Rāma rakṣā stotram – a protective meditation on Rāma

Rāmanavami is coming up soon and thanks to my teacher’s daughter Shreeraksha, I have been chanting the powerful Rāma rakṣā stotram in preparation. Said to have been revealed to Sage Budha Kauśika, (or Viśvāmitra with a different name) in his dream and uttered directly by Śiva, this stotram effectuates a protective armour around the devotee.

Parts of it are also recited as preparation for the complete recitation of The Rāmāyaṇa, for which there are protocols and procedures for a full nine-day reading of its 24000 verses!

Rāmanavami is the celebration of the appearance of Lord Rāma, an avatar of Lord Viśṇu, manifesting Himself to restore order when the universe has needed it. The uttering of the name of Rāma has always held great importance in the Hindu traditions and the practice of adoration of Rāma continues uninterrupted over millennia. Such a simple practice, simply say Rāma, whenever you wish, all the time, if you wish.

One can also indulge in a “likhita japa” – a written offering of the name of Rāma. My teacher has suggested our community embark upon this special sādhana this year. He says there is something about writing with one’s hand, that allows us to absorb the essence of Rāma, the one who is an embodiment of dharma, has a dignity that comes from a fullness, is firm like the Himālayas, is always loving and compassionate, knows and remembers the real meaning of scriptures, knows the truth of the Veda and is committed to the Truth. These are all qualities of Rāma as spoken by Nārada to Sage Vālmiki, in the first few verses of the Rāmāyaṇa.

Likhita japa protocol:

1. Take a small, new notebook.
2. Listen to the Rāma raksā strotram (optional but recommended for right mood!), recording at the end of this post.
3. Start by writing ॐ at the top of the page.
4. Many levels of sādhana possible!
5. Write “Śrī rāma jayarāma jayajayarāma” 11 times & offer it at your altar or a special spot in your home.
6. Or write in Devanāgari श्री राम जयराम जयजयराम |
7. Write 11 times, or more – 54, 108 or fill the book, it doesn’t matter how many times you write, do it with love.

Here’s mine, I have already started!

Rāma rakṣā stotram

Seeking Lord Rāma’s protection. May the son of Kausalyā protect my eyes, the disciple of Viśvāmitra protect my ears. May Rāma’s ocean of wisdom protect my tongue; may the bearer of celestial weapons protect my shoulders. May Śrīrāma protect my entire body!