About Shri Ram Stuti
Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajman is one of the most beloved hymns dedicated to Lord Rama, composed by the great saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas. It is often simply called the Ram Stuti.
The stuti is a tender, flowing prayer that paints the beauty of Lord Rama - lotus-eyed, dark as a rain cloud, gentle and full of grace - and surrenders the devotee fully at his feet. Its sweet melody makes it one of the easiest and most loved bhajans to sing at home, in temples and during Ram Navami.
Though short, it carries the entire essence of Ram bhakti: love, surrender and the longing to dwell forever in the Lord's presence.
Lyrics & Meaning
The opening verse is among the most recognised in all of Ram bhakti:
श्रीरामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन हरण भवभय दारुणम्। नवकञ्ज लोचन कञ्जमुख कर कञ्ज पद कञ्जारुणम्॥ Shri Ramchandra kripalu bhaju mana, harana bhava-bhaya darunam. Nava-kanja-lochana kanja-mukha, kara-kanja pada kanjarunam. (O mind, worship the merciful Shri Ramchandra, who removes the terrible fear of worldly existence. His eyes are like fresh lotuses, his face a lotus, his hands and reddish feet like lotuses.)
कन्दर्प अगणित अमित छवि नवनील नीरद सुन्दरम्। पटपीत मानहुँ तड़ित रुचि शुचि नौमि जनक सुतावरम्॥ Kandarpa aganita amita chhavi, nava-nila nirada sundaram. Pata-pita manahu tadita ruchi shuchi, naumi Janaka-sutavaram. (His beauty exceeds countless Kamadevas, lovely as a fresh dark rain cloud. His yellow garment shines like lightning. I bow to the pure groom of Janaka's daughter, Sita.)
भजु दीनबन्धु दिनेश दानव दैत्य वंश निकन्दनम्। रघुनन्द आनन्दकन्द कोशल चन्द दशरथ नन्दनम्॥ Bhaju dina-bandhu dinesha danava, daitya-vansha nikandanam. Raghunanda ananda-kanda Koshala, chanda Dasharatha-nandanam. (Worship the friend of the helpless, the sun-like destroyer of demon clans, the joy of the Raghus, the root of bliss, the moon of Kosala, the son of Dasharatha.)
Benefits of Reciting Ram Stuti
- Peace of mind: The gentle rhythm and beauty of the words calm the heart and ease worry and fear.
- Removal of fear: The very first line asks Rama to remove the 'terrible fear of worldly existence' (bhava-bhaya).
- Deepening of devotion: Singing the Lord's beauty draws the mind naturally into bhakti and remembrance.
- Auspiciousness at home: Reciting it in the morning or evening is believed to fill the home with positivity and grace.
- Easy for all ages: Its simple, melodious form makes it ideal for children and elders alike to learn and sing together.
Like all stutis, the fruit grows with sincere, regular singing - the heart filled with love for Lord Rama.
How to Recite It
1. Time: Morning after a bath or in the evening lamp-lighting (sandhya) are ideal. Tuesdays and Ram Navami are especially auspicious. 2. Setup: Sit before an image of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, light a ghee lamp and offer tulsi, flowers or fruit. 3. Sing with melody: This stuti is meant to be sung, not merely read. Following a familiar tune makes it sweet and easy to remember. 4. Recite together: It is lovely as a family bhajan - children pick it up quickly because of its rhythm. 5. Pair it: Many sing the Ram Stuti along with the Hanuman Chalisa or a Sundarkand path for a complete devotional sitting. 6. Close: End with 'Siyavar Ramchandra ki jai' and a short aarti, then distribute prasad.
What matters most is bhava - singing with love and a heart turned to Lord Rama.
Reader Questions Answered
Who wrote Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajman?+
It was composed by Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet who also wrote the Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa. It is one of his most beloved short hymns to Lord Rama.
What does 'Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajman' mean?+
It means 'O mind, worship the merciful Shri Ramchandra.' It calls the mind to lovingly worship Lord Rama, who removes the deep fear of worldly existence.
When should the Ram Stuti be sung?+
Morning after a bath or during the evening sandhya are ideal. Tuesdays, Ram Navami and the month of Chaitra are especially auspicious for singing it.
Can beginners learn the Ram Stuti easily?+
Yes. Its melodious rhythm makes it one of the easiest hymns to learn. Beginners can start with the first verse, 'Shri Ramchandra kripalu bhaju mana,' and add more as they grow comfortable.
About the author
Acharya Vinaya Kapoor · M.A. Sanskrit, Mantra & Stotra Studies
Acharya Vinaya holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University and writes the mantra and stotra commentary on Vandnaa. Her focus is on accurate pronunciation, traditional context, and helping modern readers connect with classical texts.
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