अष्टकम् · Ram

Ram Ashtakam

राम अष्टकम्

The Ram Ashtakam "Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedase" is one of the most beloved Sanskrit prayers dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the ideal of righteous conduct (Maryada Purushottam). The hymn offers eight salutations using eight different divine names and attributes of Rama — from Ramachandra and Raghunatha to Sitapati (lord of Sita) and Sharanagata Vatsala (the protector of those who surrender). Reciting this ashtakam daily and on Ram Navami is said to destroy all sins and grant devotion and liberation.

Sanskrit · 8 shlokas

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Shloka 1

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥

Shloka 2

श्रीराम राम रघुराम राम राम। श्रीराम राम भरताग्रज राम राम॥

Shloka 3

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

Shloka 4

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

Shloka 5

आपदामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसम्पदाम्। लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो भूयो नमाम्यहम्॥

Shloka 6

रामं लक्ष्मणपूर्वजं रघुवरं सीतापतिं सुन्दरम्। काकुत्स्थं करुणार्णवं गुणनिधिं विप्रप्रियं धार्मिकम्॥

Shloka 7

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय विधये। रघुनाथाय नाथाय जानकीवल्लभाय च॥

Shloka 8

रामाष्टकमिदं पुण्यं यः पठेत् प्रयतः शुचिः। स विष्णोः परमं धाम याति नात्र संशयः॥

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ram Ashtakam

What is the Ram Ashtakam and how is it different from the Hanuman Chalisa?

The Ram Ashtakam is an 8-verse Sanskrit hymn directly praising Lord Rama's names, virtues, and divine attributes. The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse Hindi composition by Tulsidas that praises Hanuman while frequently narrating Hanuman's devotion to and service of Rama. The Ashtakam is more concise and in Sanskrit, while the Chalisa is longer and in Awadhi Hindi.

What are the 8 names of Rama praised in this Ashtakam?

The eight salutations in the Ram Ashtakam invoke Rama as: (1) Rama — the one who delights, (2) Ramabhadra — the auspicious Rama, (3) Ramachandra — the moon-like Rama, (4) Raghunatha — lord of the Raghu dynasty, (5) Sitapati — lord of Sita, (6) Lokabhirama — delight of all worlds, (7) Janakivallabha — beloved of Janaki (Sita), and (8) the supreme abode of Vishnu.

When is Ram Navami and why is this Ashtakam important on that day?

Ram Navami falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaitra (March–April) and celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Reciting the Ram Ashtakam on Ram Navami is especially meritorious, as it is believed to shower blessings equivalent to a thousand regular recitations. Devotees also recite the Ramayana, perform Rama Puja, and distribute prasad on this day.

What does "Maryada Purushottam" mean in relation to Rama?

"Maryada Purushottam" (मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम) means "the foremost among men who upholds righteous boundaries." Maryada means righteous limits or boundaries of conduct, and Purushottama means the best/highest among men. Rama is celebrated as the ideal person who adhered to duty (dharma), truth, and honour even at great personal cost, making him the exemplar of righteous living.

When is the best time to recite the Ram Ashtakam daily?

The Ram Ashtakam is best recited in the early morning after bathing, during the Brahma Muhurta (the auspicious pre-dawn period). Sunday (Ravivara) is also auspicious for Rama worship. Additionally, Ekadashi (the eleventh lunar day), Ram Navami, and the months of Chaitra and Kartika are particularly favourable times for recitation of Rama prayers.