Sri Ramaraksha Sthothram by Maharishi Budha kaushika – Lyrics and meanings

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||

The glorious hymns of Sri Ramaraksha was composed by Maharishi Budha Koushik, Sri Sitaramachandhra as Devatha, Chandhass is Anustup, Seetha is Shakthi and Srimad Hanuman is Keelakam, it is recited to please Lord Sri Ramachandra.

Dhyanam –

I shall meditate upon Lord Ramachandra who is wielded in bow and arrow and has powerful arms, seated on the padmasana posture, he is attired in majestic yellow clothes, his eyes has the resemblance to the freshly blossomed lotus flower petal, he is pleasing nature, he has the complexion of black clouds, his eyes are firmly fixed upon the lotus like face of Sita who is seated on his lap, he shines with various ornaments and he has matted hair locks.  The glorious legend of Lord Raghunatha was written in four billion verses, each word of this hymn is capable to destroy the highest of the sins.  I shall meditate upon Lord Rama who has the complexion of the flower of Neelothpala/blue lillis, his eye has the resemblance to lotus flower, he has matted hair locks and he is surrounded by Janaki and Lakshmana. He is wielded in bow and arrow and sword, he is incarnated for the annihilation demons and protect the world.  Whoever recites or listens to this hymn with devotion would get relieved from sins and all the desires would be fulfilled.

Let Raghava protect my head, let my forehead protect by the son of Dhasharatha, let my eyes protect by the son of Koushalya and dearest to Vishwamithra, let my nose protect by the protector of Yagnas, let my face protect by the one who is dearest to Lakshmana, let my tongue protect by the one who is the personification of intelligence and wisdom, let my throat protect by the one who is venerated by Bharatha, let my shoulders protect by the one who is wielded with divine weapons, let my arms protect by the one who broke the divine bow, let my hands protect by Sithapathi/consort of Sita, let my heart protect by the one who won over Parashurama/son of Jamadagni, let my middle part of the body protect by the one who destroyed the demon Khara, let my navel protect by the one who is the Lord of Jambhava, let my hips protect by the Lord of Sugriva, let my back protect by the Lord of Hanuman, let my thighs protect by the one who is superior among the Raghu clan, let my knees protect by the one who constructed the famous bridge Sethu, let my joints protect by the one who is the slayer of demon Ravana, let my feet protect by the one who provided shelter to Vibheeshana, let all the parts of my body remain protected by  Lord Rama. 

The virtuous whoever listens or recites the Raksha hymns which is based on the power of Rama, would live a  long, happy and successful life with offspring, whoever reads this glorious hymns would safely move through the netherland/Pathalabhoomi, earth and sky.  Whoever listens or recites the sacred names Rama, Ramachandra, and Ramabhadra would be free from sins, and worldly bondages, ultimately liberated from the repeated births.  Whoever wears the protective hymns as armor around neck would attain superior spiritual powers, whoever listens or recites the Ramakavacham/protective armor known as cage of diamond/Vajrapanchara, would be honored by all and attain all the auspiciousness.  The above verses of Ramaraksha are advised by Lord Shiva in my dream, and it was written as it is on the very next day by Budha Koushika.

The supreme Lord Rama is the Lord of the Universe, who is wish fulfilling tree/Kalpatharu, he is omnipresent, and he is admired in three worlds.  Let us remain protected by the sons of Dhasharatha, let us remain protected by brothers Rama and Lakshmana, who are charming and youthful, powerful, valorous and has broad eyes like lotus flower, attired in the skin of woods, consumes fruits and roots, performs strict austerities and pure ascetic, protects all the living beings, virtuous, profound knowledge in the usage of bow and arrow and they are the annihilators of demons.  Let us remain protected by Rama and Lakshman who are wielded in bow and arrow and have powerful shoulders.  Let me remain protected by Rama and Lakshmana who are wielded in armor, sword, bow and arrow, and let them resides in my mind always. 

Whoever recties the sacred name of Lord  Rama,  who is  Dhasharathi/son of Dhasharatha, valorous, always followed by Lakshmana, born in the clan of Kakusha, son of Koushalya, superior among the Raghu clan, known by sacred scriptures, Veda, he is Yagnesha, he is primordial, darling of Janaki, he is Aprameya, fearless, etc… with utmost devotion, would attain the meriotorious rewards superior than the Ashwamedha Yagna. Whoever recites the scared names of Lord Rama who has dark blue complexion, lotus flower like eyes, attired in yellow clothes, would be freed from Samsara/ repeated births.

My humble salutation to  Lord Rama, who is charming and attractive, brother of Lakshman, born in the clan of Raghus, consort of Sita, he belongs to the clan of Kakustha, he is the personification of compassion, he is the treasure house of virtues, he is fond of Vedic scholars, he is righteous, he is best among the Kings, he is the personification of Truth, he is the son of King Dhasharatha, he is dark blue complexioned, he is serene, he is worshiped by the whole Universe, he is superior among the Raghus and slayer of Ravana.  I shall prostrate before Lord Rama/ Ramabhadhra, Ramachandhra, Raghunatha, who is the consort of Sita, he is the personification of sacred Veda.  I shall take refuge at the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra, who is Srirama/consort of Sri, he is Raghunandhana/son of Raghu he is Bharathagraja/elder brother to Bharatha, and he is expert in war fields.  I shall sincerely meditate upon the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra, I shall eulogise the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra, I shall prostrate before the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra, and therefore I shall surrender at the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra.  The supreme Lord Ramachandra is my mother and father, he is my protector and close associate as well.  The compassionate Lord Ramachandra is everything to me and I am not aware of any deities other than him.  I shall meditate upon Lord Raghunandhana, along with Lakshman on his right, Janakathmaja/Sita on his left and Maruthi on front.  I shall surrender at the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra, who is charming, prominent in war tactics, he has lotus flower like eyes, he is superior among the Raghus, and he is the personification of mercy.  I shall bow down my head and prostrate before Lord Anjaneya who is the emissary of Lord Rama, who is highly intellectual, he has the speed of wind, he has perfect control over senses, and he is the son of Lord Vayu, and superior among the monkey warriors.  My humble salutation to Maharishi Valmiki who has assumed the form of nightingale and mellifluously sang ‘Rama, Ramethi’ resting on the branch of poem.  I shall prostrate before Lord Rama, who is charming, destroyer of perils and provides all the auspiciousness, whoever loudly utter the sacred name of Rama would get relieved from all the sorrows and grief from the world of Samsara and the would attain all the pleasures and affluence, consequently drive away the messengers of Lord Yama.

I shall meditate upon Lord Rama who is the King of jewel/Rajamani, consort of Rama/Sita,  I shall prostrate before Lord Rama who is the destroyer of demons, I shall remain humble servant of Lord Rama who is my safe heaven, let my mind always immersed in the thoughts of Lord Rama.   Oh! Rama, kindly protects me.  Oh! Manorame/beautiful young maiden, I am completely immersed in the thoughts of Rama, reciting the sacred name of Lord Rama is the same reciting thousands of his sacred names.

Asya  Sri Ramaraksha Sthothra Manthrasya Budha Koushika Rishi: |

Sri Sitaramachandhro Devatha | Anushtup Chandha: |

Seetha Shakthi: | Srimad Hanuman Keelakam |

Sri Ramachandhra Preethyarthe Ramaraksha Sthothra Jape  Viniyoga: ||

Dhyanam –

Dhyayeth Ajanubahum Dhruthashara Dhanusham Baddha  Padmasanastham |

Peetham Vaso Vasanam Navakamaladhala  Spardhinethram Prasannam |

Vamamkarooda Seetha Mukhakamalamila Lochanam Neeradhabham |

Nana Alankara Dheeptham Dhadhathamuru Jadamandanam Ramachandhram ||

Sthothram –

Charitham Raghunathasya  Shathakodi Pravistharam |

Yekaikam Aksharam Pumsam Mahapathaka Nashanam ||

Dhyathva  Neelothpala Shyamam  Ramam Rajeevalochanam |

Janaki  Lakshmanopetham Jada Makuda Manditham||

Sasithoona Dhanurbana Panim Nakthanjaranthakam |

Swa Leelaya  Jagathrathum Avirbhootham Ajam Vibhum ||

Ramaraksham Padeth Prajja: Papagnim Sarvakamadham |

Shiro Me  Raghava: Pathu  Phalam Dhasharathathmaja: ||

Kousalyeyo Dhrushou Pathu  Vishwamithrapriya: Shruthi |

GhranamPathu  Makhathratha Mukham Soumithri Vathsala: ||

Jihvam Vidhyanidhi: Pathu Kandam Bharathavandhitha: |

Skandhou Dhivyayudha: Pathu Bhujou Bhagneshakarmuka: ||

Karou Seethapathi: Pathu Hrudhayam Jamadagnyajith |

Madhyam Pathu Kharadhvamsi Nabhim Jambavadhashraya: ||

Sugrivesha: Kadi Pathu Sakdhini Hanumathuprabhu: |

OOru Raghooththama: Pathu Raksha: Kulavinashakrith ||

Januni Sethukrith Pathu Janghe  Dhashamukhanthaka: |

Padhou  Vibheeshanashridha: Pathu  Ramo Akhilam Vapu: ||

Yetham Rama Balopetham Raksham Ya: Sukrithi Padeth |

Sa Chirayu: Sukhi Puthri Vijayi Vinayi Bhaveth ||

Pathala Bhoothala Vyoma Charinaschadhma Charina: |

Na Dhrashtumapi  Shakthasthe  Rakshitham  Ramanamabhi: ||

Ramethi Ramabhadhrethi Ramachandhrethi  Va Smaran |

Naro Na Lipyathe  Papai: Bhukthim Mukthimscha Vindhathi ||

Jagathjaithraika Manthrena Rama Namnabhirakshitham |

Ya: Kande Dharayeththasya  Karasthadha: Sarva Siddhaya: ||

Vajra Panchara  Namedham Yo Ramakavacham Smareth |

Avyahathajja: Sarvathra Labathe Jayamangalam ||

Adishtvan Yadha Swapne Ramaraksham Imam Hara: |

Thadha Likhithavan Pratha:  Prabuddho  Budhakaushika: ||

Arama: Kalpavrukshanam Virama: Sakalapadham |

Abirama Sthrilokanam Rama:  Sriman Sa Na: Prabhu: ||

Tharunou Roopasampannou Sukumarau Mahabalau |

Pundareeka Vishalakshau Cheera Krishnanjinambarau ||

Phalamoolashinau Dhanthau Thapasau Bhramacharinau |

Puthrau Dhasharathasythau Bhratharau Ramalakshmanau ||

Sharanyau Sarva Saththvanam Shreshtau Sarva Dhanushmatham |

Raksha: Kulanihantharau  Thrayetham No Raghoothamau ||

Aaththa Sajja Dhanushavishu Sprushavakshayashuga Nishanga  Sanginau |

Rakshanaya Mama Rakalakshmanavagratha: Padhi Sadhaiva  Gacchatham ||

Sannadha: Kavachi  Gadgi Chapabanadharo Yuva |

Gacchan Manoradhannascha Rama: Pathu Sa Lakshmana: ||

Ramo Dhasharathi: Shooro  Lakshmananucharo Bali |

Kakustha: Purusha: Poorna;  Koushalyeyo Raghooththama: ||

Vedantha Vedhyo Yajjesha: Purana Purushoththama : |

Janakivallabha: Sriman  Aprameya Parakrama: ||

Ithyethani Japen Nithyam Madh Bhaktha: Shraddhayanvitha: |

Ashwamedhadhikam Punyam Samprapnothi Na Samshaya: ||

Ramam  DhurvadhalaShyamam Padmaksham Peethavasasam |

Sthuvanthi Namabhir Dhivyai: Na The  Samsarino Nara: ||

Ramam  Lakshmana Poorvajam Raghuvaram Seethapathim Sundaram |

Kakustham  Karunarnnavam Gunanidhim Viprapriyam Dharmikam |

Rajendhram Sathyasandham Dhasharatha Thanayam Shyamalam  Shanthamoorthim |

Vandhe Lokabhiramam Raghukula Thilakam Raghavam Ravanarim ||

Ramaya Ramabhdhraya  Ramachandhraya Vedase |

Raghunathaya Nathya Seethaya:  Pathaye Nama: ||

Sri Rama Rama Raghunandhana Rama Rama |

Sri Rama Rama Bharathagraja  Rama Rama |

Sri Rama Rama  Ranakarkkasha  Rama Rama |

Sri Rama Rama Sharanam Bhava Rama Rama ||

Sri Ramachandra Charanau Manasa Smarami |

Sri Ramachandra Charanau Vachasa Grunami |

Sri Ramachandra Charanau Shirasa Namami |

Sri Ramachandra Charanau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Matha Ramo Math Pitha Ramachandra: |

Swami Ramo  Math Sakha Ramachandra: |

Sarvasvam Mey  Ramachandhro Dhayalu: |

Nanyam Jane Naiva  Jane Na Jane  ||

Dhakshine Lakshmano Yasya Vame  Cha Janakathmaja |

Puratho  Maruthir Yasya Tham Vandhe Raghunandhanam ||

Lokabhiramam Rana Ranga Dheeram | Rajeev a Neethram  Raghuvamsha Natham |

Karunyaroopam Karunakaram Tham | Sriramachandram  Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Manojavam Marutha Thulya Vegam | Jithendhriyam Buddhimatham Varishtam |

Vathathmajam Vanarayoodha Mukhyam | Sri Ramamdhootham Shirasa Namami ||

Koojantham Rama Ramethi Madhuram Madhuraksharam |

Aruhya Kavithashakham  Vandhe Valmiki Kokilam ||

Apadham Apahartharam Dhatharam Sarvasampatham |

Lokabhiramam Sri Ramam Bhooyo Bhooyo Namamyaham ||

Bharjjanam Bhava Beejanam Arjjanam Sukhasampadham |

Tharjjanam Yamadhoothanam Rama Ramethi Garjjanam ||

Ramo Rajamani: Sadha Vijayathe  Ramam Ramesham Bhaje |

Ramenabhihatha  Nishacharachamu Ramaya Thasmai Nama: |

Ramannasthi Parayanam Paratharam  Ramasya Dhasyosmyaham |

Rame Chiththalaya: Sadha Bhavathu Me Bho Rama Mamudhdhara||

Sri Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Rame Manorame |

Sahashranama Thath Thulyam Ramanama Varanane ||

|| Ithi Ramaraksha Sthothram Sampoornam ||

|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||