rāma rakṣā stōtram is a powerful hymn, in praise of śrī rāma. rakṣā means protection. Thus this stotram is often recited to obtain the protection of Lord śrī rāma. Several verses are simply quoted from other great stotrams. It is believed that recitation of this powerful prayer would get rid of all the problems created by the nine planets.
This great prayer is said to be composed by a ṛṣi called budha kauśika, most likely referring to brahmarṣi viśvāmitra. Here kauśika refers to the lineage of viśvāmitra and budha refers to enlightened, thus referring to the enlightened kauśika ṛṣi, referring to viśvāmitra, who became a brahmarṣi, after the gāyatrī mantra was revealed to him, after several thousands of years of penance to please vasiṣṭha maharṣi.
ōṃ asya śrī rāmarakṣā stōtramantrasya
budhakauśika ṛṣiḥ
śrī sītārāma chandrōdēvatā
anuṣṭup Chandaḥ
sītā śaktiḥ
śrīmad hanumān kīlakam
śrīrāmachandra prītyarthē rāmarakṣā stōtrajapē viniyōgaḥ ॥
For the “Rama protection prayer”,
The sage is Budha Kousika, God is Ramachandra with Sita,
The meter is Anushtup (with eight syllables in a quarter), power is Sita, and Limit is Hanuman,
And I am starting the chant of this prayer to please Ramachandra.
dhyānam
dhyāyēdājānubāhuṃ dhṛtaśara dhanuṣaṃ baddha padmāsanasthaṃ
pītaṃ vāsōvasānaṃ navakamala daḻasparthi nētraṃ prasannam ।
vāmāṅkārūḍha sītāmukha kamalamilallōchanaṃ nīradābhaṃ
nānālaṅkāra dīptaṃ dadhatamuru jaṭāmaṇḍalaṃ rāmachandram ॥
I meditate on that Ramachandra, whose arms reach up to his thighs,
Who carries bow and arrows, who sits in a lotus pose,
Who is dressed in yellow cloths, who has eyes like the petals of newly opened lotus flower,
Who is always pleasant looking, who is the colour of the black cloud,
Whose sight is fixed on the lotus eyes of Sita, sitting on his left thigh,
And who shines in various decorations and who has a matted hair around his face.
stōtram
charitaṃ raghunāthasya śatakōṭi pravistaram ।
ēkaikamakṣaraṃ puṃsāṃ mahāpātaka nāśanam ॥ 1 ॥
The life story of Sri Rama has a vast expanse।
Recitation of each and every word is capable of destroying even the greatest sins॥1॥
dhyātvā nīlōtpala śyāmaṃ rāmaṃ rājīvalōchanam ।
jānakī lakṣmaṇōpētaṃ jaṭāmukuṭa maṇḍitam ॥ 2 ॥
Let us meditate on the blue-complexioned, blue lotus-eyed Rama।
Who is accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, and is well-adorned with crown of matted hairs॥2॥
sāsitūṇa dhanurbāṇa pāṇiṃ naktaṃ charāntakam ।
svalīlayā jagattrātu māvirbhūtamajaṃ vibhum ॥ 3 ॥
Who has sword, bows and arrows, who destroyed the (naktam-char = night-roamer) demons।
Who is birthless (ajam=beyond birth, and also death) but is incarnated by his own will to protect this world॥3॥
rāmarakṣāṃ paṭhētprājñaḥ pāpaghnīṃ sarvakāmadām ।
śirō mē rāghavaḥ pātu phālaṃ daśarathātmajaḥ ॥ 4 ॥
May the wise, read the Hymn (of Lord) Rama (for) protection, which destroys all sins and grants all desires।
May Rama, Raghu's descendant (Rama) protect my head. May Rama, Dasharatha's son (Rama) protect my forehead॥4॥
kausalyēyō dṛśaupātu viśvāmitrapriyaḥ śṛtī ।
ghrāṇaṃ pātu makhatrātā mukhaṃ saumitrivatsalaḥ ॥ 5 ॥
May Kausalya's son protect my eyes, may favorite (disciple) of Vishvamitra protect my ears।
May savior of sacrificial fire protect my nose, may affectionate to Lakshmana protect my mouth॥5॥
jihvāṃ vidyānidhiḥ pātu kaṇṭhaṃ bharatavanditaḥ ।
skandhau divyāyudhaḥ pātu bhujau bhagnēśakārmukaḥ ॥ 6 ॥
And may ocean of wisdom protect my toungue, may he who is saluted by Bharatha protect my neck।
May berear of celestial weapons protect my shoulders, may he who broke (Lord Shiva's) bow protect my arms॥6॥
karau sītāpatiḥ pātu hṛdayaṃ jāmadagnyajit ।
madhyaṃ pātu kharadhvaṃsī nābhiṃ jāmbavadāśrayaḥ ॥ 7 ॥
May husband of Sita protect my hands, may he who won over Parasurama protect my heart।
May slayer of Khara (demon) protect my abdomen, may he who gave refuge to Jambavad protect my navel॥7॥
sugrīvēśaḥ kaṭiṃ pātu sakthinī hanumat-prabhuḥ ।
ūrū raghūttamaḥ pātu rakṣaḥkula vināśakṛt ॥ 8 ॥
May master of Sugreeva protect my waist, may master of Hanuman protect my hips।
May the best of Raghu scions and destroyer of the lineage of demons protect my knees॥8॥
jānunī sētukṛt-pātu jaṅghē daśamukhāntakaḥ ।
pādau vibhīṣaṇaśrīdaḥ pātu rāmō'khilaṃ vapuḥ ॥ 9 ॥
May establisher of the bridge (Ramasetu) protect my thighs may slayer of ten-faced (Ravana) protect my shins।
May consecrator of wealth to Bibhishana protect my feet, may Sri Rama protect my entire body॥9॥
ētāṃ rāmabalōpētāṃ rakṣāṃ yaḥ sukṛtī paṭhēt ।
sa chirāyuḥ sukhī putrī vijayī vinayī bhavēt ॥ 10 ॥
May the good man read this (hymn) equable to all the power of Rama।
would live long, be blessed with children, be victorious and possess humility॥10॥
pātāḻa-bhūtala-vyōma-chāriṇa-śchadma-chāriṇaḥ ।
na draṣṭumapi śaktāstē rakṣitaṃ rāmanāmabhiḥ ॥ 11 ॥
The evil traitors who travel in the hell, earth and heaven, and who travel secretly (changing forms),।
Would not be able to see the one protected by (the chanting of) Rama-naam ॥11॥
rāmēti rāmabhadrēti rāmachandrēti vā smaran ।
narō na lipyatē pāpairbhuktiṃ muktiṃ cha vindati ॥ 12 ॥
(The one who) remembers Rama, Ramabhadra and Ramachandra (The poet has used these names for the same Lord Rama)।
Sins never get attached, he gets good life and salvation॥12॥
jagajjaitraika mantrēṇa rāmanāmnābhi rakṣitam ।
yaḥ kaṇṭhē dhārayēttasya karasthāḥ sarvasiddhayaḥ ॥ 13 ॥
This world conquering mantra - blessed by Raam's name (jaitra - leading to victory in this world or world-conquering) ।
He who always utters it, he holds the keys to all arts ॥13॥
vajrapañjara nāmēdaṃ yō rāmakavachaṃ smarēt ।
avyāhatājñaḥ sarvatra labhatē jayamaṅgaḻam ॥ 14 ॥
He who recites this hymn of the name of Rama called as cage of diamond।
Would be obeyed by everywhere and he will get victory in all things॥14॥
ādiṣṭavān-yathā svapnē rāmarakṣāmimāṃ haraḥ ।
tathā likhitavān-prātaḥ prabuddhau budhakauśikaḥ ॥ 15 ॥
This protective hymn of Rama, as told by Shiva (Hara) in the dream।
Was written down (as told) by the enlightened (by Shiva's visitation) Budhakoushika in the morning (upon waking up)॥15॥
ārāmaḥ kalpavṛkṣāṇāṃ virāmaḥ sakalāpadām ।
abhirāma-strilōkānāṃ rāmaḥ śrīmān sa naḥ prabhuḥ ॥ 16 ॥
Who is like a garden (aaraamaH=garden) of wish giving trees and who stops all obstacles।
And who is the praise of all three worlds, Sri Rama, is our Lord॥16॥
taruṇau rūpasampannau sukumārau mahābalau ।
puṇḍarīka viśālākṣau chīrakṛṣṇājināmbarau ॥ 17 ॥
Who are young, full of beauty, clever and very strong।
Who have broad eyes like lotus, who wear the hides of trees॥17॥
phalamūlāśinau dāntau tāpasau brahmachāriṇau ।
putrau daśarathasyaitau bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau ॥ 18 ॥
Ones who are subsisting on roots and fruits and practicing penance and celibacy।
Two brothers, sons of Dasharatha, Rama and Lakshmana (protect us)॥18॥
śaraṇyau sarvasattvānāṃ śrēṣṭhau sarvadhanuṣmatām ।
rakṣaḥkula nihantārau trāyētāṃ nō raghūttamau ॥ 19 ॥
Who give protection to all beings and who are foremost among all the archers।
Who destroy whole race of demons, protect us, o best of scions of Raghu॥19॥
ātta sajya dhanuṣā viṣuspṛśā vakṣayāśuga niṣaṅga saṅginau ।
rakṣaṇāya mama rāmalakṣaṇāvagrataḥ pathi sadaiva gachChatām ॥ 20 ॥
With bows pulled and ready, their hands on the arrows packed in ever full quivers carried on their backs।
May Rama and Lakshmana always escort me in my path for my protection॥20॥
sannaddhaḥ kavachī khaḍgī chāpabāṇadharō yuvā ।
gachChan manōrathānnaścha (manōrathō'smākaṃ) rāmaḥ pātu sa lakṣmaṇaḥ ॥ 21 ॥
Young men, prepared and armed with sword, shield, bow and arrows।
Rama, who makes our cherished thoughts come true in the world; may he, along with Lakshman, protect us॥21॥
rāmō dāśarathi śśūrō lakṣmaṇānucharō balī ।
kākutsaḥ puruṣaḥ pūrṇaḥ kausalyēyō raghūttamaḥ ॥ 22 ॥
Valiant Rama, the son of Dasharatha and ever accompanied by powerful Lakshmana।
The scion of Raghu, the son of Kausalya, is all powerful and is the perfect man॥22॥
vēdāntavēdyō yajñēśaḥ purāṇa puruṣōttamaḥ ।
jānakīvallabhaḥ śrīmānapramēya parākramaḥ ॥ 23 ॥
He who can be perceived by Vedanta, lord of sacrificial fire, ancient and best among all men।
dearest of Sita, whose bravery is immeasurable॥23॥
ityētāni japēnnityaṃ madbhaktaḥ śraddhayānvitaḥ ।
aśvamēdhādhikaṃ puṇyaṃ samprāpnōti na saṃśayaḥ ॥ 24 ॥
(Thus lord Shiva said) My devotee who recites these names of Rama with faith।
He, without any doubt, is blessed more than the performance of Aswamedha (Sacrifice of white horse) etc.॥24॥
rāmaṃ dūrvādaḻa śyāmaṃ padmākṣaṃ pītavāsasam ।
stuvanti nābhi-rdivyai-rnatē saṃsāriṇō narāḥ ॥ 25 ॥
Rama, dark-complexioned like leaf of green grass, who is lotus-eyed and dressed in yellow clothes।
Who sing the praise of him are no longer ordinary men trapped in the world॥25॥
rāmaṃ lakṣmaṇa pūrvajaṃ raghuvaraṃ sītāpatiṃ sundaram
kākutsthaṃ karuṇārṇavaṃ guṇanidhiṃ viprapriyaṃ dhārmikam ।
rājēndraṃ satyasandhaṃ daśarathatanayaṃ śyāmalaṃ śāntamūrtim
vandē lōkābhirāmaṃ raghukula tilakaṃ rāghavaṃ rāvaṇārim ॥ 26 ॥
Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, best of the scions of the Raghu, the husbandof Sita, handsome।
Ocean of compassion, treasure of virtues, the most beloved of the religious people।
Lord emperor of kings, follower of truth, son of Dasharatha, dark-complexioned, idol tranquillity।
Salute to cynosure of eyes of all people, the crown jewel of the Raghu dynasty and the enemy of Ravana॥26॥
rāmāya rāmabhadrāya rāmachandrāya vēdhasē ।
raghunāthāya nāthāya sītāyāḥ patayē namaḥ ॥ 27 ॥
I salut to Rama, beloved Rama, moon like peaceful Rama।
To Lord of Raghu Scion, Lord (of all), husband of Sita, I salute॥27॥
śrīrāma rāma raghunandana rāma rāma
śrīrāma rāma bharatāgraja rāma rāma ।
śrīrāma rāma raṇakarkaśa rāma rāma
śrīrāma rāma śaraṇaṃ bhava rāma rāma ॥ 28 ॥
Rama who is the delight of the Raghus।
Rama who is the elder brother of Bharata।
Rama who is the tormentor of his enemies।
I come under refuge of God Rama.॥28॥
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau manasā smarāmi
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau vachasā gṛhṇāmi ।
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau śirasā namāmi
śrīrāma chandra charaṇau śaraṇaṃ prapadyē ॥ 29 ॥
I remember the feet of Sri Ramachandra in my mind।
I praise the feet of Sri Ramachandra by my speech।
I salute the feet of Sri Ramachandra by bowing down my head।
I take refuge on the feet of Sri Ramachandra by bowing myself down॥29॥
mātā rāmō mat-pitā rāmachandraḥ
svāmī rāmō mat-sakhā rāmachandraḥ ।
sarvasvaṃ mē rāmachandrō dayāḻuḥ
nānyaṃ jānē naiva na jānē ॥ 30 ॥
Mother is Rama, my father is Ramachandra।
Lord is Rama, my dearest friend is Ramachandra।
My everything is merciful Ramachandra।
I know of no other like him, I really don't!॥30॥
dakṣiṇē lakṣmaṇō yasya vāmē cha (tu) janakātmajā ।
puratō mārutiryasya taṃ vandē raghunandanam ॥ 31 ॥
Who has Lakshmana on his right and daughter of Janaka (Sita) on the left।
And who has Hanuman in his front, I salute to delight of the Raghus (Rama)॥31॥
lōkābhirāmaṃ raṇaraṅgadhīraṃ
rājīvanētraṃ raghuvaṃśanātham ।
kāruṇyarūpaṃ karuṇākaraṃ taṃ
śrīrāmachandraṃ śaraṇyaṃ prapadyē ॥ 32 ॥
Cynosure of eyes of all people, courageous in war, lotus-eyed, lord of the Raghu race।
Personification of compassion, I surrender to (that) Lord Sri Rama॥32॥
manōjavaṃ māruta tulya vēgaṃ
jitēndriyaṃ buddhimatāṃ variṣṭam ।
vātātmajaṃ vānarayūtha mukhyaṃ
śrīrāmadūtaṃ śaraṇaṃ prapadyē ॥ 33 ॥
Who is as fast as the mind, equals his father (wind) in speed, master of senses, foremost amongst brilliants।
Son of the Wind, leader of the Monkey forces and messenger of Sri Rama, I bow down to him॥33॥
kūjantaṃ rāmarāmēti madhuraṃ madhurākṣaram ।
āruhyakavitā śākhāṃ vandē vālmīki kōkilam ॥ 34 ॥
(He who) sings the sweet name of Rama ।
Perched atop poetry-tree, I salute that (cooing cuckoo) Valmiki॥34॥
āpadāmapahartāraṃ dātāraṃ sarvasampadām ।
lōkābhirāmaṃ śrīrāmaṃ bhūyōbhūyō namāmyaham ॥ 35 ॥
Who is destroyer all dangers and consecrator of all sorts of wealth।
I again and again salute that Rama who is cynosure of eyes of all people॥35॥
bharjanaṃ bhavabījānāmarjanaṃ sukhasampadām ।
tarjanaṃ yamadūtānāṃ rāma rāmēti garjanam ॥ 36 ॥
Destructs of the cause of rebirth (cause of liberation), generates happiness and wealth।
Scares Yama's (lord of death) messengers, the roar of the name of Rama॥36॥
rāmō rājamaṇiḥ sadā vijayatē rāmaṃ ramēśaṃ bhajē
rāmēṇābhihatā niśācharachamū rāmāya tasmai namaḥ ।
rāmānnāsti parāyaṇaṃ parataraṃ rāmasya dāsōsmyahaṃ
rāmē chittalayaḥ sadā bhavatu mē bhō rāma māmuddhara ॥ 37 ॥
I worship Rama whose jewel (among kings) who always wins and who is lord of Lakshmi (goddess of wealth)।
Through whom the hordes of demons who move at night have been destroyed, I salut that Rama।
There is no place of surrender greater than Rama, (and thus) I am servant of Rama।
My mind is totally absorbed in Rama. O Rama, please lift me up (from lower to higher self)॥37॥
śrīrāma rāma rāmēti ramē rāmē manōramē ।
sahasranāma tattulyaṃ rāma nāma varānanē ॥ 38 ॥
Fair-faced lady (Parvati) ! My mind enjoys saying Rama Rama।
Uttering once the name of Rama is equal to the uttering of any other name of God, a thousand times॥38॥
iti śrībudhakauśikamuni virachitaṃ śrīrāma rakṣāstōtraṃ sampūrṇam ॥
Thus ends Hymn (of Lord) Rama (for) protection and composed by Budha-Kaushika॥
śrīrāma jayarāma jayajayarāma । śrī rāmachandrārpaṇamastu ॥
My salutations and humble devotion of this Hymn to (Lord) Sita-Ramachandra.
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