Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam
Introduction to Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam
The Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam beginning with "Chidakaro Dhata Paramasukhadah" is a sublime eight-verse hymn that presents Lord Rama as the embodiment of pure consciousness (chidakara), the creator (dhata), and the bestower of supreme bliss (paramasukhadah). "Ramachandra" means "Rama who is as beautiful and soothing as the moon."
This ashtakam reveals the philosophical depth of Lord Rama's divine nature beyond His historical persona. It describes Him as the cosmic consciousness that manifests as the universe, the eternal truth that sustains all existence, and the supreme bliss that is the ultimate goal of all spiritual seekers. Each verse combines philosophical insight with devotional fervor.
Regular recitation of this ashtakam brings the cooling, soothing grace of Lord Ramachandra into the devotee's life, much like the moonlight that relieves the heat of the day. It is especially powerful for bringing peace of mind, clarity of thought, and divine wisdom.
Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses
॥ श्रीरामचन्द्राष्टकम् ॥
चिदाकारो धातापरमसुखदः पावन-
तनुर्मुनीन्द्रैर्यो-गीन्द्रैर्यतिपतिसुरेन्द्रैर्हनुमता।
सदा सेव्यः पूर्णोजनकतनयाङ्गः सुरगुरु
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥1॥
मुकुन्दो गोविन्दोजनकतनयालालितपदः
पदं प्राप्तायस्याधमकुलभवा चापि शबरी।
गिरातीतोऽगम्योविमलधिषणैर्वेदवचसा
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥2॥
धराधीशोऽधीशःसुरनरवराणां रघुपतिः
किरीटी केयूरीकनककपिशः शोभितवपुः।
समासीनः पीठेरविशतनिभे शान्तमनसो
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥3॥
वरेण्यः शारण्यःकपिपतिसखश्चान्तविधुरो
ललाटे काश्मीरोरुचिरगतिभङ्गः शशिमुखः।
नराकारो रामोयतिपतिनुतः संसृतिहरो
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥4॥
विरूपाक्षः कश्यामुपदिशियन्नाम शिवदं
सहस्रं यन्नाम्नां पठतिगिरिजा प्रत्युषसि वै।
स्वलोके गायन्तीश्वरविधिमुखायस्य चरितं
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥5॥
परो धीरोऽधीरोऽसुरकुल-भवश्चासुरहरः
परात्मा सर्वज्ञोनरसुरगणैर्गीतसुयशाः।
अहल्याशापघ्नःशरकरऋजुः कौशिकसखो
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥6॥
हृषीकेशः शौरिर्धरणि-धरशायी मधुरिपु-
रुपेन्द्रोवैकुण्ठोगजरिपुहरस्तुष्टमनसा।
बलिध्वंसी वीरोदशरथसुतो नीतिनिपुणो
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥7॥
कविः सौमित्रीड्यःकपटमृगघाती वनचरो
रणश्लाघी दान्तोधरणिभरहर्ता सुरनुतः।
अमानी मानज्ञोनिखिलजनपूज्यो हृदिशयो
रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥8॥
इदं रामस्तोत्रंवरममरदासेन रचितमुषः
काले भक्त्या यदिपठति यो भावसहितम्।
मनुष्यः स क्षिप्रंजनिमृतिभयं तापजनकं
परित्यज्य श्रेष्ठंरघुपतिपदं याति शिवदम्॥9॥
॥ इति श्रीमद्रामदासपूज्यपादशिष्यश्रीमद्धंसदासशिष्येणामरदासाख्यकविनाविरचितं श्रीरामचन्द्राष्टकं समाप्तम् ॥
॥ Shri Ramachandrashtakam ॥
Chidaakaaro Dhaataparamasukhada Paavana-
Tanurmuneendrairyo-geendrairyatipatisuriendrairhanumata.
Sadaa Sevya Poornojanakatanayaangah Suraguru
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥1॥
Mukundo Govindojanakatanayaalalitapadah
Padam Praaptaayasyaadhamakulabhavaa Chaapi Shabari.
Giraateeto'gamyovimaladhishanaiirvedavachasaa
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥2॥
Dharaadheesho'dheeshahsuranaravaraanam Raghupatih
Kiritee Keyureekanakakapisha Shobhitavapuh.
Samaaseenah Peetheravi Shatanibhe Shaantamanaso
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥3॥
Varenyah Shaaranyahkapipatisakhashchaantavidhuro
Lalaate Kaashmeeroruchiragatiabhangah Shashimukhah.
Narakaaro Raamoyatipatinuta Samsritiharo
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥4॥
Viroopaaakshah Kashyaamupadishiyannama Shivadam
Sahasram Yannaamanaam Pathatigirijaa Pratyushasi Vai.
Svaloke Gaayantishvarvidhimukhaayasya Charitam
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥5॥
Paro Dheero'dheero'surakula-bhavashchaasuraharah
Paraatmaa Sarvajnonaraganairsgeetasuyashaah.
Ahalyaashaapaghnahsharakarrijuh Kaushiksakho
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥6॥
Hrisheekeshah Shaurirdharani-dharashaayi Madhuripu-
Rupendrovaikunthogajaripuharasttushtamanasaa.
Balidhvamsi Veerodashrathasuto Neetinipuno
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥7॥
Kavih Saumitreeyahkapatamrigaghaati Vanacharo
Ranashlaaghi Daantoddharaniibhararahartaa Suranutah.
Amaani Maanajnonakhiljanapujyo Hridishayo
Ramaanaatho Raamo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam.॥8॥
Idam Raamstotramvaramamaradaasena Rachitamushahah
Kaale Bhaktyaa Yadipathati Yo Bhaavaahitam.
Manushyah Sa Kshipramjanimritibhayam Taapajanakam
Parityajya Shreshthamraghupatpadam Yaati Shivadam.॥9॥
॥ Iti Shrimad Ramadaas Poojyapaada Shishya Shrimad Hamsadaas Shishyena Amaradaasaakhya Kavinaa Virachitam Shri Ramachandrashtakam Samaaptam ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீராமசந்த்ராஷ்டகம் ॥
சிதாகாரோ தாதாபரமஸுகதः பாவன-
தனுர்முனீந்த்ரைர்யோ-கீந்த்ரைர்யதிபதிஸுரேந்த்ரைர்ஹனுமதா।
ஸதா ஸேவ்யः பூர்ணோஜனகதனயாங்கः ஸுரகுரு
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥1॥
முகுந்தோ கோவிந்தோஜனகதனயாலாலிதபதः
பதம் ப்ராப்தாயஸ்யாதமகுலபவா சாபி ஶபரீ।
கிராதீதோ(அ)கம்யோவிமலதிஷணைர்வேதவசஸா
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥2॥
தராதீஶோ(அ)தீஶःஸுரனரவராணாம் ரகுபதிः
கிரீடீ கேயூரீகனககபிஶः ஶோபிதவபுः।
ஸமாஸீனः பீடேரவிஶதனிபே ஶாந்தமனஸோ
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥3॥
வரேண்யः ஶாரண்யःகபிபதிஸகஶ்சாந்தவிதுரோ
லலாடே காஶ்மீரோருசிரகதிபங்கः ஶஶிமுகः।
நராகாரோ ராமோயதிபதினுதः ஸம்ஸ்ருதிஹரோ
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்।॥4॥
விரூபாக்ஷः கஶ்யாமுபதிஶியந்நாம ஶிவதம்
ஸஹஸ்ரம் யன்நாம்னாம் படதிகிரிஜா ப்ரத்யுஷஸி வை।
ஸ்வலோகே காயந்தீஶ்வரவிதிமுகாயஸ்ய சரிதம்
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥5॥
பரோ தீரோ(அ)தீரோ(அ)ஸுரகுல-பவஶ்சாஸுரஹரः
பராத்மா ஸர்வஜ்ஞோநரஸுரகணைர்கீதஸுயஶாः।
அஹல்யாஶாபக்னःஶரகரருஜுः கௌஶிகஸகோ
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥6॥
ஹ்ருஷீகேஶः ஶௌரிர்தரணி-தரஶாயீ மதுரிபு-
ருபேந்த்ரோவைகுண்டோகஜரிபுஹரஸ்துஷ்டமனஸா।
பலித்வம்ஸீ வீரோதஶரதஸுதோ நீதிநிபுணோ
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥7॥
கவிः ஸௌமித்ரீட்யःகபடம்ருககாதீ வனசரோ
ரணஶ்லாகீ தாந்தோதரணிபரஹர்தா ஸுரனுதः।
அமானீ மானஜ்ஞோநிகிலஜனபூஜ்யோ ஹ்ருதிஶயோ
ரமாநாதோ ராமோ ரமதுமம சித்தே து ஸததம்॥8॥
இதம் ராமஸ்தோத்ரம்வரமமரதாஸேன ரசிதமுஷः
காலே பக்த்யா யதிபடதி யோ பாவஸஹிதம்।
மனுஷ்யः ஸ க்ஷிப்ரம்ஜனிம்ருதிபயம் தாபஜனகம்
பரித்யஜ்ய ஶ்ரேஷ்டம்ரகுபதிபதம் யாதி ஶிவதம்॥9॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீமத்ராமதாஸபூஜ்யபாதஶிஷ்ய
ஶ்ரீமத்தம்ஸதாஸஶிஷ்யேணாமரதாஸாக்யகவினா
விரசிதம் ஶ்ரீராமசந்த்ராஷ்டகம் ஸமாப்தம் ॥
॥ శ్రీరామచంద్రాష్టకం ॥
చిదాకారో ధాతాపరమసుఖదః పావన-
తనుర్మునీంద్రైర్యో-గీంద్రైర్యతిపతిసురేంద్రైర్హనుమతా।
సదా సేవ్యః పూర్ణోజనకతనయాంగః సురగురు
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥1॥
ముకుందో గోవిందోజనకతనయాలాలితపదః
పదం ప్రాప్తాయస్యాధమకులభవా చాపి శబరీ।
గిరాతీతోఽగమ్యోవిమలధిషణైర్వేదవచసా
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥2॥
ధరాధీశోఽధీశఃసురనరవరాణాం రఘుపతిః
కిరీటీ కేయూరీకనకకపిశః శోభితవపుః।
సమాసీనః పీఠేరవిశతనిభే శాంతమనసో
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥3॥
వరేణ్యః శారణ్యఃకపిపతిసఖశ్చాంతవిధురో
లలాటే కాశ్మీరోరుచిరగతిభంగః శశిముఖః।
నరాకారో రామోయతిపతినుతః సంసృతిహరో
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం।॥4॥
విరూపాక్షః కశ్యాముపదిశియన్నామ శివదం
సహస్రం యన్నామ్నాం పఠతిగిరిజా ప్రత్యుషసి వై।
స్వలోకే గాయంతీశ్వరవిధిముఖాయస్య చరితం
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥5॥
పరో ధీరోఽధీరోఽసురకుల-భవశ్చాసురహరః
పరాత్మా సర్వజ్ఞోనరసురగణైర్గీతసుయశాః।
అహల్యాశాపఘ్నఃశరకరఋజుః కౌశికసఖో
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥6॥
హృషీకేశః శౌరిర్ధరణి-ధరశాయీ మధురిపు-
రుపేంద్రోవైకుంఠోగజరిపుహరస్తుష్టమనసా।
బలిధ్వంసీ వీరోదశరథసుతో నీతినిపుణో
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥7॥
కవిః సౌమిత్రీడ్యఃకపటమృగఘాతీ వనచరో
రణశ్లాఘీ దాంతోధరణిభరహర్తా సురనుతః।
అమానీ మానజ్ఞోనిఖిలజనపూజ్యో హృదిశయో
రమానాథో రామో రమతుమమ చిత్తే తు సతతం॥8॥
ఇదం రామస్తోత్రంవరమమరదాసేన రచితముషః
కాలే భక్త్యా యదిపఠతి యో భావసహితం।
మనుష్యః స క్షిప్రంజనిమృతిభయం తాపజనకం
పరిత్యజ్య శ్రేష్ఠంరఘుపతిపదం యాతి శివదం॥9॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీమద్రామదాసపూజ్యపాదశిష్య
శ్రీమద్ధంసదాసశిష్యేణామరదాసాఖ్యకవినా
విరచితం శ్రీరామచంద్రాష్టకం సమాప్తం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam
1 First Verse
चिदाकारो धातापरमसुखदः पावनतनुर्मुनीन्द्रैर्योगीन्द्रैर्यतिपतिसुरेन्द्रैर्हनुमता।
सदा सेव्यः पूर्णोजनकतनयाङ्गः सुरगुरु रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
सदा सेव्यः पूर्णोजनकतनयाङ्गः सुरगुरु रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: चिदाकारः (cid-ākāraḥ) = whose form is pure consciousness; धाता (dhātā) = creator/sustainer; परमसुखदः (parama-sukha-daḥ) = bestower of supreme bliss; पावनतनुः (pāvana-tanuḥ) = of sacred/purifying body; मुनीन्द्रैः (munīndraiḥ) = by the chiefs of sages; योगीन्द्रैः (yogīndraiḥ) = by the chiefs of yogis; यतिपति (yati-pati) = lord of ascetics; सुरेन्द्रैः (surendraiḥ) = by the king of gods; हनुमता (hanumatā) = by Hanuman; सदा (sadā) = always; सेव्यः (sevyaḥ) = worthy of being served; पूर्णः (pūrṇaḥ) = perfect/complete; जनकतनयाङ्गः (janaka-tanayā-aṅgaḥ) = whose side is graced by Sita; सुरगुरुः (sura-guruḥ) = teacher of the gods; रमानाथः (ramā-nāthaḥ) = Lord of Lakshmi
Translation: He whose form is pure consciousness, the creator, bestower of supreme bliss, of sacred body, always served by the chiefs of sages, yogis, ascetics, the king of gods and Hanuman, who is perfect, whose side is graced by Sita, the teacher of gods — may Lord Rama, the Lord of Lakshmi, ever delight in my heart.
2 Second Verse
मुकुन्दो गोविन्दोजनकतनयालालितपदः पदं प्राप्तायस्याधमकुलभवा चापि शबरी।
गिरातीतो’गम्योविमलधिषणैर्वेदवचसा रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
गिरातीतो’गम्योविमलधिषणैर्वेदवचसा रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: मुकुन्दः (mukundaḥ) = bestower of liberation; गोविन्दः (govindaḥ) = protector of cows/senses; जनकतनया (janaka-tanayā) = daughter of Janaka (Sita); लालितपदः (lālita-padaḥ) = whose feet are lovingly tended; पदम् (padam) = abode; प्राप्ता (prāptā) = attained; अधमकुलभवा (adhama-kula-bhavā) = born in a lowly tribe; शबरी (śabarī) = Shabari; गिरातीतः (girā-atītaḥ) = beyond speech; अगम्यः (agamyaḥ) = unreachable; विमलधिषणैः (vimala-dhiṣaṇaiḥ) = by pure intellects; वेदवचसा (veda-vacasā) = by the words of the Vedas
Translation: He who is Mukunda (bestower of liberation), Govinda, whose feet are lovingly tended by Sita, by whose grace even Shabari of lowly birth attained the supreme abode, who is beyond speech, unreachable even by pure intellects and the words of the Vedas — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
3 Third Verse
धराधीशो’धीशःसुरनरवराणां रघुपतिः किरीटी केयूरीकनककपिशः शोभितवपुः।
समासीनः पीठेरविशतनिभे शान्तमनसो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
समासीनः पीठेरविशतनिभे शान्तमनसो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: धराधीशः (dharā-adhīśaḥ) = lord of the earth; अधीशः (adhīśaḥ) = supreme lord; सुरनरवराणाम् (sura-nara-varāṇām) = of the best among gods and men; रघुपतिः (raghu-patiḥ) = lord of the Raghu clan; किरीटी (kirīṭī) = crowned; केयूरी (keyūrī) = wearing armlets; कनककपिशः (kanaka-kapiśaḥ) = golden-complexioned; शोभितवपुः (śobhita-vapuḥ) = of resplendent body; समासीनः (samāsīnaḥ) = seated; पीठे (pīṭhe) = on a throne; रविशतनिभे (ravi-śata-nibhe) = resembling a hundred suns; शान्तमनसः (śānta-manasaḥ) = of tranquil mind
Translation: The lord of the earth, supreme ruler of the best among gods and men, Lord of the Raghu dynasty, wearing crown and armlets, of golden resplendent body, seated on a throne shining like a hundred suns, of tranquil mind — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
4 Fourth Verse
वरेण्यः शारण्यःकपिपतिसखश्चान्तविधुरो ललाटे काश्मीरोरुचिरगतिभङ्गः शशिमुखः।
नराकारो रामोयतिपतिनुतः संसृतिहरो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
नराकारो रामोयतिपतिनुतः संसृतिहरो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: वरेण्यः (vareṇyaḥ) = most excellent/worthy of worship; शारण्यः (śāraṇyaḥ) = refuge/shelter; कपिपतिसखः (kapi-pati-sakhaḥ) = friend of the monkey king (Sugriva); अन्तविधुरः (anta-vidhuraḥ) = free from inner distress; ललाटे (lalāṭe) = on the forehead; काश्मीरः (kāśmīraḥ) = saffron mark; रुचिरगतिभङ्गः (rucira-gati-bhaṅgaḥ) = of graceful gait; शशिमुखः (śaśi-mukhaḥ) = moon-faced; नराकारः (nara-ākāraḥ) = in human form; यतिपतिनुतः (yati-pati-nutaḥ) = praised by the lord of ascetics; संसृतिहरः (saṃsṛti-haraḥ) = destroyer of worldly bondage
Translation: Most excellent, the ultimate refuge, friend of the monkey king Sugriva, free from inner distress, with saffron mark on His forehead, of graceful gait, moon-faced, Rama in human form, praised by the lord of ascetics, destroyer of worldly bondage — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
5 Fifth Verse
विरूपाक्षः कश्यामुपदिशियन्नाम शिवदं सहस्रं यन्नाम्नां पठतिगिरिजा प्रत्युषसि वै।
स्वलोके गायन्तीश्वरविधिमुखायस्य चरितं रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
स्वलोके गायन्तीश्वरविधिमुखायस्य चरितं रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: विरूपाक्षः (virūpākṣaḥ) = the odd-eyed one (Lord Shiva); कश्याम् (kaśyām) = in Kashi (Varanasi); उपदिशति (upadiśati) = teaches; यत् नाम (yat nāma) = whose name; शिवदम् (śivadam) = auspicious/bestowing welfare; सहस्रम् (sahasram) = a thousand; यत् नाम्नाम् (yat nāmnām) = of whose names; पठति (paṭhati) = recites; गिरिजा (girijā) = daughter of the mountain (Parvati); प्रत्युषसि (pratyuṣasi) = at dawn; स्वलोके (sva-loke) = in their own abode; गायन्ति (gāyanti) = sing; ईश्वरविधिमुखाः (īśvara-vidhi-mukhāḥ) = Shiva, Brahma and other gods; यस्य चरितम् (yasya caritam) = whose story/deeds
Translation: Whose auspicious name Lord Shiva teaches in Kashi, whose thousand names Parvati recites at dawn, whose glorious deeds Shiva, Brahma and other gods sing in their divine abodes — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
6 Sixth Verse
परो धीरो’धीरो’सुरकुलभवश्चासुरहरः परात्मा सर्वज्ञोनरसुरगणैर्गीतसुयशाः।
अहल्याशापघ्नःशरकरऋजुः कौशिकसखो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
अहल्याशापघ्नःशरकरऋजुः कौशिकसखो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: परः (paraḥ) = supreme; धीरः (dhīraḥ) = courageous/steadfast; अधीरः (adhīraḥ) = causing fear; असुरकुलभवः (asura-kula-bhavaḥ) = in the demon race; असुरहरः (asura-haraḥ) = destroyer of demons; परात्मा (parātmā) = Supreme Self; सर्वज्ञः (sarvajñaḥ) = omniscient; नरसुरगणैः (nara-sura-gaṇaiḥ) = by men and gods; गीतसुयशाः (gīta-su-yaśāḥ) = whose great fame is sung; अहल्याशापघ्नः (ahalyā-śāpa-ghnaḥ) = destroyer of Ahalya's curse; शरकर (śara-kara) = bow in hand; ऋजुः (ṛjuḥ) = upright; कौशिकसखः (kauśika-sakhaḥ) = friend of Vishwamitra
Translation: Supreme, courageous, causing terror in the demon clan, destroyer of demons, the Supreme Self, omniscient, whose great fame is sung by men and gods, who destroyed Ahalya's curse, bow in hand, upright, friend of Vishwamitra — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
7 Seventh Verse
हृषीकेशः शौरिर्धरणिधरशायी मधुरिपुरुपेन्द्रोवैकुण्ठोगजरिपुहरस्तुष्टमनसा।
बलिध्वंसी वीरोदशरथसुतो नीतिनिपुणो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
बलिध्वंसी वीरोदशरथसुतो नीतिनिपुणो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: हृषीकेशः (hṛṣīkeśaḥ) = master of the senses; शौरिः (śauriḥ) = descendant of the Shura clan; धरणिधरशायी (dharaṇi-dhara-śāyī) = who reclines on the cosmic serpent; मधुरिपुः (madhu-ripuḥ) = enemy of demon Madhu; उपेन्द्रः (upendraḥ) = younger brother of Indra (Vamana); वैकुण्ठः (vaikuṇṭhaḥ) = Lord of Vaikuntha; गजरिपुहरः (gaja-ripu-haraḥ) = who saved Gajendra from the crocodile; तुष्टमनसा (tuṣṭa-manasā) = with a pleased mind; बलिध्वंसी (bali-dhvaṃsī) = destroyer of Bali; वीरः (vīraḥ) = valiant hero; दशरथसुतः (daśaratha-sutaḥ) = son of Dasharatha; नीतिनिपुणः (nīti-nipuṇaḥ) = skilled in statecraft
Translation: Master of the senses, descendant of Shura, who reclines on the cosmic serpent, enemy of demon Madhu, Vamana (younger brother of Indra), Lord of Vaikuntha, who joyfully rescued Gajendra, destroyer of Bali, valiant hero, son of Dasharatha, skilled in statecraft — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
8 Eighth Verse
कविः सौमित्रीड्यःकपटमृगघाती वनचरो रणश्लाघी दान्तोधरणिभरहर्ता सुरनुतः।
अमानी मानज्ञोनिखिलजनपूज्यो हृदिशयो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
अमानी मानज्ञोनिखिलजनपूज्यो हृदिशयो रमानाथो रामो रमतुमम चित्ते तु सततम्॥
Word Meanings: कविः (kaviḥ) = wise poet; सौमित्रीड्यः (saumitrī-ḍyaḥ) = praised by Lakshmana (son of Sumitra); कपटमृगघाती (kapaṭa-mṛga-ghātī) = slayer of the deceitful deer (Maricha); वनचरः (vana-caraḥ) = forest wanderer; रणश्लाघी (raṇa-ślāghī) = praiseworthy in battle; दान्तः (dāntaḥ) = self-controlled; धरणिभरहर्ता (dharaṇi-bhara-hartā) = who removes the burden of the earth; सुरनुतः (sura-nutaḥ) = praised by the gods; अमानी (amānī) = without pride; मानज्ञः (māna-jñaḥ) = knower of true honor; निखिलजनपूज्यः (nikhila-jana-pūjyaḥ) = worshipped by all people; हृदिशयः (hṛdi-śayaḥ) = who resides in the heart
Translation: The wise poet, praised by Lakshmana, slayer of the deceitful deer, forest wanderer, praiseworthy in battle, self-controlled, who removes the burden of the earth, praised by the gods, without pride, knower of true honor, worshipped by all people, who resides in the heart — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 9)
इदं रामस्तोत्रंवरममरदासेन रचितमुषः काले भक्त्या यदिपठति यो भावसहितम्।
मनुष्यः स क्षिप्रंजनिमृतिभयं तापजनकं परित्यज्य श्रेष्ठंरघुपतिपदं याति शिवदम्॥
मनुष्यः स क्षिप्रंजनिमृतिभयं तापजनकं परित्यज्य श्रेष्ठंरघुपतिपदं याति शिवदम्॥
Word Meanings: इदम् (idam) = this; रामस्तोत्रम् (rāma-stotram) = hymn of Rama; वरम् (varam) = excellent; अमरदासेन (amaradāsena) = by Amaradasa; रचितम् (racitam) = composed; उषःकाले (uṣaḥ-kāle) = at the time of dawn; भक्त्या (bhaktyā) = with devotion; भावसहितम् (bhāva-sahitam) = with feeling; मनुष्यः (manuṣyaḥ) = a person; क्षिप्रम् (kṣipram) = quickly; जनिमृतिभयम् (jani-mṛti-bhayam) = fear of birth and death; तापजनकम् (tāpa-janakam) = cause of suffering; परित्यज्य (parityajya) = abandoning; श्रेष्ठम् (śreṣṭham) = supreme; रघुपतिपदम् (raghupati-padam) = abode of Lord Rama; याति (yāti) = attains; शिवदम् (śivadam) = auspicious
Translation: This excellent hymn of Rama composed by Amaradasa — the person who recites it at dawn with devotion and feeling, quickly abandoning the fear of birth and death which causes suffering, attains the supreme auspicious abode of Lord Rama.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam
- Supreme Bliss: Bestows the experience of divine happiness
- Mental Peace: Brings cooling, moon-like serenity to the mind
- Divine Wisdom: Illuminates consciousness with spiritual knowledge
- Removes Ignorance: Dispels the darkness of maya and delusion
- Purifies Heart: Cleanses the devotee of all impurities
- Grants Protection: Shields from spiritual and worldly dangers
- Enhances Meditation: Deepens contemplative practice
- Grants Liberation: Leads to moksha through Ramachandra's grace
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Light a lamp and incense before the image of Lord Rama
- Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, or water to the Lord
- Chant with devotion and philosophical contemplation
- Ideal times: Brahma Muhurta, Ram Navami, Tuesdays, evenings
- Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum spiritual benefit
- Conclude with meditation on Rama's moon-like form
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam
What is Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam?
Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam is a sublime eight-verse Sanskrit hymn beginning with "Chidakaro Dhata Paramasukhadah" that presents Lord Rama as the embodiment of pure consciousness (chidakara), the creator (dhata), and the bestower of supreme bliss (paramasukhadah). Each verse ends with the devotional refrain "Ramanatho Ramo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam" — may Lord Rama ever delight in my heart.
Who composed the Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam?
The Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam was composed by the poet Amaradasa, who was a disciple of Shrimad Hamsadasa, who in turn was a disciple of the revered Shrimad Ramadasa. The colophon of the hymn ("Amaradaasaakhya Kavinaa Virachitam") confirms the authorship lineage in this guru-shishya parampara.
What does "Ramachandra" mean?
"Ramachandra" is a compound Sanskrit name meaning "Rama who is as beautiful and soothing as the moon (chandra)." Just as the moon cools the heat of the day, Lord Ramachandra brings cooling, soothing grace into the devotee's life. The name emphasizes His gentle, compassionate nature alongside His divine majesty.
What are the spiritual benefits of chanting Rama Chandra Ashtakam?
Regular chanting of this ashtakam bestows supreme bliss, brings moon-like mental serenity, illuminates consciousness with spiritual wisdom, dispels the darkness of maya and delusion, purifies the heart, provides divine protection, deepens meditative practice, and ultimately leads to moksha (liberation). The phala shruti promises that the devotee will attain the supreme abode of Lord Rama.
When should one chant Shri Rama Chandra Ashtakam?
The phala shruti specifically recommends chanting at dawn (ushahkale) with devotion and feeling. Other ideal times include Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours), Ram Navami, Tuesdays, and evenings. However, the ashtakam can be recited at any time with sincere devotion. Reciting 1, 3, or 11 times is recommended for maximum spiritual benefit.
What is the significance of the refrain "Ramanatho Ramo Ramatumama Chitte Tu Satatam"?
This refrain, which concludes every verse, means "May Lord Rama, the Lord of Lakshmi, ever delight in my heart." It expresses the devotee's deepest aspiration — that Rama should permanently reside and play (ramatu) in one's consciousness (chitte) always (satatam). The word "ramatu" comes from the root "ram" meaning to delight or revel, making it a prayer for constant divine communion.
Is Rama Chandra Ashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Rama Chandra Ashtakam in Tamil (தமிழ்) script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration for easier recitation.