Sri Ramashtakam

[Paramananda das]

Sri Ramashtakam
(8-verses in glorification of Lord Ramachandra)
From Sri Chaitanya-charita mahakavya
by Srila Murari Gupta (Incarnation of Hanumanji)
rajat-kirita-mani-didhiti-dipitasam
udyad-bhaspati-kavi-pratime vahanta
dve kundale 'nka-rahitendu-samana-vaktra
rama jagat-traya-guru satata bhajami
Though His face is like a spotless moon, still it is further brightened by a shining crown of jewels. His earrings resemble Jupiter and Venus rising in the evening sky. I forever worship this Lord Sri Ram, guru of the three worlds.
udyad-vibhakara-marici-vibodhitabja-
netra su-bimba-dasana-cchada-caru-nasam
subhrasu-rasmi-parinirjjita-caru-hasa
rama jagat-traya-guru satata bhajami
When He awakens and opens His lotus eyes, their luster resembles the early rays of the rising sun. His teeth are enclosed by charming bimba fruit-red lips. His nose is shapely and graceful and seeing the beams of His beautiful smile, the white-rayed moon accepts defeat. I forever worship this Lord Sri Ram, guru of the three worlds.
ta kambu-kantham ajam ambuja-tulya-rupa
muktavali-kanaka-hara-dhta vibhantam
vidyud-balaka-gana-sayutam ambu-da va
rama jagat-traya-guru satata bhajami
The throat of the unborn Lord is like a three-ringed conchshell, and His form is soft as the lotus. He wears a shining necklace of pearls set in gold, and thus He resembles a water-laden cloud accompanied by lightning flashes and a flock of cranes. Such is Sri Ram, guru of the three worlds, whom I perpetually adore.
uttana-hasta-tala-sastha-sahasra-patra
panca-cchadadhika-sata pravarangulibhih
kurvvaty asita-kanaka-dyuti yasya sita
parsve 'sti ta raghu-vara satata bhajami
In Her upraised hand Sita Devi holds a thousand-petalled lotus flower, and Her five graceful fingers make it appear that the flower's hundred petals are covered by another five petals. I forever worship Ram, best of the Raghu dynasty, by whose side forever remains this Sita, whose radiance is like molten gold.
agre dhanurddhara-varah kanakojjvalango
jyethanu-sevana-rato vara-bhuanadhyah
seakhya-dhama-vara-lakmana-nama yasya
rama jagat-traya-guru satata bhajami
Before Ram stands his brother Lakshman, deeply attached to His elder brother's service, the most skilled of archers, his body brilliant golden, and enhanced by splendid ornaments. He is also known as Sesha, the all-accommodating abode of the worlds. I worship this Lord Sri Ram guru of the three worlds.
yo raghavendra-kula-sindhu-sudhasu-rupo
marica-rakasa-subahu-mukhan nihatya
yajna raraka kusikanvaya-punya-rasi
rama jagat-traya-guru satata bhajami
Like the nectar-rayed moon shining on the ocean of the Raghu dynasty, He slew the foremost among the man-eating demons, Maricha and Subahu, thus protecting the sacrifice performed by the sage Vishvamitra for the welfare of His ancestors. I worship this Lord Sri Ram, guru of the three worlds.
hatva khara-trisirasau sa-ganau kabandha
sri-danda-kananam aduanam eva ktva
sugriva-maitram akarod vinihatya satru
ta raghava dasa-mukhanta-kara bhajami
Slaying the rakshashas Khara, Trisira, Kabandha, and their armies, He rendered safe the forest of Danda-kanana. By killing the monkey-king, Sugriva's enemy, Bali, He made alliance with him; I adore Sri Ram, best of the Raghu dynasty, the slayer of the ten-headed Ravan.
bhanktva pinakam akaroj janakatmajaya
vaivahikotsava-vidhi pathi bhargavendram
jitva pitur mudam uvaha kakutstha-varyya
rama jagat-traya-guru satata bhajami
After breaking Siva's bow, He married Sita, daughter of Janaka-raja. Then on the path home, He defeated the mighty Parasuram, best of Bhrgu's line, bringing pleasure to Maharaja Dasarath, His father. I forever worship this Lord Sri Ram, the foremost descendant of Kakutstha and guru of the three worlds.
ittha nisamya raghu-nandana-raja-siha-
slokataka sa bhagavan carana murareh
vaidyasya murddhni vinidhaya lilekha bhale
tva Ram-dasa iti bho bhava mat-prasadat
After hearing these eight verses composed by the physician Murari describing Sri Ram, lion among kings and delight of the Raghu dynasty, Placing His foot on the physican's head, Bhagavan Gaura Hari wrote the words "Ram das" on his brow and proclaimed, "Bho! By My mercy, be forever Sri Ram's servant."