Lord Shiva ordered sage Budha Kaushika to create the most powerful protecting shield for devotees and sage Budha Kaushika under the advice of Lord Shiva wrote Sri Ram Raksha Stotra. There is a reference to this divine hymn in Rig-Veda. ‘Ram Raksha’ literally means ‘Protection from Lord Sri Rama (to us)’. Sri Ram Raksha Stotra is also called Rama-Kavach, a shield of Protection by Lord Sri Ram, It is Sri Ram’s armor called Vajrapanjarnamedam (वज्रपंजरनामेदं). As Lord Ram belongs to the lineage of Sun, so astrologically speaking, recitation of this Mantra gives strength to the natal Sun in your astrological birth chart.
॥ श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रम् ॥
श्रीगणेशायनम: ।
अस्य श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य ।
बुधकौशिक ऋषि: ।
श्रीसीतारामचंद्रोदेवता ।
अनुष्टुप् छन्द: । सीता शक्ति: ।
श्रीमद्हनुमान् कीलकम् ।
श्रीसीतारामचंद्रप्रीत्यर्थे जपे विनियोग: ॥
॥Sri Ram Raksha Stotram ॥
Sri Ganeshaya Namah
Asya Sri Rama Raksha Stotra Manthrasya
Budha Kousika Rishi, Sri Sita Ramachandra Devatha,
Anushtup Chanda, Sita Shakthi, Srimad Hanumana Keelakam,
Sri Sita Ramachandra Preethyarthe Jape Viniyogaha
OM, Salutations to Lord Ganesh. The author of this hymn is Budha Kaushik . The deity is Sita Ramachandra . The metre is anushTubh. The power is Sita, the central pivot is Hanumana and usage is to recite.
॥ अथ ध्यानम् ॥
ध्यायेदाजानुबाहुं धृतशरधनुषं बद्दद्पद्मासनस्थं ।
पीतं वासोवसानं नवकमलदलस्पर्धिनेत्रं प्रसन्नम् ॥
वामाङ्कारूढसीता मुखकमलमिलल्लोचनं नीरदाभं ।
नानालङ्कारदीप्तं दधतमुरुजटामण्डनं रामचंद्रम् ॥
॥ Aththa Dhyanam ॥
Dhyayed Ajanu Bahum Drutha Sara Danusham Badha Padmasanastham,
Peetham Vaso Avasanam, Nava Kamala Dala Spardhi Nethram, Prasannam,
Vamangaruda Sita Mukha Kamala Milalochanam Neeradhabham,
Danalangara Deeptham Datha Muru Jada Mandalam Ramachandram ||
Thus begins the dhyana of this mantra. One should meditate on Rama who has arms reaching his knees, who is holding a bow and arrow, who is seated in a lotus position, who is wearing yellow clothes, whose eyes compete with the petals of a fresh lotus, and who looks satisfied, whose eyes are fixed on lotus-like (pretty) face of Sita sitting in his left lap, whose color is like that of rain cloud, who has adorned different jewelry, who is wearing hair reaching up to his thighs.
॥ इति ध्यानम् ॥
चरितं रघुनाथस्य शतकोटिप्रविस्तरम् ।
एकैकमक्षरं पुंसां महापातकनाशनम् ॥१॥
॥ Iththi Dhayanam ॥
Charitham Raghu Nadasya Satha Koti Pravistharam,
Ekaikamaksharam Pumsam Maha Pathaka Nasanam ॥1॥
The life story of Shri Rama has a vast expanse and each and every letter of it is capable of destroying even the greatest sins of mankind.
ध्यात्वा नीलोत्पलश्यामं रामं राजीवलोचनम् ।
जानकीलक्ष्मणॊपेतं जटामुकुटमण्डितम् ॥२॥
Dhyathwa Neelolpala Shyamam Ramam Rajeevalochanam,
Janaki Lakshmano Petham, Jata Makuta Manditham ॥2॥
Let us meditate on the lotus-eyed, dark-complexioned Rama who is well-adorned with a crown of hair and has Sita and Lakshmana alongside.
सासितूणधनुर्बाणपाणिं नक्तं चरान्तकम् ।
स्वलीलया जगत्त्रातुमाविर्भूतमजं विभुम् ॥३॥
Sasi Thoona Dhanur Bahu Panim Naktham charaantakam,
Swa Leelaya Jagathrathum, Avirbhoottham Ajam Vibhum ॥3॥
(Let us meditate Rama) who has a sword in a receptacle and bow, and arrows, who destroyed the demons, who is not born but is incarnated to protect the world with his actions.
रामरक्षां पठॆत्प्राज्ञ: पापघ्नीं सर्वकामदाम् ।
शिरो मे राघव: पातु भालं दशरथात्मज: ॥४॥
Rama Raksham Padeth Pragnaha, Papaghneem Sarva Kamadham,
Siro May Raghava Pathu, Phalam Dasarathathmaja ॥4॥
May the learned to read the Ramaraksha `stotram’, which destroys all sins and grants all desires. May Rama who is Raghu’s descendant protect my head. May Rama who is Dasharatha’s son protect my forehead.
कौसल्येयो दृशौ पातु विश्वामित्रप्रिय: श्रुती ।
घ्राणं पातु मखत्राता मुखं सौमित्रिवत्सल: ॥५॥
Kousalyeyo Drusou Pathu, Viswamithra Priya Sruthi,
Granam Pathu Makhathrath, Mukham Soumithri Vathsalaha ॥5॥
May the Raama who is Kausalyaa’s son, protect my eyes. Rama who is a favorite of Vishvamitra protects my ears . Rama who is the savior of yagyas protect my nose. Rama who is affectionate to Lakshmana protect my mouth .
जिव्हां विद्दानिधि: पातु कण्ठं भरतवंदित: ।
स्कन्धौ दिव्यायुध: पातु भुजौ भग्नेशकार्मुक: ॥६॥
Jihwam Vidhyanidhi Pathu, Kandam Bharathavanditha,
Skandou Divyayudha Pathu, Bhujowbhagnea Karmukha ॥6॥
May the Rama who is a sea of knowledge protects my tongue. May Rama who is saluted by Bharata protect my neck. May Rama who holds divine weapons protect my two shoulders. May Rama who broke Shiva’s bow protect my two upper arms.
करौ सीतपति: पातु हृदयं जामदग्न्यजित् ।
मध्यं पातु खरध्वंसी नाभिं जाम्बवदाश्रय: ॥७॥
Karou Sithapathi Pathu, Hrudayam Jamadagnyajith,
Madhyam Padu Khara Dwamsi, Nabhim Jambhavadasrya ॥7॥
May the Rama who is the husband of Sita protect my two hands. May Rama who conquered Parashurama protect my heart. May Rama who killed rakshasa named Khara protect my abdomen. May Rama who gave refuge to Jambavadh protect my navel.
सुग्रीवेश: कटी पातु सक्थिनी हनुमत्प्रभु: ।
ऊरू रघुत्तम: पातु रक्ष:कुलविनाशकृत् ॥८॥
Sugreevesa Kateem Pathu, Sakthithini Hanumath Prabhu,
Ooru Raghoothama Pathuraksha Kulavinasa Kruth ॥8॥
May Rama who is the master of Sugriva protects my waist. May Rama who is the master of Hanumana protect my two hips. May Rama who is the best of raghus and who destroyed the lineage of raakshasa protect my two thighs .
जानुनी सेतुकृत्पातु जङ्घे दशमुखान्तक: ।
पादौ बिभीषणश्रीद: पातु रामोSखिलं वपु: ॥९॥
Januni Sethu Kruth Padu, Janghe Dasamukhandaka,
Padou Vibheeshanasreedha, Pathu Ramokhilam Vapu ॥9॥
May Rama who built the bridge protect my two knees. May Rama who killed ten-faced ones protect my two shins. May Rama who gave the wealth to Vibheeshana protect my two feet. Thus may he protect my entire body.
एतां रामबलोपेतां रक्षां य: सुकृती पठॆत् ।
स चिरायु: सुखी पुत्री विजयी विनयी भवेत् ॥१०॥
Etham Rama Balopethaam Rakshaam Ya Sukruthee Padeth.
Sa Chirayu Sukhee Puthree Vijayee Bhaveth ॥10॥
May the good man who read this `stotra’, which has all the power of Rama, be blessed with long life, happiness, children, success and humility.
पातालभूतलव्योम चारिणश्छद्मचारिण: ।
न द्र्ष्टुमपि शक्तास्ते रक्षितं रामनामभि: ॥११॥
Patala Bhoothala Vyoma Charina Chathmacharina,
Na Drushtumapi Shakthasthe Rakshitham Ramanamabhi ॥11॥
No one, who is wandering below the earth or on the earth or above the earth or those who wander surreptitiously changing their forms, will even be able to see the man protected by name of Rama, let alone bring any harm to him.
रामेति रामभद्रेति रामचंद्रेति वा स्मरन् ।
नरो न लिप्यते पापै भुक्तिं मुक्तिं च विन्दति ॥१२॥
Ramethi, Ramabhadrethi Ramachandrethi Yaa Smaran,
Naro Na Lipyathe Papair Bukthim Mukthincha Vindathi ॥12॥
No sin can attach to the man who sings the praise of the lord Rama and he will prosper in this world and get salvation.
जगज्जेत्रैकमन्त्रेण रामनाम्नाभिरक्षितम् ।
य: कण्ठे धारयेत्तस्य करस्था: सर्वसिद्द्दय: ॥१३॥
Jagajaithrakamanthrena Ramanamnabhirakshitham,
Ya Kanthe Dharayethasya Karastha Sarva Sidhaya ॥13॥
One who wears this mantra of Rama’s name (naama) that has conquered the world around his neck will have all the powers at his beck and call.
वज्रपंजरनामेदं यो रामकवचं स्मरेत् ।
अव्याहताज्ञ: सर्वत्र लभते जयमंगलम् ॥१४॥
Vajra Panjara Namedham Yo Rama Kavacham Smareth,
Aavyahathagna Sarvathra Labhathe Jaya Mangalam ॥14॥
He who wears this armor of Rama gets a shield of Protection by Sri Rama called Vajrapanjarnamedam (वज्रपंजरनामेदं) and will get victory everywhere.
आदिष्टवान् यथा स्वप्ने रामरक्षामिमां हर: ।
तथा लिखितवान् प्रात: प्रबुद्धो बुधकौशिक: ॥१५॥
Aadishtavan yada swapne Ramaraksham imama hara,
Thadha likhithavan pratha prabudho Budhakousika ॥15॥
Budha Kaushik was commanded in his dream by Lord Shiva to compose this hymn
and he did so, as soon as he awoke in the morning.
आराम: कल्पवृक्षाणां विराम: सकलापदाम् ।
अभिरामस्त्रिलोकानां राम: श्रीमान् स न: प्रभु: ॥१६॥
Aarama Kalpa Vrukshanam, Virama Sakalapadam,
Abhiramassthrilokanam, Rama Sriman Na Prabhu ॥16॥
Rama, who grants all desires, removes all obstacles, and is the praise of all three worlds, is our `Lord’ indeed.
तरुणौ रूपसंपन्नौ सुकुमारौ महाबलौ ।
पुण्डरीकविशालाक्षौ चीरकृष्णाजिनाम्बरौ ॥१७॥
Tharunou Roopa Sampannou, Sukumarou Maha Balou,
Pundareeka Visalakshou Cheerakrushna Jinambarou ॥17॥
May the two brothers (Rama and Lakshmana) ever protect us, who are young, handsome, lotus-eyed,a bark, and deer-skin dressed.
फलमूलशिनौ दान्तौ तापसौ ब्रह्मचारिणौ ।
पुत्रौ दशरथस्यैतौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ ॥१८॥
Phala Moolasinou Danthou Thapasou Brahmachrinou,
Puthrou Dasarathasyathou Bratharou Ramalakshmanou ॥18॥
These two sons of Dasharatha, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana, the ones who are subsisting on roots and fruits and practicing penance and celibacy, these two scions of Raghu protect us.
शरण्यौ सर्वसत्वानां श्रेष्ठौ सर्वधनुष्मताम् ।
रक्ष:कुलनिहन्तारौ त्रायेतां नो रघुत्तमौ ॥१९॥
Saranya Sarva Sathwanam Sreshtou Sarva Danushmatham,
Raksha Kula Nihanthou Traayetham No Raghothamou ॥19॥
The foremost among the archers, the destroyers of the demons, and the refuge of all beings, (may they) protect us.
आत्तसज्जधनुषा विषुस्पृशा वक्षया शुगनिषङ्ग सङिगनौ ।
रक्षणाय मम रामलक्ष्मणा वग्रत: पथि सदैव गच्छताम् ॥२०॥
Aatha Sajja Danusha Vishu Sprusa Vakshaya Suga Nishanga Sanginou,
Rakshanaya Mama Ramalakshmanaa Vagratha, Padhi Sadaiva Gachathaam ॥20॥
Rama and Lakshmana (both), their bows pulled and ready, their hands on the arrows (packed) in ever full quivers (carried on their backs), may they always escort me in my path, for my protection
संनद्ध: कवची खड्गी चापबाणधरो युवा ।
गच्छन्मनोरथोSस्माकं राम: पातु सलक्ष्मण: ॥२१॥
Sanadha Kavachee Gadgi Chapa Bana Dharo Yuva,
Gachan Manoradhosmakam Rama Pathu Sa Lakshmana ॥21॥
Ever prepared and armed with sword, shield and bows, and arrows and followed by Lakshman, Rama is like our cherished thoughts come to life, may he (along with Lakshmana) protect us .
रामो दाशरथि: शूरो लक्ष्मणानुचरो बली ।
काकुत्स्थ: पुरुष: पूर्ण: कौसल्येयो रघुत्तम: ॥२२॥
Ramo Dasaradhi Shooro Lakshmanucharo Balee,
Kakustha Purusha Poorna Kousalyayo Raghothama ॥22॥
Rama, the scion of Raghu and the son of Dasaratha and Kausalya, and ever, accompanied by Lakshmana, is all powerful and is the perfect man (Lord).
वेदान्तवेद्यो यज्ञेश: पुराणपुरुषोत्तम: ।
जानकीवल्लभ: श्रीमानप्रमेय पराक्रम: ॥२३॥
Vedantha Vedhyo Yagnesa Purana Purushothama,
Janaki Vallabha Sreeman Aprameya Parakrama ॥23॥
Rama, who is perceived through Vedanta, as the lord of all Yagya, is ancient and the best man who is beloved of Janaki and whose bravery is unmeasurable.
इत्येतानि जपेन्नित्यं मद्भक्त: श्रद्धयान्वित: ।
अश्वमेधायुतं पुण्यं संप्राप्नोति न संशय: ॥२४॥
Ithyethani Japenithyam madbhaktha Shradhayanvitha,
Aswamedhadhikam Punyam Samprapnothi Na Sanshaya ॥24॥
My devotee (says Lord Shiva), who recites these (names of Rama) with faith, will attain more religious merit than one obtainable by horse sacrifice. There is no doubt about it.
रामं दूर्वादलश्यामं पद्माक्षं पीतवाससम् ।
स्तुवन्ति नामभिर्दिव्यैर्न ते संसारिणो नर: ॥२५॥
Ramam Doorvadala Shyamam Padmaksham Peetha Vasasam,
Sthuvanthi Namabhir Divyai Na They Samsarino Nara ॥25॥
Those who sing the praise of Rama (who is lotus-eyed, dark-complexioned, and dressed in yellow clothes) through this hymn, are (no longer) ordinary men trapped in the world (they get liberated!)
रामं लक्शमण पूर्वजं रघुवरं सीतापतिं सुंदरम् ।
काकुत्स्थं करुणार्णवं गुणनिधिं विप्रप्रियं धार्मिकम्
राजेन्द्रं सत्यसंधं दशरथनयं श्यामलं शान्तमूर्तिम् ।
वन्दे लोकभिरामं रघुकुलतिलकं राघवं रावणारिम् ॥२६॥
Ramam Lakshmana Poorvajam Raghuvaram Seethapathim Sundaram,
Kakustham Karunarnavam Guna Nidhim Vipra Priyam Dharmikam
Rajendram Sathya Sandham Dasaratha Thanayamshyamalamsanthamoorthim,
Vande Lokabhiramam, Raghukula thilakamRaghavam Ravanarim ॥26॥
I salute that Rama who is handsome, the elder brother of Lakshmana, the husband of Sita and the best of the scions of the Raghu race, Him who is the ocean of compassion, the stockpile of virtues, the beloved of the Brahmans and the protector of Dharma, Him who is the practicer of the Truth, the lord emperor of kings, the son of Dasharatha, dark-complexioned and the personification of Peace and tranquillity, Him who is the enemy of
Ravana, is the crown jewel of the Raghu dynasty and the cynosure of all eyes.
रामाय रामभद्राय रामचंद्राय वेधसे ।
रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीताया: पतये नम: ॥२७॥
Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase,
Raghu Nadhaya Nadhaya Seethaya Pathae Namaha ॥27॥
I salute that Rama who is benevolent and cool as the moon, and who is the lord of Sita and the master guardian of all.
श्रीराम राम रघुनन्दन राम राम ।
श्रीराम राम भरताग्रज राम राम ।
श्रीराम राम रणकर्कश राम राम ।
श्रीराम राम शरणं भव राम राम ॥२८॥
Sri Rama Rama Raghu Nandana Rama Rama,
Sri Rama Rama Bharathagraja Rama Rama,
Sri Rama Rama Rana Karkasa Rama Rama Rama,
Sri Ramachandra Saranam Bhava Rama Rama ॥28॥
I surrender to that Rama who is the delight of the Raghus, elder brother of Bharata and the tormentor of his enemies in the war .
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ मनसा स्मरामि ।
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ वचसा गृणामि ।
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शिरसा नमामि ।
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणौ शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥२९॥
Sri Ramachandra Charanou Manasa Smarami,
Sri Ramachandra Charanou Vachasa Grunami,
Sri Ramachandra Charanou Sirasa Namami,
Sri Ramachandra Charanou Saranam Prapadhye ॥29॥
The two feet of Rama, I remember them in my mind, I praise them by my speech, I bow to them by my head I take resort in them
माता रामो मत्पिता रामचंन्द्र: ।
स्वामी रामो मत्सखा रामचंद्र: ।
सर्वस्वं मे रामचन्द्रो दयालु ।
नान्यं जाने नैव जाने न जाने ॥३०॥
Matha Ramo, Math Pitha Ramachandra,
Swami Ramo, Math Sakha Ramachandra,
Sarvaswam May Ramachandro Dayalu,
Na Anyam Naiva Jane Na Jane ॥30॥
Rama is (like) my mother, father, master, and friend, indeed the kind-hearted Rama is all I have. I know no other (like him), (I really) don’t.
दक्षिणे लक्ष्मणो यस्य वामे तु जनकात्मजा ।
पुरतो मारुतिर्यस्य तं वन्दे रघुनंदनम् ॥३१॥
Dakshine Lakshmano, Yasye Vame Cha Janakathmaja,
Puratho Maruthir Yasya Tham Vande Raghunandanam ॥31॥
I salute Rama who has Lakshmana on his right and Sita on the left and who has Hanuman in his front.
लोकाभिरामं रनरङ्गधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम् ।
कारुण्यरूपं करुणाकरंतं श्रीरामचंद्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥३२॥
Lokabhiramam Rana Ranga Dheeram Rajheeva Nethram Raghuvamsa Nadham,
Karunya Roopamkarunakaram Tham Sri Ramachandram Saranam Prapadhye ॥32॥
I take refuge in that Rama who is quite pleasing to the sight, the master of the stage of the war, lotus-eyed, lord of the Raghu race, and compassion- personified.
मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम् ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥३३॥
Mano Javam, Maruda Thulya Vegam,Jithendriyam Buddhi Matham Varishtam,
Vatha Atmajam Vanara Yudha Mukhyam, Sree Rama Dootham Sharnam Prapadhe ॥33॥
I take refuge in the lord Hanuman who is as fast as the mind, equals his father, the wind-God, in speed, is the master of the senses, the foremost amongst the learned, the leader of the Monkey forces, and the great messenger of Shri Rama.
कूजन्तं रामरामेति मधुरं मधुराक्षरम् ।
आरुह्य कविताशाखां वन्दे वाल्मीकिकोकिलम् ॥३४॥
Koojantham Rama Ramethi Maduram Madsuraksharam,
Aaroohya Kavitha Shakhaam Vande Valmiki Kikokilam ॥34॥
I salute the great sage Valmiki who sings the glorious name of Rama resorting to his Ramayana as sweetly as a cuckoo will sing sitting atop a tree.
आपदामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसंपदाम् ।
लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो भूयो नमाम्यहम् ॥३५॥
Apadam Apa Hantharam Datharam Dana Sarva Sampadam,
Lokabhiramam Sriramam Bhooyo Bhooyo Namamyaham ॥35॥
I bow again and again to Rama who removes all obstacles and grants all wealth and pleases all.
भर्जनं भवबीजानामर्जनं सुखसंपदाम् ।
तर्जनं यमदूतानां रामरामेति गर्जनम् ॥३६॥
Bharjanam Bhava Bheejanamarjanam Sukhasampadam,
Tharjanam Yama Dhoothanam Rama Ramethi Garjanam ॥36॥
The roar of the Ramanama is the destruction of the cause of rebirth (hence the cause of liberation), the earning of all wealth, and a scare to Yama’s messengers.
रामो राजमणि: सदा विजयते रामं रमेशं भजे ।
रामेणाभिहता निशाचरचमू रामाय तस्मै नम: ।
रामान्नास्ति परायणं परतरं रामस्य दासोSस्म्यहम् ।
रामे चित्तलय: सदा भवतु मे भो राम मामुद्धर ॥३७॥
Ramo Rajamani Sada Vijayathe Ramam Ramesam Bhaje,
Ramenabhihatha Nisachara Chamoo Ramaya Thasmai Namaha,
Ramannasthi Parayanam Paratharam Ramasya Dasosmyaham,
Rame Chitha Laya Sada Bhavthu May Bho Rama Mamudhara ॥37॥
Rama, the jewel among the kings, Him I worship, by Him the hordes demons have been destroyed, to him has said my prayer, beyond Him there is nothing to be worshipped, His servant I am, my mind is totally absorbed in Him, O Ram, please lift me up. This verse gives all the seven declensions of the singular word Rama and gives one way of remembering them!
राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे ।
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥३८॥
Sri Rama Rama Ramethi Reme Rame Manorame,
Sahasra Nama Thathulyam Rama Nama Varanane ॥38॥
O fair-faced Parvati! I enjoy saying Rama Rama. Uttering but once the name `Rama’ is equal to the uttering of any other `name’ of God, a thousand times.
इति श्रीबुधकौशिकविरचितं श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रं संपूर्णम् ॥
Ithi Budha Koushika Virachitham Rama Raksha Stotram Sampornam ॥
Sri Budha Koushika composed Sri Rama Raksha Stotram is complete here.
॥ श्री सीतारामचंद्रार्पणमस्तु ॥
॥ Sri Sitaramchandrarpanamasthu ॥
This composition is devoted to the holy feet of Sri Rama and Sita.