTodbhava.
गोदावरीतटसमीपगपञ्चवट्यां,
चक्रे भवान् बहुसमां वसतिं स्वकीयाम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘ऋषिसंस्तुत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।६८।।
68. For many years(during Your exile), You stayed in Panchavati, close to the banks of Godaavari, by putting up Your own cottage. To this Shri Raama, ‘Praised by Sages’, I surrender.
नद्या जलेऽतिविमले च निशान्तकाले,
सस्नौ भवान् प्रतिदिनं जनशिक्षणाय।
श्रीराम राम ‘जनशिक्षक ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ६९।।
69. At daybreak, You took bath daily in the pure waters(v of Gangaa etc) to teach people (also to do so daily). To this Shri Raama, ‘the Teacher to People’, I surrender.
चक्रे च शास्त्रविहिताःसकलाः क्रियाश्च,
शून्ये वने खलु भवान् जगतां हिताय।
श्रीराम राम ‘गृहिणां वर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।। ७०।।
70. In the solitude of the forest, You performed
all the rites and rituals prescribed by the scriptures for universal welfare. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Best of Householders’, I surrender.
पूर्वं वने स्थितवता भवतानुजाय,
प्रीत्या कथाश्च कथिता भरतस्य नैकाः।
श्रीराम राम ‘भरतप्रिय राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७१।।
71. In the distant past, while living in the forest,
You told Your brother(LakshmaN) many tales about Bharata(praising him). To this Shri Raama, ‘the Beloved of Bharata ‘, I surrender.
श्री लक्ष्मणस्त्वदनुजो भवतानुशिष्टः,
चक्रेऽसिना सपदि शूर्पणखां विरूपाम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘खलदण्डद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७२।।
72. Ordered by You, Shri LakshmaN, Your younger brother, at once disfigured Shoorpanakhaa (the demoness) with a sword.
To this Shri Raama, ‘the Punisher of the Wicked’, I surrender.
एकाक्यपि द्विगुणसप्तसहस्रसंख्यान्,
रात्रिञ्चरान् निहतवान्श्च भवानरण्ये।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतदुर्जन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७३।।
73. While in the forest, You single-handedly
slayed fourteen thousand demons. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of the Wicked’, I surrender.
घोरे वने निवसता भवता हि पूर्वं,
दुष्टा हताश्च सुखिनो विहिता विशिष्टाः।
श्रीराम राम ‘सुजनप्रिय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७४।।
74. While living in the fearsome jungle, in the days of yore, You killed the wicked and made the sages, ‘the special ones’ happy. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Beloved of the Good and the
righteous’, I surrender.
NOTE: Saints and sages are unlike us in their thought, speech and deed(विचार उच्चार आचार).
We, laymen, mostly busy ourselves with अर्थ and काम whereas their supreme concern is धर्म and मोक्ष. Hence they are designated in the verse as ‘special'(विशिष्ठाः).
पूर्वं निशाचरगणान् निहतान् निरीक्ष्य,
त्वां तुष्टुवुर्मुनिगणा विपिनेऽभिगम्य।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुनिसंस्तुत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७५।।
75. In the distant past,on seeing that the demons were killed by You, a host of sages came near You in the forest and praised You. To this Shri Raama, ‘Praised by the Sages’, I surrender.
मायासुवर्णहरिणो भवता हतश्च,
हा लक्ष्मणेति विलपन् हरिलोकमाप।
श्रीराम राम ‘शठनाशक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७६।।
76. The illusory golden deer killed by You attained the abode of Hari(वैकुण्ठ) after wailing aloud O LakshmaNa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the
Killer of Cheats and Deceivers’, I surrender.
श्रुत्वा स्वबन्धुनिधनं कुपितो नितान्तं,
लङ्केश्वरोऽथ हृतवान् दयितां त्वदीयाम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘दयिताप्रिय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७७।।
77. Upon hearing that his relative(मारीच) was dead, the lord of Lankaa(RaavaNa) kidnapped Your beloved wife. To this Shri Raama, ‘Dear to His spouse’, I surrender.
शून्यााद् वनाद् दशमुखेन निनीयमाना,
हीना त्वया जनकराजसुता ह्यवोचत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘शरणप्रद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७८।।
78. When Sita, daughter of king Janaka, was being carried away from the lonely forest by the ten -headed RaavaNa, she sank into depression and invoked Raama, chanting O Giver of Shelter, Shri Raama, Shri Raama, I am surrendering to You.
हत्वा मृगं प्रतिगतोऽथ भवान् स्ववासं,
शून्यं विलोक्य रहितोऽपि शुचा शुशोच।
श्रीराम राम ‘पुरुषोत्तम’राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।७९।।
79. After killing the deer, You returned to Your
cottage and, seeing it vacant(without Sita),
though really sorrowless, You appeared to
be in sorrow. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Best amongst Men’, I surrender.
लङ्केश्वरेण निहतो विकलो जटायुः,
त्वद्दर्शनात् सपदि मुक्तिपदं प्रपेदे।
श्रीराम राम ‘खगमुक्तिद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम..८०।।
80. Jataayu, grievously injured by the King of
Lankaa, at once attained Mukti on seeing You.
To this Shri Raama, ‘the Bestower of Liberation
to the Bird’, I surrender.
पूर्वं वने विपिनजन्तुभुजं कबन्धं,
हत्वातिविस्तृतभुजं च भवान् अधाक्षीत्।
श्री राम राम ‘रिपुदाहक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८१।।
81. In the days of yore, You killed and burnt Kabandha (a demon) of very broad shoulders and one who preyed and ate up the denizens of the jungle. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Scorcher of
Enemies’, I surrender.
पम्पासरोवरसमीपनिवासिनी त्वां,
भक्त्या प्रणम्य शबरी समभूत् कृतार्था।
श्री राम राम ‘शबरीनुत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८२।।
82. Shabari, resident near the lake called Pampaa, paid obeisance to You with devotion and became fulfilled. To this Shri Raama, ‘Praised by Shabari’, I surrender.
दृष्ट्वा वने च शरचापधरं भवन्तं,
भीतोऽर्कजः प्रहितवान् मरुतस्तनूजम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘कपिशर्मद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८३।।
83. On seeing You, bow and arrow in hand, the son of sun(Sugreeva) got frightened and sent to You Hanumaan, the son of Wind-god. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Benefactor of the Apes’,
I surrender.
NOTE: In our mythology, Sugreeva and KarNa are called सूर्यपुत्र।
त्वां ऋष्यमूकशिखरे च सहानुजं वै,
वातात्मजः स्वभुजयोरधिवेश्य निन्ये।
श्रीराम राम ‘हरिवाहन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८४।।
84. Thereafter, Hanumaan,son of the wind-god,
carried You and Your brother on his shoulders to the peak of Mount Rishyamooka(to meet Sugreeva). To this Shri Raama, ‘who had an ape as the vehicle ‘, I surrender. (Hari means here an ape).
सुग्रीवनामक कपिप्रवरेण साकं,
सख्यं भवान्श्च कृतवान् हुतभुक्समक्षम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘सखिताप्रद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८५।।
85. With fire as a witness, You struck friendship with a seniormost monkey called Sugreeva. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Bestower of Friendship’, I surrender.
त्वं वालिनं निहतवान् स्वजनप्रियार्थं,
छन्नोऽतिदर्पसहितं प्रबलं शरेण।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतजिष्णुज’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८६।।
86. To make Your friend(Sugreeva) happy, You hid (behind a tree) and killed the mighty and
arrogant Vaali. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of Vaali’, I surrender. (Note: Vaali is said to be the son of Indra, hence he is जिष्णुज. Sugreeva is said to be the son of सूर्य).
राज्यं चिराभिलषितं प्रददे च सख्ये,
तुष्टो भवानतिबलः करुणैकमूर्तिः।
श्रीराम राम ‘हरिराज्यद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८७।।
87. Almighty and Embodiment of compassion that You are, You gave back to Your friend(Sugreeva) the Kingdom he had long cherished. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Giver of
Kingdom to the Monkey’, I surrender.
त्वत्प्रेयसीं जनकराजसुतां विचिक्युः,
सुग्रीवसूचितपथानुगता हरीशाः।
श्री राम राम ‘विचितप्रिय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८८।।
88. In quest of Your beloved, daughter of King
Janaka, the chieftains of the monkeys went along the path suggested by Sugreeva. To this Shri Raama, ‘who Searches for his Beloved’, I surrender.
त्वत् शासनाप्तबलतोऽरिपुरे प्रिया ते,
दृष्टा मयेत्यनिलजोऽकथयद् भवन्तम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘विदितप्रिय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।८९।।
89. The son of Wind-god(Hanumaan) told You that Your command to him to go to Your enemy’s kingdom (Lankaa) has strengthened him and that he has seen there Your beloved. To this Shri Raama, ‘who knew the whereabouts of His Beloved’, I surrender.
गत्वा भवान्श्च हरिसैन्ययुतोऽब्धितीरं,
दृष्ट्वा च तं जलनिधिं न भयान्वितोऽभूत्।
श्रीराम राम ‘भयभीतिद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९०।।
90. Along with the army of monkeys You went near the shore of the ocean; but, on seeing the vast ocean You were not unnerved(thinking how is it possible to cross it). To this Shri Raama, ‘the Giver of Fear to Fear itself’, I surrender..
त्वामाश्रितोऽभवदपांपतितीरयातं,
भ्राता निशाचरपतेश्च विभीषणाख्यः।
श्रीराम राम ‘शिवदाश्रय’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९१।।
91. When You were on the sea-shore, VibhishaNa, brother of the king of demons
(RaavaNa), sought shelter from You. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Giver of Benign Shelter’, I surrender.
सम्प्रार्थितोऽपि जलधिर्न ददौ यदा ते,
मार्गं तदा त्वमथ तं विनिहन्तुमैच्छः।
श्रीराम राम ‘बलिनां वर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९२।।
92. Even after Your earnest request, when the
Ocean declined to make way for You,
You wished to do away with him (the presiding deity of the ocean). To this Shri Raama, ‘Foremost among the Mighty’, I surrender.
भीतो निरीक्ष्य नितरां कुपितं भवन्तं,
मार्गं ददौ नतशिरा भवते समुद्रः।
श्री राम राम ‘विजितार्णव’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९३।।
93. On seeing You extremely angry, the sea-lord, his head bowed down, made way for You. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Subduer of the Ocean’, I surrender.
तीर्त्वा नलाभिधहरीश विनिर्मितेन,
त्वं सेतुनाथ गतवान् सबलो हि लङ्काम्।
श्री राम राम ‘बलतारक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९४।।
94. By crossing over the bridge built by a monkey named Nala, You went to Lankaa along with Your army of monkeys. To this Shri Raama,
‘who enabled His army crossover’, I surrender.
त्वं रावणं निहतवान् त्रिदशैकशत्रुं,
सीतापहारगुरुपातकनष्टपुण्यम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतरावण’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९५।।
95. You killed RaavaNa, the principal enemy of gods, RaavaNa whose stock of merit had come to naught because of his cardinal sin of kidnapping Sitaa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of RaavaNa’, I surrender.
लङ्केश्वरेऽमररिपौ निहतेऽतिवीर्ये,
त्वामस्तुवन् विधिमुखास्त्रिदशाः समेताः।
श्रीराम राम ‘विधिसंस्तुत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९६।।
96. After the death of the mighty RaavaNa at Your hands, all the gods with Brahmaa in the forefront, lauded You in felicitation. To this
Shri Raama, ‘Praised by Brahmaa’, I surrender.
राज्यं स्वभक्तिनिरताय विभीषणाय,
प्रादाद् भवान् सकलभूस्थितराक्षसानाम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘निजराज्यद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९७।।
97. You gave back to VibheeshaNa, Your devotee, the entire kingdom populated by all the earthly demons. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Giver of Kingdom to His Dependant’,
I surrender.
श्री राम चरित्रं सम्पूर्णम्
(THUS ENDS THE STORY OF SHRI RAAMA).
In 53 verses from verse no.45 onwards, the entire story of Shri Raama has been narrated in a capsule as it were, in a simple, easy-flowing Sanskrit. In the third line of each verse an epithet was given to Shri Raama condensing the purport of that verse. The same strategy underlies this entire Stotra.
Next is the Story of Shri KrishNa as given in
Bhaagavatam.
THE STORY OF RAAMA HAS ENDED. LET US LISTEN TO रामरङ्गीं रङ्गले मन, SUNG SOULFULLY
BY PANDIT ANAND BHATE.
श्रीकृष्णचरित्रम् (STORY OF SHRI KRISHNA)
पूर्वं भवान् यदुकुले खलु कृष्णनामा,
भूत्वा कुलं स्वजनुषा कृतवान् पवित्रम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘कुलपावन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९८।।
98. In the distant past, born with the name as KrishNa in the Yaadava dynasty,. You rendered
it pure and holy. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Purifier of the Dynasty’, I surrender.
मासत्रयादपि बहूनवयाः पुरा च,
त्वं पूतनां निहतवान् अतिदुष्टचित्ताम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतपूतन’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।९९।।
99. Long long ago, when You were less than three months old, You killed the most wicked-
hearted Pootanaa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of Pootanaa ‘, I surrender.
पूर्वं व्रजेन्द्रतनयो ऽथ भवान् व्रजे वै,
भूत्वासुरं निहतवान् बलिनं बकाख्यम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘बकनाशक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१००।।
100. In the days of yore, becoming the son, as it were, of Nandarayji, chiftain of Vrajabhoomi,
You felled to death a mighty demon called Baka.
To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of Baka’, I surrender. (Note: Bheema also had killed a demon by the same name, Baka).
पूर्वं निगृह्य भुजगं यमुनाजलस्थं,
तन्नैकमूर्धसु भवान् मुदितो ननर्त।
श्रीराम राम ‘फणिनर्तक’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०१।।
101. In the good old days, after subduing the
serpent Kaaliya, living in the waters of Yamunaa, You danced merrily on its hoods which were more than one. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Dancer on the Serpent’, I surrender.
श्री गोकुलेशतनयोऽथ भवान्श्च भूत्वा ,
त्वं केशिनं निहतवान् किल कंसभृत्यम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हयदारण’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०२।।
102. While at Gokula, as the son of Gokula-
Chieftain, You killed a demon called Keshi, a
servant of Kamsa. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of Keshi who had assumed the form of a horse’, I surrender.
पूर्वं भवान् निहतवान् मथुरानगर्यां,
पीडाह्वयं कुवलयादिपदं गजेन्द्रम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘गजमुक्तिद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०३।।
103. In the days of yore, You felled to death a mighty demon called KuvalayaapeeDa (who had assumed the form of an elephant). To this Shri Raama, ‘the Bestower of Liberation to the
Elephant’, I surrender.
पूर्वं भवांश्च वसुदेवगृहे ऽवतीर्य,
कंसं स्वमातुलमपि न्यवधीत् सुदुष्टम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतमातुल’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०४।।
104. In the days of yore, incarnating in the home of Vasudeva (as KrishNa) You killed even Your maternal uncle, Kamsa, because he was very cruel and wicked. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Killer of Maternal Uncle’, I surrender.
सान्दीपनेरथ गुरोस्त्वमधीत्य विद्याः,
तस्मै ह्यदा मृतसुतं गुरुदक्षिणार्थम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘मृतपुत्रद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०५।।
105. You studied under the Guru Sandeepani all branches of learning and offered to him as
Guru-DakshiNaa his dead son (by reviving him).
To this Shri Raama, ‘the Reviver of the Dead Son’, I surrender.
पूर्वं विजित्य शिशुपाल जरासुतादीन्,
श्रीरुक्मिणीमथ भवान् हतवान् बलेन।
श्रीराम राम ‘दयिताहर ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०६।।
106. In the distant past, having conquered kings like Shishupaala, Jaraasandha etc, You took away forcefully Devi RukmiNi. To this Shri Raama,
‘the Snatcher of His Beloved’, I surrender.
संत्रासितां कुपुरुषैः कुरुभिः पुरा वै,
त्वं द्रौपदीमवितवान् स्मृतमात्र एव।
श्रीराम राम ‘करुणार्णव ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०७।।
107. In the distant past, when Draupadi was being harassed by the wicked scions of the Kuru dynasty, You came to her rescue as soon as she remembered You. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Ocean of Compassion ‘, I surrender.
भौमासुरस्य नगरे ससुतं वसन्तं,
पूर्वं भवान् मुरमहन् धृतपञ्चवक्त्रं।
श्रीराम राम ‘मुरमर्दन ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम ।।१०८।।
108. In the days of yore, You killed a five-faced demon called Mura, son of demon Bhouma, living in his (Bhouma’s) city. To this Shri Raama,
‘the Killer of Mura’, I surrender.
पूर्वं भवान् निहतवान् किल पीठमुख्यान्,
प्राग्ज्योतिषाख्यनगराधिपतेश्च भृत्यान्।।
श्रीराम राम ‘निहतासुर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१०९।।
109. In the distant past, You felled to death many stooges of the king of the city called Praagjyotisha. Peetha was the main one to be so killed. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Slayer of the Demons’, I surrender.
पूर्वं भवान् निहतवान् गिरिदुर्गगुप्तं,
प्राग्ज्यौतिषाख्य नगराधिपतिं च भौमम्।
श्रीराम राम ‘हतभूसुत ‘ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।११०।।
110. Long long ago, You killed Bhouma, the King of Praagjyotishapura, who was securely hiding in a mountainous fort. To this Shri Raama, ‘the
Slayer of the Son of the Earth’, I surrender.
भौमाहृता नृपसहस्रसुता अवृण्वन्,
निर्मोचिताश्च भवताथ भवन्तमेव।
श्रीराम राम ‘वनितावृत’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।१११।।
111. When You set free from captivity thousands of princesses kidnapped by Bhouma, they chose You only as their spouse. To this Shri Raama,
‘encircled by ladies’, I surrender.
NOTE: Bhouma – son of mother earth – is another name for Narakaasura. His elimination is celebrated as Deepavali – the Festival of Lights. His kingdom has another name, कामरूप, corresponding to present-day Assam.
स्वर्गं खगेन्द्रमधिरुह्य गतस्त्वमग्रे,
कल्पद्रुमं दयितयेप्सितमाजहर्थ।
श्रीराम राम ‘दयितेष्टद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।११२।।
112. Once (during Your KrishNa incarnation) You mounted on the King of Birds – GaruDa-
and brought down Kalpavraksha as desired by your beloved. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Wish-fulfiller of Beloved’, I surrender.
NOTE: Once सत्यभामा wished to have Kalpavraksha to perform some special Poojaa. So, KrishNa went on Garuda to Svarga and Indra loaned the Wish-fulfilling Tree on condition that it should be returned as soon as possible. Satyabhama performed the rare Poojaa and the Lord returned the celestial tree to Indra. This story is in Harivamsha PuraaN.
प्रागर्जुनस्य रथसारथितामुपेत्य,
प्रादाज्जयं च विजयाय भवान् रणाग्रे।
श्रीराम राम ‘विजयप्रद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।११३।।
113. In the distant past, You secured victory (जय) for Arjuna(विजय) by becoming his charioteer. To this Shri Raama, ‘the Bestower of Victory’, I surrender.
गत्वाथ शोणितपुरं शिवशक्तिगुप्तं,
बाणासुरं विजितवान्श्च भवान् पुरा वै।
श्रीराम राम ‘जितशङ्कर’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।११४।।
114. In the distant past, You went to Shonitapura and conquered the demon BaaNa, protected by Shiva’s boon. To this Shri Raama, ‘Victorious over Shankara’, I surrender.
NOTE: BaaNa, son of Mahabali, though a demon, was such a staunch devotee of Shiva that His boon had made him invincible. BaaNa had made Aniruddha, grandson of KrishNa,, a captive because BaaNa’s daughter Usha fell in love with Aniruddha! KrishNa spared the life of BaaNa because of his staunch devotion for
Shiva. Defeating the demon was tantamount to gaining victory over Shiva. In Assam there is now a city called Sonitpur.
पूर्वं भवान्श्च वसुदेवसुतोऽथ भूत्वा,
मात्रार्थितो मृतसुतान् प्रददावमुष्यै।
श्रीराम राम ‘जननीष्टद’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।११५।।
115. Long long ago, as a son of Vasudeva, You manifested before mother Devaki all her dead
sons (killed by Kamsa) as requested by her.
To this Shri Raama, ‘the Giver to Mother what
she Desires’, I surrender.
कविक्षमाप्रार्थना
(PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS BY THE POET)
स्तोत्रेऽथ चित्ररचने यदि काप्यशुद्धिः,
तत् क्षन्तुमर्हति भवान् इति मेऽर्थनास्ति।
श्रीराम राम ‘कवियाचित’ राम राम,
श्रीराम राम शरणं मम राम राम।।११६।।
116. In this rather unique Stotra, if You notice any flaw, pray forgive me – this is my prayer. To this Shri Raama, ‘Prayed to by the Poet’, I surrender.
श्रीरामपूर्वसुखदासमहाशयानां,
प्रेम्णो बलेन खलु लक्ष्मणशास्त्रिणेदम्।
शाकेऽष्टनागगजभूमिमिते कृतं ते,
स्तोत्रं हरे! भवतु भक्तजनैकजप्यम्।।११७।।
117. O Hari, O Rama, May this Stotra, composed by LakshmaNa Shastri, in the Shaka year 1888, owing to the sheer love (his Guru) Shri Ramsukhdas had for him, be worthy of recitation by the Lord’s devotees.
श्रीमहामन्त्रराजस्तोत्रम् सम्पूर्णम्।
THUS ENDS THIS SHREE MAHAA MANTRA RAJA STOTRAM.
LET US CONCLUDE THIS UNIQUE STOTRA WITH AN AARATI SONG MELODIOUSLY SUNG BY SMT.AMRITHA SAURABH SAVOOR(nee Gulvady) AT SHREE RAMA MANDIR, MANGALURU.