Shri Rama Nama Sankirtanam

Though in the Supreme Self there is no difference between the Lord and the Lord of Janaki (Rama), yet my all is Rama alone, the lotus-eyed one.

Om, salutations to Sri Ramachandra. I bow to Vani (Sarasvati) and Vinayaka (Ganesha), the creators of letters, meanings, poetic sentiments, meters, and auspiciousness.

I bow to Bhavani and Shankara, who embody faith and conviction — without whom even the perfected sages cannot perceive the Lord dwelling within their own hearts.

I bow to the eternal Guru who is the embodiment of knowledge, in the form of Shankara — taking refuge in whom, even the crooked crescent moon is worshipped everywhere.

I bow to the lord of poets (Valmiki) and the lord of monkeys (Hanuman), both of pure wisdom, who wander joyfully in the sacred forest of Sita and Rama's virtues.

I bow to Sita, the beloved of Rama, who brings about creation, preservation and dissolution, who removes afflictions, and who bestows all auspiciousness.

I bow to Hari, known as Rama, the supreme cause of all causes — under whose sway the whole universe, including Brahma and the gods and demons, exists; by whose mere existence this unreal world appears real, like the illusory snake seen in a rope; and whose feet alone are the raft for those wishing to cross the ocean of worldly existence.

May that lotus-face of Raghunandana (Rama) — which neither brightened further at the news of his coronation, nor withered from the suffering of forest exile — ever grant me gentle auspiciousness.

I bow to Rama, lord of the Raghu dynasty, whose tender body is dark like a blue lotus, on whose left side Sita is seated, and who holds a mighty arrow and beautiful bow in hand.

I bow to him who is the root of the tree of dharma, the full moon delighting the ocean of discernment, the sun to the lotus of dispassion, remover of sin, dispeller of darkness and suffering, the wind scattering the massed clouds of delusion — who removes the blemish of the Brahmin lineage, the beloved preceptor of King Rama.

I worship the charming Rama, whose body is the color of a dense, blissful raincloud, who wears yellow garments, who holds a fine bow and arrow with a quiver at his side, whose eyes are large like lotuses, adorned with matted locks, walking the forest path with Sita and Lakshmana.

Beautiful as jasmine and blue lotus, both mighty, both abodes of wisdom, resplendent, wielding fine bows, praised by the Vedas, dear to cows and Brahmins, appearing in human form through maya, best of the Raghus, devoted to righteousness, benevolent, intent on finding Sita, granters of devotion — may those two (Rama and Lakshmana) be gracious to us.

Blessed indeed are those fortunate souls who constantly drink the nectar of Sri Rama's name — arisen from the ocean that is Brahma, destroyer of Kali's impurity, imperishable, ever shining on the moon-like face of auspicious Shiva, the sweet medicine for the disease of worldly existence, the very life of Sri Janaki.

I bow to him who is called Rama — peaceful, eternal, immeasurable, sinless, giver of the peace of liberation; ever served by Brahma, Shiva and the lord of serpents; knowable through Vedanta; the all-pervading Lord of the universe, preceptor of the gods, Hari in human form through maya; the fountain of compassion, best of the Raghus, crest-jewel of kings.

I praise the adorable, ever-glorious lord of Janaki, best of the Raghus, seated in the Pushpaka chariot — dark blue like a peacock's neck, his feet marked with radiant lotus-signs, resplendent, clad in yellow, lotus-eyed, ever serene, holding bow and arrows, accompanied by the host of monkeys and attended by his brother.

I bow to that Ramachandra, who removes the distress of the afflicted, destroys the fear of the frightened, and is the rod of death to his enemies.

I bow to Sri Raghava, the immeasurable son of Dasharatha, husband of Sita, jewel-lamp of the Raghu lineage, whose arms reach to his knees, whose eyes are long like lotus petals, and who is the destroyer of the night-wandering demons.

I worship the dark-hued Rama, seated together with Vaidehi (Sita) beneath the celestial wish-fulfilling tree, in a great golden pavilion on a jeweled seat, surrounded by Bharata and his brothers, while Hanuman recites the supreme truth taught by the great sages.

O Lord of the Raghus, there is no other longing in my heart — I speak the truth, and you are the indwelling soul of all. O best of the Raghus, grant me overflowing devotion, and free my mind of the faults of desire and the like.

Om, salutations to Sri Ramachandra, the Supreme Brahman, accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna and Hanuman.

Now begins the chanting of the [108] names. Book of Childhood: (1) Rama, the pure Brahman higher than the highest; (2) Rama, the Supreme Lord who is the very essence of Time.

(3) Rama, who sleeps blissfully on the serpent-couch of Shesha; (4) Rama, who was entreated by Brahma and the other gods to incarnate.

(5) Rama, the ornament of the solar dynasty; (6) Rama, the beloved son of the glorious Dasharatha.

(7) Rama, who gladdens Kaushalya; (8) Rama, the cherished treasure of the sage Vishvamitra.

(9) Rama, slayer of the terrible demoness Tataka; (10) Rama, destroyer of Maricha and the other demons.

(11) Rama, protector of the sacrifice of Kaushika (Vishvamitra); (12) Rama, redeemer of the blessed Ahalya.

(13) Rama, honored by the sage Gautama; (14) Rama, praised by the hosts of gods and great sages.

(15) Rama, whose tender feet were washed by the boatman; (16) Rama, who enchanted the people of Mithila.

(17) Rama, who delighted the heart of King Janaka of Videha; (18) Rama, breaker of Shiva's bow.

(19) Rama, upon whom Sita placed the wedding garland; (20) Rama, who rejoiced in the wedding festivities.

(21) Rama, destroyer of the pride of Parashurama; (22) Rama, ruler of the glorious Ayodhya.

Book of Ayodhya: (23) Rama, adorned with countless virtues; (24) Rama, beloved of Sita, daughter of the Earth.

(25) Rama, whose face is like the full moon; (26) Rama, who took to the forest in obedience to his father's word.

(27) Rama, whose feet were honored by his dear friend Guha; (28) Rama, whose tender feet Guha washed.

(29) Rama, who gladdened the sage Bharadvaja; (30) Rama, who dwelt on the Chitrakuta mountain.

(31) Rama, constantly held in the thoughts of the grieving Dasharatha; (32) Rama, entreated by Kaikeyi's son Bharata.

(33) Rama, who performed his own father's funeral rites; (34) Rama, who gave his own sandals to Bharata.

Book of the Forest: (35) Rama, who sanctified the people of the Dandaka forest; (36) Rama, destroyer of the wicked Viradha.

(37) Rama, worshipped by the sages Sharabhanga and Sutikshna; (38) Rama, blessed by the grace of sage Agastya.

(39) Rama, well served by Jatayu, king of vultures; (40) Rama, who dwelt comfortably on the banks at Panchavati.

(41) Rama, who disfigured Shurpanakha; (42) Rama, slayer of Khara, Dushana and their followers.

(43) Rama, who pursued the deer beloved of Sita; (44) Rama, whose swift arrow felled Maricha.

(45) Rama, who searched for the vanished Sita; (46) Rama, who granted higher passage to Jatayu, king of vultures.

(47) Rama, who ate the fruits offered by Shabari; (48) Rama, who severed the arms of the demon Kabandha.

Book of Kishkindha: (49) Rama, whose feet were served by Hanuman; (50) Rama, who granted the wishes of the humble Sugriva.

(51) Rama, slayer of the arrogant Vali; (52) Rama, who sent forth monkey messengers to search for Sita.

(53) Rama, accompanied by the benevolent Lakshmana. Book of Beauty: (54) Rama, constantly remembered by Hanuman, best of monkeys.

(55) Rama, who removed the obstacles from Hanuman's path; (56) Rama, the very support of Sita's life.

(57) Rama, who was taunted by the wicked ten-headed Ravana; (58) Rama, praised by the noble Hanuman.

(59) Rama, to whom Sita told the story of the crow; (60) Rama, who was shown Sita's crest-jewel by Hanuman.

(61) Rama, comforted by the words of Hanuman, best of monkeys. Book of War: (62) Rama, who set out for the destruction of Ravana.

(63) Rama, surrounded by the army of monkeys; (64) Rama, who, when entreated, threatened to dry up the ocean.

(65) Rama, who granted refuge to Vibhishana; (66) Rama, who built the bridge of mountains to Lanka.

(67) Rama, who severed the head of Kumbhakarna; (68) Rama, who crushed the hosts of demons.

(69) Rama, who overcame Ahiravana and Mahiravana; (70) Rama, who destroyed the ten-faced Ravana.

(71) Rama, praised by Brahma, Shiva and the other gods; (72) Rama, watched with joy by Dasharatha from the heavens.

(73) Rama, who rejoiced at the sight of Sita reunited; (74) Rama, to whom the newly-crowned Vibhishana bowed.

(75) Rama, who boarded the Pushpaka aerial chariot; (76) Rama, attended once more by the sage Bharadvaja.

(77) Rama, dear as life itself to Bharata; (78) Rama, the ornament of the city of Saketa (Ayodhya).

(79) Rama, to whom all his own people bowed; (80) Rama, seated upon a throne shining with jewels.

(81) Rama, adorned with the royal coronation; (82) Rama, honored by the assembly of kings.

(83) Rama, to whom Vibhishana offered gifts of devotion; (84) Rama, who bestowed grace upon the monkey clans.

(85) Rama, protector of all living beings; (86) Rama, sustainer of all the worlds.

Book of the Aftermath: (87) Rama, praised by the sages who came to his court; (88) Rama, whose renown arose from the fall of the ten-headed Ravana.

(89) Rama, gladdened by embracing Sita; (90) Rama, who protected his kingdom through righteous rule.

(91) Rama, who caused Sita, daughter of Janaka, to be sent to the forest; (92) Rama, who caused the demon Lavana to be slain.

(93) Rama, praised by Shambuka upon his ascent to heaven; (94) Rama, gladdened by his own sons Kusha and Lava.

(95) Rama, consecrated for the Ashvamedha sacrifice; (96) Rama, informed by Time of the moment for his return to the abode of the gods.

(97) Rama, who granted liberation to the people of Ayodhya; (98) Rama, who delighted Brahma and the other wise gods.

(99) Rama, who revealed his own effulgent true form; (100) Rama, who releases devotees from the bondage of worldly existence.

(101) Rama, devoted to establishing righteousness; (102) Rama, who grants liberation to those devoted to bhakti.

(103) Rama, protector of all moving and unmoving beings; (104) Rama, who wards off all the ills of worldly existence.

(105) Rama, who abides in his celestial home of Vaikuntha; (106) Rama, established in the eternal state of bliss.

(107) Rama, Rama — victory to King Rama! (108) Rama, Rama — victory to Sita's Rama!

O Rama, remover of fear, auspicious son of Dasharatha! Victory, victory to the auspicious Rama of Sita!

O Rama, bringer of auspiciousness, victorious and auspicious! O Rama, source of every gathered blessing and prosperity!

O Rama, who showers the nectar of bliss! O Rama, affectionate to those who take refuge in you — victory, victory!

O Lord of the Raghus, O Raghava, O King Rama! O Rama of Sita, purifier of the fallen!

O Rama, clad in golden garments, the very source of lotus-seated Brahma! O sinless, all-pervading Rama, dwelling in the hearts of Sanaka and the other sage-ascetics!

O Rama, long desired by the leaders of the gods who sought your refuge, the fulfiller of desire himself! O Rama, deliverer of the earth, beloved son of Dasharatha!

O Rama, who brought joy to the world by slaying the flesh-eating demoness! O Rama, whose wondrous deeds protected the sacrifice of Vishvamitra, son of Kushika!

O Rama, who freed the wife of the sage Gautama (Ahalya) from her sin! O Rama, whose feet, greatly honored by the assembly of sages, purify all!

O Rama, who effortlessly broke the mighty bow of Shiva, chastiser of the god of love! O Rama, husband of Sita, delighting men and gods alike!

O Rama, beautiful of body like the flower-armed god of love, lotus-faced! O Rama, who crushed the pride of Parashurama, born of Bhrigu, honored even by the gods of wealth!

O Rama, ocean brimming with the essence of compassion, affectionate to those who bow to you! O Rama, your feet are my refuge, the remover of my worldly bondage.

Salutation to Sri Rama: Again and again I bow to Sri Rama, the remover of calamities, the giver of all prosperity, the delight of the world.

Salutations to Rama, to Ramachandra, to Ramabhadra, the ordainer; to the Lord of the Raghus, the Lord, the husband of Sita.

Salutation to Sri Hanuman: I bow to Hanuman, born of the Wind-god — the abode of matchless strength, whose body shines like a golden mountain, a wildfire to the forest of demons, foremost among the wise, the treasure-house of all virtues, lord of the monkeys, the excellent messenger of the Lord of the Raghus.

I bow to the son of the Wind-god, who reduced the ocean to the size of a cow's hoofprint, made the demons appear as small as mosquitoes, and is the great jewel in the garland of the Ramayana.

I bow to the heroic son of Anjana, destroyer of Janaki's grief, chief among monkeys, slayer of Akshaya-kumara, who struck fear into Lanka.

With joined palms I bow to Anjaneya, who effortlessly leapt over the waters of the ocean, and who carried the very fire of Sita's grief to burn down Lanka.

I bow with my head to the son of the Wind, chief of the monkey host, messenger of Sri Rama — swift as thought, matching the wind's speed, master of his senses, foremost among the wise.

I meditate upon the son of the Wind, son of Anjana, whose face is of a deep reddish hue, whose form is lovely as a golden mountain, dwelling at the foot of the celestial Parijata tree.

Bow to Maruti, destroyer of demons — who, wherever the glories of the Lord of the Raghus are sung, stands with hands folded above his head, his eyes brimming with tears of devotion.

Thus ends the Ashtottara-shata-nama-Ramayanam — the Ramayana told through the 108 names of Rama.