In the rich tapestry of Hindu devotional literature, few compositions shine as brilliantly as the Shree Ram Stuti. This sacred hymn, flowing from the inspired pen of Goswami Tulsidas, stands as a timeless testament to the glory of Lord Rama the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and the epitome of dharma, righteousness, and divine perfection.

For centuries, devotees have turned to this powerful stuti to invoke Lord Rama’s grace, seeking his blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual liberation.

Sri Ram Stuti

By Goswami Tulsidas Ji
English Translation and Meaning with Sanskrit Lyrics

Doha

श्रीरामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन हरण भवभय दारुणम्

Translation:
O my mind, worship the compassionate Lord Ram, who destroys the terrible fear of worldly existence.

Explanation:
Tulsidas begins by instructing the mind to focus on Lord Ram, whose grace frees devotees from fear, suffering, and the endless cycle of birth and death.

नवकंज लोचन, कंज मुख, कर कंज पद कंजारुणम् ॥१॥

Translation:
His eyes are like freshly bloomed lotuses, his face like a lotus, and his hands and feet resemble red lotuses.

Explanation:
The lotus symbolizes purity and divine beauty. This line describes Lord Ram’s perfect, serene, and spiritually uplifting form.

Verse 2

कंदर्प अगणित अमित छबि, नवनीलनीरद सुंदरम्

Translation:
His beauty surpasses countless forms of Kamadeva and resembles a newly formed dark blue rain cloud.

Explanation:
Kamadeva represents worldly attraction. Lord Ram’s beauty transcends physical desire and inspires spiritual devotion.

पट पीत मानहु तड़ित रुचि, शुचि नौमि जनक सुतावरम् ॥२॥

Translation:
Clad in yellow garments shining like lightning, I bow to the pure Lord Ram, the beloved husband of Janaka’s daughter Sita.

Explanation:
The yellow robe symbolizes divine energy and wisdom. His identity as Sita’s consort highlights his ideal role as a husband.

Verse 3

भजु दीनबंधु दिनेश दानव दैत्य वंश निकंदनम्

Translation:
O mind, worship Ram, the friend of the helpless, the light of the world, and the destroyer of demonic forces.

Explanation:
Lord Ram protects the weak and restores righteousness by eliminating evil.

रघुनंद आनंदकंद, कोशलचंद दशरथ नंदनम् ॥३॥

Translation:
He is the joy of the Raghu dynasty, the source of bliss, the moon of Kosala, and the son of King Dasharatha.

Explanation:
Ram is described as the pride of his lineage and a source of happiness and peace for the kingdom.

Verse 4

सिर मुकुट कुंडल तिलक चारु, उदारु अंग विभूषणम्

Translation:
He wears a crown on his head, earrings, a beautiful tilak on his forehead, and ornaments adorning his noble body.

Explanation:
This verse emphasizes Lord Ram’s royal dignity and divine splendor.

आजानुभुज शर चाप धर, संग्राम जित खरदूषणम् ॥४॥

Translation:
With arms reaching his knees, holding bow and arrows, he defeated Khara and Dushana in battle.

Explanation:
This line highlights Ram’s strength, valor, and role as a protector of dharma.

Verse 5

इति वदति तुलसीदास शंकर शेष मुनि मन रंजनम्

Translation:
Thus speaks Tulsidas, whose verses delight Lord Shiva, Sheshnag, and great sages.

Explanation:
Tulsidas humbly acknowledges that his hymn pleases divine beings and saints.

मम हृदय कंज निवास कुरु, कामादि खलदल गंजनम् ॥५॥

Translation:
O Lord Ram, reside in the lotus of my heart and destroy the evils born of desire.

Explanation:
The poet prays for inner transformation and freedom from lust, anger, and greed.

Chhanda

मनु जाहिं राचेउ मिलिहि सो बरु सहज सुंदर साँवरो

Translation:
The one whom your mind is devoted to, you shall naturally receive that same beautiful Lord.

Explanation:
This verse reflects the power of sincere devotion and divine alignment.

करुना निधान सुजान सीलु सनेहु जानत रावरो

Translation:
He is the treasure of compassion, virtuous, wise, and full of love.

Explanation:
Lord Ram embodies mercy, discipline, and deep understanding.

Blessing of Devi Gauri

एहि भाँति गौरि असीस सुनि सिय सहित हियँ हरषीं अली

Translation:
Hearing these blessings from Devi Gauri, Sita and her companions were filled with joy.

Explanation:
This refers to Goddess Parvati blessing Sita with Lord Ram as her husband.

तुलसी भवानिहि पूजि पुनि पुनि मुदित मन मंदिर चली

Translation:
Tulsidas says that after worshipping Bhavani repeatedly, Sita returned to the palace with a joyful heart.

Explanation:
It highlights gratitude, devotion, and divine fulfillment.

Sortha

जानि गौरि अनुकूल सिय हिय हरषु न जाइ कहि

Translation:
Knowing Devi Gauri’s favor, Sita’s joy became indescribable.

Explanation:
Divine approval brings immense inner happiness.

मंजुल मंगल मूल बाम अंग फरकन लगे

Translation:
Auspicious signs began to appear, such as the gentle twitching of the left side of her body.

Explanation:
In Hindu belief, these signs indicate forthcoming good fortune.

Closing

॥ सियावर रामचन्द्र की जय ॥

Translation:
Victory to Lord Ram, the beloved of Sita.

Explanation:
A triumphant declaration of devotion and reverence.

The Sacred Origins: Tulsidas and the Birth of Ram Stuti

The Shree Ram Stuti emerges from the devotional genius of Goswami Tulsidas, one of the greatest poets and saints in Indian spiritual history. Composed in the 16th century as part of his larger work, the Vinaya Patrika (Petition to Lord Rama), this stuti represents the saint’s profound love and surrender to Lord Rama.

Tulsidas, whose name itself means “servant of Tulsi” (the sacred basil plant dear to Lord Vishnu), lived during a period when bhakti (devotional) movements were transforming Indian spirituality. His compositions, written in Awadhi a dialect accessible to common people democratized spiritual knowledge that had previously been confined to Sanskrit texts understood only by scholars.

The Ram Stuti specifically showcases Tulsidas’s genius in blending Sanskrit classical meters with Awadhi accessibility, creating verses that are both musically beautiful and spiritually profound. Each line is carefully crafted to describe Lord Rama’s divine attributes while invoking his protective grace.

Understanding the Divine Composition

The Opening Invocation

“Shri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajuman, Haran Bhavabhaya Darunam” (O compassionate Lord Ramachandra, worship Him who destroys the terrible fear of worldly existence)

These opening words immediately establish the stuti’s purpose: to invoke Lord Rama’s compassion in eliminating the fears and sufferings inherent in material existence. The term “Kripalu” (compassionate one) highlights Rama’s most accessible quality his boundless mercy toward all beings, regardless of their spiritual attainments.

The Lotus Imagery

“Nav Kanj Lochan Kanj Mukh, Kar Kanj Pad Kanjarunam” (Eyes like fresh lotus petals, lotus-like face, hands like lotus, feet like reddish lotus)

This verse employs the lotus metaphor repeatedly a central symbol in Hindu spirituality representing purity, beauty, and spiritual unfolding. Just as the lotus remains unstained despite growing in muddy water, Lord Rama remained untouched by worldly illusions despite living in the material world. The comparison of Rama’s eyes, face, hands, and feet to lotus petals evokes his divine beauty and perfect proportions.

For devotees seeking to deepen their connection with Lord Rama’s divine form, participating in puja ceremonies at sacred temples amplifies the spiritual experience described in these verses.

The Incomparable Beauty

“Kandarp Aganit Amit Chhavi, Nav Neel Nirad Sundaram” (Possessing beauty surpassing countless Cupids, beautiful as fresh blue clouds)

Tulsidas boldly declares that Rama’s beauty surpasses that of innumerable Kamadevas (god of love and beauty). The comparison to fresh blue rain clouds during monsoon a universally beloved image in Indian culture makes Rama’s divine attractiveness accessible to every devotee’s imagination.

“Patpeet Manhu Tadit Ruchi Shuchi, Naumi Janaki Sutavaram” (Clad in yellow silk shining like lightning, I bow to the best among Janaki’s suitors)

The yellow silk garment (pitambara) shining like lightning evokes the image of divine radiance emanating from the Lord’s form. This visual splendor isn’t merely aesthetic but represents the spiritual light that dispels the darkness of ignorance from devotees’ hearts.

The Theological Significance

Rama as Dinabandhu (Friend of the Poor)

“Bhaju Dinabandhu Dinesh Danav, Daitya Vamsh Nikandanam” (Worship the friend of the poor, Sun among the destitute, destroyer of demon dynasties)

This verse captures a crucial aspect of Rama’s incarnation his role as protector of the vulnerable and destroyer of evil. The title “Dinabandhu” (friend of the poor/humble) emphasizes that Rama’s grace is most accessible to those who approach him with humility, regardless of their social or spiritual status.

In today’s world, where many face various forms of suffering and adversity, this aspect of Lord Rama becomes particularly relevant. Devotees can connect with this protective energy through sacred offerings at temples dedicated to Lord Rama.

The Royal Lineage

“Raghunand Anand Kand Koshal, Chand Dashrath Nandanam” (Joy of the Raghu dynasty, Moon of Kosala, Dashrath’s beloved son)

These titles establish Rama’s royal heritage while emphasizing his role as the source of joy for his entire lineage and kingdom. The comparison to the moon (Chand) is particularly poignant just as the moon provides cool, soothing light in contrast to the harsh sun, Rama brings peace and comfort to his devotees.

The Warrior King

“Shir Mukut Kundal Tilak, Charu Udaru Ang Vibhushanam” (Crown on head, earrings, tilak mark, charming ornaments adorning his noble form)

“Ajanu Bhuj Shar Chap Dhar, Sangram Jit Khardushanam” (Arms reaching to knees, holding bow and arrows, victorious in battle over Khara and Dushana)

These verses present Rama’s warrior aspect not merely as divine beauty but as active protection. The image of arms reaching the knees symbolizes Rama’s capacity to reach down and lift up even those fallen to the lowest states. His victory over demons like Khara and Dushana represents the triumph of dharma over adharma, of light over darkness.

The Transformative Power of Ram Stuti

Spiritual Benefits

Regular recitation of Shree Ram Stuti generates profound spiritual transformations:

Mental Peace and Clarity The rhythmic verses calm mental turbulence, creating space for clarity and inner peace. Many devotees report that daily recitation reduces anxiety, stress, and mental chatter, allowing them to navigate life’s challenges with greater equanimity.

Protection from Negative Influences Lord Rama’s protective energy, invoked through the stuti, shields devotees from negative forces both external (difficult situations, harmful influences) and internal (negative thoughts, self-destructive patterns). Consider enhancing this protective aspect with sacred items like black tourmaline or Om Kavach.

Removal of Obstacles Just as Rama cleared the path for dharma during his incarnation, his grace removes obstacles from devotees’ paths. This makes the Ram Stuti particularly powerful before beginning new ventures, making important decisions, or facing significant challenges.

Enhancement of Virtues Contemplating Rama’s perfect adherence to dharma in all circumstances gradually transforms the devotee’s character. Regular practitioners report increased patience, truthfulness, compassion, and commitment to righteousness.

Material Benefits

While the Ram Stuti is primarily a spiritual practice, devotees often experience material improvements as well:

Family Harmony: Rama’s ideal as the perfect son, husband, brother, and king inspires improved family relationships
Success in Endeavors: Rama’s blessings remove obstacles to legitimate aspirations
Financial Stability: The peace and clarity gained through recitation often lead to better decision-making and opportunities
Health Improvements: Stress reduction and positive energy contribute to better physical health

For those seeking prosperity alongside spiritual growth, consider prosperity combinations or dhan varsha items that complement devotional practice.

Optimal Times for Ram Stuti Recitation

Daily Practice

Morning Hours (Brahma Muhurta) The pre-dawn hours (approximately 4-6 AM) are considered most spiritually potent. Beginning the day with Ram Stuti sets a positive tone for all activities and invokes Rama’s guidance throughout the day.

Evening Prayers (Sandhya) Evening recitation, particularly around sunset, helps process the day’s experiences through the lens of dharma and prepares the mind for restful sleep.

Special Occasions

Ram Navami Lord Rama’s appearance day is the most auspicious occasion for Ram Stuti recitation. Many devotees perform extended recitations, sometimes completing 108 repetitions. Consider booking special Ram Navami pujas at sacred temples to amplify the spiritual benefit.

Dussehra/Vijayadashami Celebrating Rama’s victory over Ravana, this day emphasizes the triumph of good over evil. Ram Stuti recitation reinforces commitment to dharma and righteousness.

Sunderkand Recitation During readings of the Sunderkand (the beautiful chapter of Ramayana focusing on Hanuman’s journey to Lanka), Ram Stuti often opens or closes the session, invoking Rama’s presence.

Hanuman Jayanti Since Hanuman is Ram’s greatest devotee, his birthday is an excellent occasion for Ram Stuti, often pleasing both Lord Rama and Hanuman. Complement your practice with Hanuman-related items to deepen devotional connection.

Crisis Moments

The Ram Stuti proves particularly powerful during:

Times of grief or loss
Facing difficult decisions
Experiencing fear or uncertainty
Beginning important journeys
Seeking healing from illness
Overcoming addictions or negative patterns

Creating a Sacred Practice

Setting Up Your Space

To maximize the benefits of Ram Stuti recitation, create a dedicated sacred space:

Physical Setup

Clean, quiet area free from disturbances
Image or murti (idol) of Lord Rama, ideally with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
Oil lamp or ghee lamp
Incense holder
Fresh flowers (particularly Tulsi leaves)
Clean seat or asana

Energetic Enhancement Consider adding:

Sacred Yantras: Geometric patterns that amplify spiritual energy
Crystal Bracelets: Pure quartz crystals enhance meditation
Rudraksha Malas: Traditional prayer beads for counting repetitions

Preparation Rituals

Physical Purification

Bathe or wash hands and face
Wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes
Remove leather items

Mental Preparation

Take a few deep breaths to center yourself
Consciously set aside worldly concerns
Remember your intention for the practice
Mentally bow to Lord Rama with humility

Invocatory Steps

Light the lamp and incense
Offer flowers to Lord Rama
Mentally or verbally seek permission from Rama to begin
Chant “Om Shri Ramaya Namah” three times
Begin the Ram Stuti recitation

Proper Recitation Techniques

Pronunciation While perfect Sanskrit pronunciation is ideal, sincerity matters more than technical accuracy. Many versions exist with transliteration to help non-Sanskrit speakers.

Pace Recite at a comfortable pace neither rushed nor excessively slow. The rhythm should allow you to absorb the meaning while maintaining focus.

Repetitions

Minimum: Once daily
Standard: Three times
Intensive: 7, 11, 21, or 108 times (using a mala to count)

Mental Focus Try to visualize Lord Rama’s form as described in the verses. If visualization is difficult, simply focus on the feeling of devotion and surrender.

Integrating Ram Stuti with Other Practices

Complementary Devotional Activities

Ram Chalisa After Ram Stuti, many devotees recite the Ram Chalisa (40 verses praising Lord Rama), creating a comprehensive devotional practice.

Ramayana Reading Regular reading of the Ramayana, particularly Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, deepens understanding of the qualities praised in Ram Stuti.

Temple Visits Regular visits to Ram temples connect you with the collective devotional energy of the sangha (spiritual community).

Bhajan Sessions Participating in or organizing Ram bhajan sessions amplifies devotional feelings and builds community. Access devotional content through Bhakti Dhara.

Modern Digital Support

The Vama mobile app offers:

Daily reminders for Ram Stuti practice
Audio versions for pronunciation guidance
Connection with expert pandits for personalized spiritual guidance
Live streaming of temple aartis and ceremonies

Spiritual Items for Enhanced Practice

For Meditation and Focus

Amethyst Healing Bracelet: Enhances spiritual awareness
Lapis Lazuli: Promotes wisdom and truth

For Protection and Strength

Tiger Eye Bracelet: Courage and determination
Protection Strength Combo: Comprehensive spiritual protection

For Devotional Practice

Karungali Mala: Traditional prayer beads
Ram Naam Patti: Sacred inscription of Ram’s name

The Philosophy Behind Ram Stuti

The Concept of Maryada Purushottam

Rama is called “Maryada Purushottam” the supreme upholder of limits/boundaries. This title reflects his perfect adherence to dharma even in the most challenging circumstances:

As a son: Accepting 14-year exile without question to honor his father’s word
As a husband: Unwavering devotion to Sita despite separation
As a brother: Inspiring loyalty and love in Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna
As a king: Placing kingdom’s welfare above personal happiness
As a warrior: Fighting with honor and righteousness

The Ram Stuti invokes these perfect qualities, inspiring devotees to incorporate them into their own lives.

The Theology of Avatar

Rama’s avatar (divine descent) demonstrates a crucial theological principle: the supreme divine willingly accepts limitations to demonstrate ideal living within dharma’s framework. Unlike other avatars that displayed overwhelming divine power, Rama lived as an ideal human, showing that perfection is achievable within human constraints.

This makes Rama particularly relatable and his grace particularly accessible he understands human struggles from direct experience.

The Power of Divine Name

The very recitation of Rama’s name and qualities (as in Ram Stuti) is considered a spiritual practice in itself. According to Tulsidas: “Ram naam ki lootlo, gavare main loot” (Gather the treasure of Ram’s name, I gathered it abundantly). The name carries the divine presence and power.

Advanced Practices for Dedicated Devotees

Extended Retreats

Serious practitioners sometimes undertake intensive Ram Stuti retreats:

40-day practice (Chalisaa): Reciting the stuti specific number of times daily for 40 days
Weekend retreats: Dedicating full days to Ram naam and stuti
Ram Navami vigils: All-night recitation sessions on Ram Navami

Mantra Combinations

Advanced practitioners combine Ram Stuti with specific Ram mantras:

“Om Shri Ramaya Namah”: Basic Ram mantra
“Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram”: Victory to Rama
Ram Taraka Mantra: For ultimate liberation

Service as Worship

Following Rama’s example of ideal conduct, devotees often combine Ram Stuti with seva (selfless service):

Feeding the poor
Supporting education
Environmental conservation
Animal welfare
Elderly care

This combination of devotional practice and compassionate action embodies the complete path shown by Lord Rama.

Addressing Common Questions

Can anyone recite Ram Stuti? Absolutely. Ram’s grace is universal and available to all regardless of age, gender, caste, or religious background. The only requirement is sincere devotion.

How long does it take to see results? While some experience immediate peace and clarity, deeper transformations typically emerge over weeks or months of consistent practice. The key is regularity and sincerity, not mere mechanical repetition.

What if I don’t understand Sanskrit? Understanding enhances appreciation but isn’t mandatory. The sound vibrations themselves carry transformative power. However, gradually learning the meanings deepens the experience.

Can I listen to recordings instead of reciting? Listening has value and is better than no practice. However, personal recitation engages you more deeply and generates stronger spiritual merit. Alternate between both listen while commuting, recite when at home.

Should I recite mentally or aloud? Both are valid. Aloud (vachik japa) creates stronger vibrations and helps maintain focus. Mental (manasik japa) can be practiced anywhere and eventually leads to deeper internalization.

Conclusion: The Eternal Invitation

The Shree Ram Stuti represents more than ancient poetry it’s a living invitation to connect with the divine perfection embodied in Lord Rama. Each verse opens a doorway to specific aspects of Rama’s infinite grace: his compassion, beauty, strength, righteousness, and protective power.

In our contemporary world, filled with complexity, confusion, and rapid change, the Ram Stuti offers an anchor to timeless values and divine support. Whether you’re seeking peace of mind, guidance through difficulties, inspiration for righteous living, or ultimate spiritual liberation, Lord Rama’s grace invoked through this sacred stuti provides the pathway.

Begin your practice today with humility and devotion. Create a sacred space in your home, establish a regular practice routine, and open your heart to Rama’s infinite compassion. Enhance your journey with authentic spiritual support from Vama’s comprehensive platform, connecting ancient wisdom with modern convenience.

As Goswami Tulsidas concluded his stuti:

“Mam Hriday Kanj Nivas Kuru, Kamadi Khaladal Ganjanam” (Dwell in the lotus of my heart, destroying the hostile forces of desire and other vices)

May Lord Rama, the compassionate one, the ocean of mercy, the destroyer of worldly fears, grace your heart with his eternal presence. May the regular recitation of Shree Ram Stuti illuminate your path, remove all obstacles, and guide you toward the ultimate destination reunion with the divine.

Jai Shri Ram!