Shri Rama Raksha Stotram

श्री राम रक्षा स्तोत्रम् • Shri Rama Raksha Stotram

Stotram Lord Rama

About

Shri Rama Raksha Stotram is one of the most powerful protective hymns dedicated to Lord Rama. According to tradition, this stotra was revealed to Sage Budha Kaushika by Lord Shiva himself in a dream. It is believed to provide complete protection to the devotee who recites it with faith and devotion. The stotra describes the divine attributes of Lord Rama and invokes His protection for every part of the body.

Quick Reference

Author
Sage Budha Kaushika
Language
Sanskrit
Period
Ancient
38
Source
Revealed to Sage Budha Kaushika in a dream by Lord Shiva
Chandas
Anushtup

Benefits

  • Provides divine protection from all dangers
  • Removes fear and anxiety
  • Destroys negative energies and evil influences
  • Grants courage and mental strength
  • Brings peace and prosperity
  • Protects from accidents and calamities
  • Fulfills righteous desires
  • Grants Lord Rama's divine blessings

When to Recite

Days Daily, Tuesday, Saturday, Rama Navami
Times Morning, Before starting any important work, During travel
Occasions Rama Navami, Before examinations, During difficulties, For protection
Recommended Count Once daily or 11 times for specific purposes

Verses

Dhyanam 1 Opening

ध्यायेदाजानुबाहुं धृतशरधनुषं बद्धपद्मासनस्थं पीतं वासो वसानं नवकमलदलस्पर्धिनेत्रं प्रसन्नम्। वामाङ्कारूढसीतामुखकमलमिलल्लोचनं नीरदाभं नानालङ्कारदीप्तं दधतमुरुजटामण्डलं रामचन्द्रम्॥

Dhyayed-ajanubahum dhrita-shara-dhanusham baddha-padmasanastham Peetam vaso vasanam nava-kamala-dala-spardhi-netram prasannam | Vamankarodha-Sita-mukha-kamala-milal-lochanam neeradabham Nana-alankara-deeptam dadhatam-uru-jata-mandalam Ramachandram ||

Main Verse 2

चरितं रघुनाथस्य शतकोटिप्रविस्तरम्। एकैकमक्षरं पुंसां महापातकनाशनम्॥१॥

Charitam Raghunāthasya shata-koti-pravistaram | Ekaikam-aksharam pumsam maha-pataka-nashanam ||1||

Main Verse 3

बुधकौशिक ऋषिणा विरचितम्। श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रमिदं भक्त्या पठन् प्रभो॥२॥

Budha-Kaushika Rishinā virachitam | Shri-Rama-raksha-stotram-idam bhaktyā pathan prabho ||2||

Main Verse 4

आपदामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसम्पदाम्। लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो भूयो नमाम्यहम्॥३॥

Apadaam-apahartaram dataram sarva-sampadam | Lokabhiramam Shri-Ramam bhuyo bhuyo namamyaham ||3||

Main Verse 5

आर्तानामार्तिहन्तारं भीतानां भीतिनाशनम्। द्विषतां कालदण्डं तं रामचन्द्रं नमाम्यहम्॥४॥

Artanam-arti-hantaram bhitanam bhiti-nashanam | Dvishatam kala-dandam tam Ramachandram namamyaham ||4||

Main Verse 6

नामरामायणं प्रोक्तं पापघ्नं महत्तमम्। धृतप्रोक्षितमित्येवं रक्षासिद्धिप्रदायकम्॥५॥

Nama-Ramayanam proktam papa-ghnam mahattamam | Dhrita-prokshitam-ityevam raksha-siddhi-pradayakam ||5||

Main Verse 7

शिरो मे राघवः पातु भालं दशरथात्मजः। कौसल्येयो दृशौ पातु विश्वामित्रप्रियः श्रुती॥६॥

Shiro me Raghavah patu bhalam Dasharathatmajah | Kausalyeyo drishau patu Vishvamitra-priyah shruti ||6||

Main Verse 8

घ्राणं पातु मखत्राता मुखं सौमित्रिवत्सलः। जिह्वां विद्यानिधिः पातु कण्ठं भरतवन्दितः॥७॥

Ghranam patu makha-trata mukham Saumitri-vatsalah | Jihvam vidya-nidhih patu kantham Bharata-vanditah ||7||

Main Verse 9

स्कन्धौ दिव्यायुधः पातु भुजौ भग्नेशकार्मुकः। करौ सीतापतिः पातु हृदयं जामदग्न्यजित्॥८॥

Skandhau divyayudhah patu bhujau bhagneshakarmukah | Karau Sitapatih patu hridayam Jamadagnyajit ||8||

Main Verse 10

मध्यं पातु खरध्वंसी नाभिं जाम्बवदाश्रयः। सुग्रीवेशः कटी पातु सक्थिनी हनुमत्प्रभुः॥९॥

Madhyam patu Khara-dhvamsi nabhim Jambavad-ashrayah | Sugriveshah kati patu sakthini Hanumat-prabhuh ||9||

Main Verse 11

ऊरू रघूत्तमः पातु रक्षःकुलविनाशकृत्। जानुनी सेतुकृत्पातु जङ्घे दशमुखान्तकः॥१०॥

Uru Raghuttamah patu rakshah-kula-vinashakrit | Januni setukrit patu janghe Dashamukha-antakah ||10||

Main Verse 12

पादौ विभीषणश्रीदः पातु रामोऽखिलं वपुः। एतां रामबलोपेतां रक्षां यः सुकृती पठेत्॥११॥

Padau Vibhishana-shridah patu Ramo'khilam vapuh | Etam Rama-balopetam raksham yah sukruti pathet ||11||

Main Verse 13

स चिरायुः सुखी पुत्री विजयी विनयान्वितः। सर्वाबाधाविनिर्मुक्तो धन धान्य समन्वितः॥१२॥

Sa chirayuh sukhi putri vijayi vinaya-anvitah | Sarva-abadha-vinirmukto dhana dhanya samanvitah ||12||

Main Verse 14

रामो राजमणिः सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमू रामाय तस्मै नमः। रामान्नास्ति परायणं परतरं रामस्य दासोस्म्यहं रामे चित्तलयः सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर॥१३॥

Ramo rajamanih sada vijayate Ramam Ramesham bhaje Ramena-abhihata nishachara-chamu Ramaya tasmai namah | Raman-nasti parayanam parataram Ramasya daso'smyaham Rame chitta-layah sada bhavatu me bho Rama mam-uddhara ||13||

Main Verse 15

राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे। सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने॥१४॥

Rama Rameti Rameti rame Rame manorame | Sahasra-nama tat-tulyam Rama-nama varanane ||14||

Main Verse 16

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥१५॥

Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya vedhase | Raghunathaya nathaya Sitayah pataye namah ||15||

Main Verse 17

श्रीराम राम रघुनन्दन राम राम श्रीराम राम भरताग्रज राम राम। श्रीराम राम रणकर्कश राम राम श्रीराम राम शरणं भव राम राम॥१६॥

Shri Rama Rama Raghunandana Rama Rama Shri Rama Rama Bharatagraja Rama Rama | Shri Rama Rama Rana-karkasha Rama Rama Shri Rama Rama sharanam bhava Rama Rama ||16||

Main Verse 18

श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ मनसा स्मरामि श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ वचसा गृणामि। श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शिरसा नमामि श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शरणं प्रपद्ये॥१७॥

Shri Ramachandra-charanau manasa smarami Shri Ramachandra-charanau vachasa grinami | Shri Ramachandra-charanau shirasa namami Shri Ramachandra-charanau sharanam prapadye ||17||

Main Verse 19

माता रामो मत्पिता रामचन्द्रः स्वामी रामो मत्सखा रामचन्द्रः। सर्वस्वं मे रामचन्द्रो दयालुः नान्यं जाने नैव जाने न जाने॥१८॥

Mata Ramo mat-pita Ramachandrah Svami Ramo mat-sakha Ramachandrah | Sarvasvam me Ramachandro dayaluh Nanyam jane naiva jane na jane ||18||

Main Verse 20

दक्षिणे लक्ष्मणो यस्य वामे च जनकात्मजा। पुरतो मारुतिर्यस्य तं वन्दे रघुनन्दनम्॥१९॥

Dakshine Lakshmano yasya vame cha Janaka-atmaja | Purato Marutir-yasya tam vande Raghunandanam ||19||

Main Verse 21

लोकाभिरामं रणरङ्गधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम्। कारुण्यरूपं करुणाकरं तं श्रीरामचन्द्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥२०॥

Lokabhiramam rana-ranga-dhiram rajiva-netram Raghu-vamsha-natham | Karunyarupam karunakaram tam Shri Ramachandram sharanam prapadye ||20||

Main Verse 22

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्। वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥२१॥

Manojavamm Maruta-tulya-vegam jitendriyam buddhimatam varishtham | Vatatmajam vanara-yutha-mukhyam Shri Rama-dutam sharanam prapadye ||21||

Main Verse 23

कूजन्तं राम रामेति मधुरं मधुराक्षरम्। आरुह्य कविताशाखां वन्दे वाल्मीकिकोकिलम्॥२२॥

Kujantam Rama Rameti madhuram madhura-aksharam | Aruhya kavita-shakham vande Valmiki-kokilam ||22||

Main Verse 24

आपदामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसम्पदाम्। लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो भूयो नमाम्यहम्॥२३॥

Apadaam-apahartaram dataram sarva-sampadam | Lokabhiramam Shri Ramam bhuyo bhuyo namamyaham ||23||

Main Verse 25

भर्जनं भवबीजानाम् अर्जनं सुखसम्पदाम्। तर्जनं यमदूतानां रामरामेति गर्जनम्॥२४॥

Bharjanam bhava-bijanam arjanam sukha-sampadam | Tarjanam Yama-dutanam Rama Rameti garjanam ||24||

Main Verse 26

रामो राजमणिः सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमू रामाय तस्मै नमः। रामान्नास्ति परायणं परतरं रामस्य दासोस्म्यहं रामे चित्तलयः सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर॥२५॥

Ramo rajamanih sada vijayate Ramam Ramesham bhaje Ramena-abhihata nishachara-chamu Ramaya tasmai namah | Raman-nasti parayanam parataram Ramasya daso'smyaham Rame chitta-layah sada bhavatu me bho Rama mam-uddhara ||25||

Main Verse 27

रामं दूर्वादलश्यामं पद्माक्षं पीतवाससम्। स्तुवन्ति नामभिर्दिव्यैर्न ते संसारिणो नरः॥२६॥

Ramam durva-dala-shyamam padmaksham pita-vasasam | Stuvanti namabhir-divyair-na te samsarino narah ||26||

Main Verse 28

रामं लक्ष्मणपूर्वजं रघुवरं सीतापतिं सुन्दरं काकुत्स्थं करुणार्णवं गुणनिधिं विप्रप्रियं धार्मिकम्। राजेन्द्रं सत्यसन्धं दशरथनयनं श्यामलं शान्तमूर्तिं वन्दे लोकाभिरामं रघुकुलतिलकं राघवं रावणारिम्॥२७॥

Ramam Lakshmana-purvajam Raghu-varam Sita-patim sundaram Kakutstham karunarnavaam guna-nidhim vipra-priyam dharmikam | Rajendram satya-sandham Dasharatha-nayanam shyamalam shanta-murtim Vande lokabhiramam Raghu-kula-tilakam Raghavam Ravanarim ||27||

Main Verse 29

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥२८॥

Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya vedhase | Raghunathaya nathaya Sitayah pataye namah ||28||

Main Verse 30

श्रीरामं हनुमन्तं वैनतेयं वृकोदरम्। शयने यः स्मरेन्नित्यं दुःस्वप्नं तस्य नश्यति॥२९॥

Shri Ramam Hanumantam cha Vainateyam Vrikodaram | Shayane yah smaren-nityam duhsvapnam tasya nashyati ||29||

Main Verse 31

तत्वतो रामनामादि सर्वैस्सम्पूजितं सदा। सम्पूज्य विधिवद्भक्त्या सम्पूज्यो भवति स्वयम्॥३०॥

Tatvato Rama-namadi sarvaih sampujitam sada | Sampujya vidhivad-bhaktya sampujyo bhavati svayam ||30||

Main Verse 32

इति श्रीबुधकौशिकविरचितं श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रं यत्प्रजपेन्नियतं कृतवान् भवेत्। सततं शुचिरामरसायनमन्दिरे गिरिजाप्रिय एष मम स्तुतिः॥३१॥

Iti Shri Budha-Kaushika-virachitam Shri Rama-raksha-stotram Yat-prajapenni-yatam kritavan bhavet | Satatam shuchi Ramarasayana-mandire Girija-priya esha mama stutih ||31||

Main Verse 33

आदिष्टवान् यथा स्वप्ने रामरक्षामिमां हरः। तथा लिखितवान् प्रातः प्रबुद्धो बुधकौशिकः॥३२॥

Adishtavan yatha svapne Rama-raksham-imam Harah | Tatha likhitavan pratah prabuddho Budha-Kaushikah ||32||

Main Verse 34

आरामः कल्पवृक्षाणां विरामः सकलापदाम्। अभिरामस्त्रिलोकानां रामः श्रीमान् स नः प्रभुः॥३३॥

Aramah kalpa-vrikshanam viramah sakala-apadam | Abhiramas-trilokanam Ramah shriman sa nah prabhuh ||33||

Main Verse 35

तरुणौ रूपसम्पन्नौ सुकुमारौ महाबलौ। पुण्डरीकविशालाक्षौ चीरकृष्णाजिनाम्बरौ॥३४॥

Tarunau rupa-sampannau sukumarau mahabalau | Pundarika-vishalakshau chira-krishna-ajina-ambarau ||34||

Main Verse 36

फलमूलाशिनौ दान्तौ तापसौ ब्रह्मचारिणौ। पुत्रौ दशरथस्यैतौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ॥३५॥

Phala-mulashinau dantau tapasau brahmachaarinau | Putrau Dasharathasyaitau bhratarau Rama-Lakshmanau ||35||

Main Verse 37

शरण्यौ सर्वसत्वानां श्रेष्ठौ सर्वधनुष्मताम्। रक्षःकुलनिहन्तारौ त्रायेतां नो रघूत्तमौ॥३६॥

Sharanyau sarva-satvanam shreshtau sarva-dhanushmatam | Rakshah-kula-nihantarau trayetam no Raghuttamau ||36||

Phala Shruti 38 Closing

इति श्रीबुधकौशिकमुनिविरचितं श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम्॥

Iti Shri Budha-Kaushika-muni-virachitam Shri Rama-raksha-stotram sampurnam ||

About Ram Raksha Stotra — The Divine Armor of Lord Rama

Ram Raksha Stotra (राम रक्षा स्तोत्र) is one of the most revered protective prayers in Hinduism — a Sanskrit hymn that functions as a divine armor (kavach) invoking the protection of Lord Rama over every part of the devotee's body. The name itself declares its purpose: Rama (Lord Rama) + Raksha (protection) + Stotra (hymn of praise). It is not merely a prayer of devotion — it is a prayer of shielding, where each verse assigns a specific aspect of Rama's power to protect a specific limb, organ, or direction around the devotee.

According to tradition, the Ram Raksha Stotra was revealed to Sage Budha Kaushika by Lord Shiva himself in a dream. This origin is significant — Shiva, the great Rama-bhakta, chose to gift this stotra to humanity, certifying its power with his own divine authority. The opening verse (Viniyoga) states clearly: "Shri Ramachandra devata, Budha Kaushika Rishi" — Lord Ramachandra is the presiding deity, and Budha Kaushika is the sage who received it. This lineage gives the Ram Raksha Stotra its immense spiritual authority in the Vedic tradition.

The stotra follows the classical Anga Nyasa (body protection) pattern — systematically invoking Rama's protection from head to toe. Rama protects the forehead, Dasharathi (son of Dasharatha) protects the eyes, Ramachandra guards the cheeks, Raghunatha shields the ears, and so on through every body part down to the feet. It then extends protection to the eight directions (Ashtadik) — Rama guards the east, Lakshmana the south, Bharata the west, and Shatrughna the north. This comprehensive structure makes the Ram Raksha Stotra function as a complete spiritual shield.

The Ram Raksha Stotra is especially popular in Maharashtra, where it is a daily recitation in millions of households — often taught to children alongside the Hanuman Chalisa. It is recited during Ram Navami, before long journeys, during illness, and as a daily protective practice. The stotra is in Sanskrit, but its rhythmic meter makes it relatively easy to memorize. Traditionally recited 11 times for maximum effect, it takes approximately 8-10 minutes per recitation. The complete Ram Raksha Stotra lyrics in Hindi and English with meaning are provided above.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ram Raksha Stotra

What is Ram Raksha Stotra and who composed it?

Ram Raksha Stotra is a Sanskrit protective hymn dedicated to Lord Rama, revealed by Lord Shiva to Sage Budha Kaushika in a dream. It functions as a divine armor — each verse invokes Rama's protection over a specific body part or direction around the devotee. It is one of the most powerful raksha kavach (protective shield) prayers in Hindu tradition, particularly popular in Maharashtra where it is recited daily in millions of homes.

What are the benefits of reciting Ram Raksha Stotra?

The stotra's Phala Shruti (benefit verse) states that one who recites it with devotion is protected from all dangers, diseases, and enemies. Specific benefits include: complete physical protection (the Anga Nyasa covers every body part), protection during travel and risky situations, removal of fear and nightmares, cure from chronic illness, protection from evil eye and black magic, victory in legal disputes, and spiritual strength. The stotra also states that reciting it 11 times (Ekadash Path) fulfills the devotee's deepest wishes.

When is the best time to recite Ram Raksha Stotra?

The ideal time is early morning after bath, facing east or north. It is especially powerful on Ram Navami (Rama's birthday), Tuesdays (Hanuman/Rama day), and during Chaitra Navratri. Many Maharashtrian families recite it daily as part of morning prayers. It is also recited before long journeys, surgeries, exams, and court hearings for divine protection. During eclipses, reciting Ram Raksha Stotra is a traditional protective practice. Check the panchang for today's tithi and auspicious timings.

How long does it take to recite Ram Raksha Stotra?

A single recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra takes approximately 8-10 minutes at a moderate pace. For the traditional Ekadash Path (11 recitations), set aside about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Beginners may take longer initially as they learn the Sanskrit pronunciation. With daily practice, the recitation becomes fluid within 2-3 weeks. Many devotees recite it once daily as a routine protective practice and do 11 recitations on special occasions like Ram Navami.

What is the difference between Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa?

Ram Raksha Stotra is a Sanskrit kavach (armor) prayer that systematically invokes Lord Rama's protection for each body part and direction — it is protection-focused and formal. Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindi devotional praise of Lord Hanuman — it is devotion-focused and accessible. Both offer protection, but through different mechanisms: Ram Raksha creates a divine shield directly from Rama, while Hanuman Chalisa invokes Hanuman as the intermediary protector. Devout practitioners recite both — Ram Raksha for the kavach effect and Hanuman Chalisa for Hanuman's companionship.

Can women and children recite Ram Raksha Stotra?

Yes, absolutely. Ram Raksha Stotra is a stotram (hymn of praise), not a restricted Vedic ritual mantra. In Maharashtra — where it is most widely recited — women and children have been reciting it for centuries as part of daily family prayers. Many Maharashtrian mothers teach their children to memorize it alongside basic prayers. Lord Rama himself is depicted as the protector of all beings without discrimination. The stotra's protection is available to anyone who recites it with sincere faith, regardless of age, gender, or caste.