Paramartha Stuti — Benefits & How to Chant
परमार्थस्तुतिः
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Paramartha Stuti
Invokes the grace of Lord Vijayaraghava (Rama), the sworn protector of all who surrender
Strengthens faith in saranagati through the Lord's own vow to protect
be it Vibhishana or even Ravana
Reorients the devotee from the four worldly goals toward the true paramartha: eternal service to the Lord
Holds up Jatayu as the supreme example of one who gave everything for the Lord and gained all
Cultivates absorption in the beautiful, weapon-bearing form of the Lord who stands in front to protect
Cherished by Sri Vaishnavas for daily recitation as Desika himself prescribes in the final verse
How to Chant Paramartha Stuti
Instructions
Sit cleanly facing east before an image of Rama or Vishnu. Recite the ten verses with devotion, dwelling on the Lord as 'Rana-pungava,' the warrior who never forsakes one who surrenders. Reflect on the example of Jatayu and the Lord's vow of protection. As the final verse directs, cherish the hymn daily with reverence and without envy, fixing the mind on the supreme goal of eternal service.
Spiritual Significance
At Tirupputkuzhi the Lord is celebrated for granting liberation to Jatayu, the aged vulture who fought Ravana to save Sita and fell mortally wounded; performing the bird's final rites and bestowing upon him the highest state, the Lord showed that one who gives his all for Him — as the Paramartha Stuti proclaims — gains every fruit, and devotees pray that the same grace embrace them.
Origin & History
Source: Paramartha Stuti (a stuti of ten verses on Lord Vijayaraghava of Tirupputkuzhi)
Author: Vedanta Desika (Venkatanatha)
Swami Vedanta Desika composed the Paramartha Stuti in praise of Lord Vijayaraghava (Rama) at the Tirupputkuzhi Divya Desam near Kanchipuram, the holy place linked with Jatayu of the Ramayana. Addressing the Lord throughout as 'Rana-pungava,' the foremost among warriors, and following the Ramayana in a hidden, contemplative way, Desika sets forth the supreme goal (paramartha) of the soul: to disregard the lesser human aims and live wholly for the eternal, loving service of the Lord, who has vowed never to forsake one who surrenders to Him.