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Shri Ramchandra Kripalu (Ram Stuti) — Word-by-Word Meaning

श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

Word-by-Word Breakdown

भवभय दारुणम्
Bhavabhaya Darunam
Remover of the terrible fear of bhava — the cycle of birth, death and worldly existence
नवकञ्ज लोचन
Navakanja Lochana
Whose eyes are like a fresh-blossomed (nava) lotus (kanja)
जनक सुतावरम्
Janaka Sutavaram
The chosen bridegroom (vara) of Sita, the daughter (suta) of King Janaka
दशरथ नन्दनम्
Dasharatha Nandanam
The son (nandana) who is the delight of King Dasharatha
खर दूषणम्
Khara Dushanam
The demons Khara and Dushana, brothers of Ravana, slain by Rama in the Dandaka forest

Complete Translation

O mind, worship the compassionate Shri Ramachandra, who dispels the terrible fear of worldly existence; whose eyes are like fresh lotuses, and whose face, hands and feet glow like red lotuses. His beauty surpasses that of countless gods of love (Kamadevas), lovely as a fresh blue rain-cloud; his yellow raiment shines pure as lightning upon it. I bow to the noble bridegroom of Janaka's daughter (Sita). Worship the friend of the destitute, the very sun of splendour, destroyer of the races of demons and titans; the joy of the Raghus, the root of all bliss, the moon of Kosala, the son of Dasharatha. On his head a crown, with earrings and a graceful tilak, and noble ornaments adorning his limbs; with arms reaching to his knees, bearing arrow and bow, who vanquished Khara and Dushana in battle. Thus speaks Tulsidas: O delighter of the minds of Shankara, Shesha and the sages, make your dwelling in the lotus of my heart, O destroyer of the wicked army of lust and all the rest.

Origin & History

Source: Vinaya Patrika of Goswami Tulsidas

Author: Goswami Tulsidas

Period: 16th century CE

This stuti is drawn from the Vinaya Patrika ('Petition of Humility') of Goswami Tulsidas, the great devotee-poet of Rama. In a handful of luminous verses he beholds Rama as the lotus-eyed Lord, the son of Dasharatha and slayer of demons, and makes the humble prayer that the Lord come to dwell in the lotus of his heart and destroy the inner foes of desire. It has become one of the most-sung praises of Rama in the Hindi-speaking world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shri Ramchandra Kripalu?
'Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajman' is a celebrated stuti (hymn of praise) of Lord Rama composed by Goswami Tulsidas in his Vinaya Patrika. In a few verses it praises Rama's lotus-like beauty and his glory, and prays that he dwell in the devotee's heart and dispel all fear.
Who wrote Shri Ramchandra Kripalu?
It was composed by Goswami Tulsidas (1532–1623 CE), the saint-poet who also wrote the Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa. This stuti is part of his devotional work the Vinaya Patrika.
When is Shri Ramchandra Kripalu recited?
It is recited daily in morning and evening prayers and sung at aarti, and with special devotion on Ram Navami and during recitations of the Ramayana. The famous rendition by Lata Mangeshkar is heard in homes and temples across India.
What does the stuti pray for?
It asks the mind to worship the compassionate Rama who removes the fear of worldly existence, and in the final verse Tulsidas prays that Rama make his dwelling in the lotus of the devotee's heart and destroy the inner enemies of lust, anger and greed.
What is the meaning of 'bhavabhaya darunam'?
'Bhavabhaya darunam' means the remover of the terrible (daruna) fear (bhaya) of bhava — the cycle of birth, death and worldly suffering. It describes Rama as the one whose worship frees the soul from this deepest fear.

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