Shri Rama Ashtakam Stotram
Shri Rama Ashtakam Stotram composed by Sri Vyasadeva / Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Complete 8 verses praising Lord Shri Ramachandra in IAST English transliteration, Phalashruti, and English meaning.
Verses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stotram Name | Shri Rama Ashtakam Stotram |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shri Ramachandra |
| Composer | Sri Adi Shankaracharya / Vyasadeva Tradition |
| Language | IAST English Transliteration |
| Tradition | Vaishnava / Smarta |
Introduction
Shri Rama Ashtakam Stotram is an 8-verse devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shri Ramachandra, the prince of Ayodhya, consort of Mother Sita, and the ultimate embodiment of Dharma (Maryada Purushottama).
This stotram begins with the celebrated opening line: "Bhaje Viśeṣa-Sundaraṃ Samasta-Pāpa-Khaṇḍanam" ("I worship Lord Ramachandra, who is exceptionally beautiful, the destroyer of all sins, the master of the universe, and the ocean of mercy!").
Each verse praises Lord Rama's dark blue complexion like a raincloud (Megha-Shyama), lotus eyes, bow and arrow (Chapa-Bana), victory over Ravana, and His eternal reign of righteousness (Rama Rajya).
Verses
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Stotram Name | Shri Rama Ashtakam Stotram |
| Primary Deity | Lord Shri Ramachandra |
| Composer | Sri Adi Shankaracharya / Vyasadeva Tradition |
| Language | IAST English Transliteration |
| Tradition | Vaishnava / Smarta |
Meaning
- Verse 1: I worship Ramachandra, beautiful, destroyer of all sins, joy of devotees' hearts.
- Verse 2: Salutations to Rama, blue like lotus, Sita on left, holding bow and arrow, Lord of Raghu dynasty.
- Verses 3–7: Meditating on Rama's crown, Vishwamitra's protector, slayer of Tataka and Subahu, lord of Ayodhya.
- Verse 8 (Phalashruti): Reciting Rama Ashtakam frees from sins and grants Rama's eternal lotus feet.
Spiritual Significance
Rama Ashtakam praises Rama as Maryada Purushottama:
- Neelambuja Syamala: Praises Rama's complexion dark blue like a blue lotus.
- Sita Samaropita Vamabhagam: Visualizes Mother Sita seated on His left side.
- Slayer of Tataka & Maricha: Commemorates Rama's childhood protection of Vishwamitra's Yajna.
Benefits
According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Rama Ashtakam grants the following blessings:
- Destruction of All Sins and Sorrows (Sarva-Papa-Khandana): Eradicates bad karmas, fear, and mental anxiety.
- Grant of Courage, Virtue, and Peace: Fills the practitioner with Dharma, truthfulness, and righteousness.
- Victory in Life's Battlefields: Neutralizes hostile adversaries, legal disputes, and challenges.
- Attainment of Vaikuntha / Saket Abode: Grants pure devotion and final liberation (Moksha).
Whoever recites this holy Rama Ashtakam with devotion will be freed from all sins in this very life and reach the eternal lotus feet of Lord Shri Ramachandra in Saket Loka.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should Rama Ashtakam be chanted?
Sri Rama Navami, Ramayana Navahams, Tuesdays, and daily morning/evening Puja.
2. What are the main benefits of chanting Rama Ashtakam?
Fills the mind with righteous courage, removes fear, and grants domestic peace and liberation.