रघुपति राघव राजाराम — Word-by-Word Meaning
रघुपति राघव राजाराम
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
रघुपति
Raghupati
Lord of the Raghu dynasty — Rama
राघव
Raghava
Descendant of King Raghu — Rama
राजाराम
Raja Ram
King Rama
पतित पावन
Patita Pavana
Purifier of the fallen and the lowly
सीताराम
Sita Ram
Sita and Rama together — the divine couple
भज प्यारे
Bhaja Pyare
Sing (their name), O dear one
ईश्वर अल्लाह तेरो नाम
Ishwar Allah Tero Naam
Ishwar and Allah are both Your names
सब को सन्मति दे भगवान
Sab Ko Sanmati De Bhagavan
O Lord, grant right-mindedness and goodwill to all
Complete Translation
रघुकुल के स्वामी, राजा राम, पतितों को पावन करने वाले सीताराम। हे प्यारे, तू सीताराम का भजन कर। ईश्वर और अल्लाह — दोनों तेरे ही नाम हैं; हे भगवान, सबको सद्बुद्धि दे।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Ram Dhun; inclusive lines popularised by Mahatma Gandhi
Author: Traditional (verse); lines adapted by Mahatma Gandhi
Period: Traditional; the popular form from the early 20th century
Built on an old verse praising Rama as 'Raghupati' and 'Patita Pavana', this dhun was taken up by Mahatma Gandhi, who added the lines invoking Ishwar and Allah as one and asking the Lord to grant goodwill to all. Sung at his prayer meetings and on the Salt March, it became an anthem of unity — a Rama bhajan that opened its arms to every faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram?▼
The core verse belongs to the traditional 'Shri Rama' devotional repertoire (attributed to Lakshmanacharya). The well-known inclusive lines 'Ishwar Allah tero naam, sab ko sanmati de Bhagavan' were popularised by Mahatma Gandhi, who made the dhun a hymn of communal harmony during India's freedom movement.
What does 'Ishwar Allah tero naam' mean?▼
'Ishwar and Allah are both Your names.' It expresses that the one Divine is worshipped under many names, and prays that all people be granted good sense and mutual goodwill.
How is the Ram Dhun usually sung?▼
As a call-and-response or group chant with clapping, starting slow and gradually quickening. It is a staple of evening satsang and was famously sung on Gandhi's prayer marches, including the Dandi Salt March.
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