Who is Lord Ram?
Lord Ram (also Rama, Shri Ram, Raghav, Ramchandra) is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and is considered the embodiment of the ideal human being, the perfect son, the perfect husband, the perfect brother, the perfect king, and the perfect devotee of dharma. He is the central figure of the Ramayana one of the two greatest epics of Hindu civilisation, composed by the sage Valmiki and later retold devotionally by Goswami Tulsidas in the Ramcharitmanas.
Born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya, Ram is the prince who willingly accepted 14 years of exile in the forest to honour his father’s promise, freed the world from the demon king Ravana of Lanka, and established Ram Rajya a kingdom of ideal justice, prosperity, and righteousness.
His name is the most potent mantra in all of Hindu tradition. Saint Tulsidas wrote: “Ram naam mani deep dharo, jeeha devi dwar” (Place the jewel-lamp of Ram’s name at the doorway of your tongue). According to tradition, even the simplest invocation of “Ram Ram” carries boundless spiritual merit.
॥ Doha — Opening Couplet ॥
Shri Raghuvir Bhakt Hitkari, Sun Leejai Prabhu Araj Hamari। Nishidin Dhyan Dharai Jo Koi, Ta Sam Dhanya Aur Nahin Hoi॥
Meaning: O hero of the Raghu clan and well-wisher of devotees, please hear our sincere prayer. There is none more blessed in the world than one who meditates on you day and night.
॥ Chaupai — 40 Sacred Verses ॥
1. Jai Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Patit Pavan Sitaram। Kaushalya Sut Dasharath Nandan, Janak Suta Pati Asur Nikandan॥ Meaning: Victory to King Ram of the Raghu dynasty, redeemer of the fallen. Son of Kaushalya and Dasharatha, dear consort of Janaki, destroyer of demons.
2. Ayodhya Ke Raajkumar Prabhu, Maryada Purushottam Vibhu। Dharma Ki Moorat Ho Tum, Sab Ke Aadhar Ho Tum॥ Meaning: Prince of Ayodhya, O Lord, supreme upholder of righteousness. You are the very embodiment of dharma; you are the foundation of all.
3. Teen Bhai Sang Prabhu Khele, Kaikeyi Ke Maan Ko Tele। Van Mein Gaye Baara Varsh Teen, Bharat Ka Man Raha Udeen॥ Meaning: The Lord played with his three brothers; to honour Kaikeyi’s wish he went to the forest fourteen years while Bharat’s heart remained in sad longing for him.
4. Sita Sang Van Mein Aaye, Lakshman Bhi Unke Sang Gaye। Tapovan Mein Muni Jan Sake, Unka Ashirwad Lete॥ Meaning: He came to the forest with Sita and Lakshman came along too. In the ashrams of the hermits they sought the sages’ blessings.
5. Sita Ji Ko Ravan Ley Gaya, Ram Ko Bahut Dukh Ho Gaya। Sabari Ke Ber Khaaye Prabhu, Bhakt Prem Jaana Prabhu॥ Meaning: Ravana abducted Sita the Lord was overcome with sorrow. Yet he ate Shabari’s berries and understood the love of a true devotee.
6. Hanuman Ji Milaye Prabhu Se, Sugreev Ki Dosti Ho॥ Vaanar Dal Ko Sath Leke, Lanka Mein Gaye Ram Theke॥ Meaning: Hanuman brought Lord Ram and Sugriva together in friendship. Taking the army of Vanaras, Ram marched resolutely to Lanka.
7. Ravan Ka Vadh Kiya Prabhu Ne, Sita Ko Mukti Diya Prabhu Ne। Lanka Vijay Kar Aaye Ghar, Ram Rajya Ka Sundar Nidar॥ Meaning: The Lord slew Ravana and freed Sita. Victorious over Lanka, he returned home glorious and fearless to establish Ram Rajya.
8. Ayodhya Mein Ram Rajya Aaya, Dharma Ne Apna Roop Dikhaya। Praja Sukhi Thi Har Taraf, Ram Ka Raj Tha Charon Taraf॥ Meaning: Ram Rajya came to Ayodhya and dharma showed its true face. The subjects were happy everywhere; Ram’s reign extended in all directions.
9. Ram Naam Ki Mahima Anant, Tulsidas Ne Gaya Sant। Ramcharitmanas Mein Diya Gyaan, Ram Katha Ka Agad Paan॥ Meaning: Ram’s name’s glory is infinite the saint Tulsidas sang it. In the Ramcharitmanas he gave knowledge drinking deeply of Ram’s story.
10. Ram Naam Jap Lo Baar Baar, Pao Jeevan Ka Saara Pyaar। Ram Naam Se Bhay Mita Jaata, Man Ko Shanti Mil Jaati॥ Meaning: Chant Ram’s name again and again and receive all of life’s love. Ram’s name erases fear the mind attains peace.
11. Raghuvar Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Sankat Door Ho Jaate Hain। Ram Ka Naam Ley Jo Koi, Uska Sab Dukh Mit Hoi॥ Meaning: By Raghuvar’s (the best of Raghu’s line) grace, all troubles are removed. Whoever takes Ram’s name all their sorrow is erased.
12. Ram Naam Amrit Saman Hai, Jap Lo Pao Param Kalyan। Ram Sharan Mein Aao Nit, Jeevan Hoga Sukhmay Pavit॥ Meaning: Ram’s name is like nectar chant it and receive the supreme good. Come to Ram’s shelter daily and life will be happy and pure.
13. Maryada Purushottam Ram, Sab Ka Kalyan Karo Kaam। Jo Koi Tere Naam Ko Jaape, Uski Sab Musibat Cappe॥ Meaning: Ram, supreme upholder of moral limits accomplish the welfare of all. Whoever chants your name all their misfortunes are resolved.
14. Ram Bhakti Ki Shakti Apaar, Bhakton Ko Dete Hain Uddhaar। Jo Koi Ram Ko Dhyata Hai, Anand Ke Sagar Mein Paata॥ Meaning: The power of Ram’s devotion is boundless he uplifts all his devotees. Whoever meditates on Ram they find themselves in an ocean of bliss.
15. Janaki Nath Ko Naman Karo, Sab Sankat Ko Door Karo। Sita Ram Ka Naam Jap, Pao Jeevan Ka Safal Khap॥ Meaning: Bow to Janaki’s Lord (Ram) and remove all troubles. Chant the name of Sita-Ram and receive life’s fruitful reward.
16. Ram Lakshmana Ki Jodi, Sab Se Badi Sab Se Todi। Bhai Ka Prem Ka Nishaan, Ram Lakshmana Ka Dhan Mahan॥ Meaning: The pair of Ram and Lakshmana the greatest and most unbreakable bond. Their brotherly love is a symbol and example; the wealth of Ram and Lakshmana is sublime.
17. Hanuman Ji Ram Ke, Paran Bhakt Anupame। Ram Ka Naam Jaap Lo, Hanuman Ki Kirpa Lo॥ Meaning: Hanuman Ji is Ram’s supreme devotee incomparable. Chant Ram’s name and receive Hanuman’s grace as well.
18. Ram Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Man Ki Sab Shanka Door Karo। Ram Ki Sharan Mein Raho, Sab Dukh Dard Bhool Jao॥ Meaning: Chant Ram’s name and remove all doubt from the mind. Remain in Ram’s shelter and forget all sorrow and pain.
19. Ram Rajya Ka Sapna Dekho, Dharma Ki Raah Mein Chalo। Nyaay Aur Satya Ko Apmano, Ram Ke Margdarshn Mein Chalo॥ Meaning: Dream of Ram Rajya and walk the road of dharma. Honour justice and truth and proceed under Ram’s guidance.
20. Ramayan Ki Katha Suno, Ram Ke Gun Gaate Raho। Manas Ka Path Karo Nit, Jeevan Hoga Mangalmay Pavit॥ Meaning: Listen to the Ramayana’s story and keep singing Ram’s virtues. Recite the Manas (Ramcharitmanas) daily and life will be auspicious and pure.
21. Dashrath Nandan Ram Ki, Mahima Hai Anant Ki। Jo Koi Ram Ko Dhyata Nit, Uska Jeevan Bane Pavit॥ Meaning: The glory of Ram, son of Dasharatha, is infinite. Whoever meditates on Ram daily their life becomes pure and sacred.
22. Ram Naam Ka Baal Hai, Jo Jape Woh Nihal Hai। Shatru Dal Bhaag Jaata, Ram Ka Naam Sunata॥ Meaning: Ram’s name has immense strength whoever chants it is blessed. Enemy forces flee when they hear Ram’s name.
23. Sitaram Ka Dhyan Karo, Man Ko Shanti Do। Bhakti Ka Diya Jalo, Jeevan Mein Anand Lo॥ Meaning: Meditate on Sita-Ram and give the mind peace. Light the lamp of devotion and take joy in life.
24. Ram Naam Ki Mahima Badi, Bhakton Par Kirpa Ghari Ghari। Jo Jan Ram Ko Nit Dhyaaye, Prem Ka Sagar Woh Paaiye॥ Meaning: Great is Ram’s name’s glory; his grace rains on devotees every moment. Whoever meditates on Ram daily let them attain the ocean of love.
25. Ram Bhakton Ki Raksha Karo, Dushman Dal Ko Bhagao। Ram Ki Kirpa Se Jeevan Mein, Sukh Ka Savera Aao॥ Meaning: Protect Ram’s devotees and drive away the enemy’s forces. By Ram’s grace, may the dawn of happiness come to life.
26. Ram Ji Ne Kiya Sabari Ka Maan, Bhakt Ki Bhakti Ko Diya Gyaan। Bhakt Ka Prem Jo Saacha Hota, Ram Uska Dukh Mita Hota॥ Meaning: Ram honoured Shabari and taught the value of a devotee’s love. When a devotee’s love is true Ram erases their sorrow.
27. Ramayan Ka Path Karo, Jeevan Mein Safal Raho। Ram Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Har Sankat Se Bacho॥ Meaning: Recite the Ramayana and remain successful in life. Chant Ram’s name and be protected from every trouble.
28. Ram Naam Jap Lo Sada, Man Ko Sukh Mile Sada। Teri Kirpa Se Jeevan Bane, Har Pal Mein Sukh Bane॥ Meaning: Always chant Ram’s name and the mind shall always find peace. By your grace life takes shape and happiness is woven into every moment.
29. Shri Ram Ki Pooja Se, Ghar Mein Mangal Aata Hai। Parivar Ka Kalyan Hota, Lakshmi Ka Vaas Hota॥ Meaning: Through Shri Ram’s worship, auspiciousness comes to the home. The family’s welfare is ensured and Lakshmi takes up residence.
30. Ram Naam Ki Mahima Gaao, Jeevan Ko Safal Banao। Manas Ka Path Karo Nit, Jeevan Hoga Pavit॥ Meaning: Sing the glory of Ram’s name and make life fruitful. Recite the Manas daily and life will become pure.
31. Ram Ji Ke Charanon Mein, Sab Sukh Shanti Milti Hai। Jo Koi Ram Ke Paas Aata, Uska Dil Khush Ho Jaata॥ Meaning: At Ram’s feet all happiness and peace are found. Whoever comes to Ram their heart fills with joy.
32. Raghunath Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Vighan Door Hote Hain। Man Ki Chahat Poori Hoti, Bhakt Ka Jeevan Safal Hota॥ Meaning: By Raghunath’s grace, all obstacles are removed. The heart’s desire is fulfilled and the devotee’s life becomes fruitful.
33. Ram Chalisa Padh Ke Dekho, Jeevan Mein Badlaav Aata Hai। Shri Ram Naam Ki Mahima Nyaari, Bhakton Ko Lagti Sabse Pyaari॥ Meaning: Read the Ram Chalisa and see transformation comes to life. Shri Ram’s name’s glory is unique and most beloved to all devotees.
34. Patit Pavan Ram Ka Naam, Sab Ko Deta Hai Aaram। Paap Ka Naash Karta Hai, Jeevan Ko Sach Karta Hai॥ Meaning: Ram’s name, the purifier of the fallen, gives rest to all. It destroys sin and makes life true and authentic.
35. Jai Shri Ram Ka Naad, Sab Mein Ho Samvaad। Bharat Mata Ki Pooja Mein, Ram Ka Naam Khad॥ Meaning: The resounding “Jai Shri Ram!” may it be a bond of harmony among all. In worship of Mother India, Ram’s name stands firm.
36. Ram Naam Ke Jaap Se, Man Ka Andhera Mita Jaata। Gyan Ka Prakash Aata Hai, Aatma Mein Shakti Aata॥ Meaning: Through Ram’s name’s chanting, the mind’s darkness is erased. Knowledge’s light comes and power enters the soul.
37. Shri Ram Ki Leela Anant, Bhakton Ko Dete Hain Sant। Jo Koi Ram Ki Katha Sune, Uske Sab Paap Mite॥ Meaning: Shri Ram’s divine play is infinite he gives peace to all devotees. Whoever listens to Ram’s story all their sins dissolve.
38. Ram Naam Ki Shakti Apaar, Jeevan Mein Laate Hain Nikhaar। Jo Koi Ram Ko Janta Hai, Woh Anand Ko Pata Hai॥ Meaning: Ram’s name’s power is boundless it brings excellence to life. Whoever knows Ram they attain bliss.
39. Shri Ram Ki Jai Jai Ho, Bhakton Ka Sab Kasht Mit Ho। Teri Kirpa Sab Par Ho, Jeevan Mein Dharma Ka Ghar Ho॥ Meaning: Victory, victory to Shri Ram! May all devotees’ troubles dissolve. May your grace be upon all and may dharma be the home in every life.
40. Ram Chalisa Sampan Hua, Shri Ram Ki Kirpa Ka Varan Hua। Jo Bhav Se Padhe Nit Ye Path, Ram Kirpa Rahe Sath॥ Meaning: The Ram Chalisa is complete and Shri Ram’s grace has been invoked. Whoever reads this with devotion every day Ram’s grace shall always remain with them.
॥ Closing Doha ॥
Ram Naam Ki Mahima, Gaaye Jo Din Raat। Patit Pavan Ram Ki, Mile Sada Sath॥
Meaning: Whoever sings of Ram’s name’s glory day and night Ram, the purifier of the fallen, shall be with them always.
Benefits of Reciting Ram Chalisa
- Protection from evil: Ram’s name is the supreme shield against all negative influences
- Harmony in life: Brings peace, order, and righteous conduct into daily life
- Removal of sins: The chanting of Ram’s name is considered the most potent purifier
- Family peace: Promotes ideal family bonds of love, respect, and sacrifice
- Liberation: Following the path of Ram leads toward moksha through dharmic living
Best Time to Chant
- Ram Navami (Ram’s birth anniversary Chaitra Shukla Navami)
- Daily at dawn before beginning the day’s duties
- During Ramayan recitation or after listening to Ram Katha
- Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday are especially auspicious for Ram’s worship