Shri Rama Ashtakam (Namami Ramamishvaram) — Benefits & How to Chant
श्री रामाष्टकम् (नमामि राममीश्वरम्)
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Shri Rama Ashtakam (Namami Ramamishvaram)
Each verse beautifully recalls a key episode of the Ramayana, making it a complete remembrance of Rama's life-story
Affirms Rama as 'Ishvara'
the Supreme Lord — deepening devotion beyond the human story
Praised as 'jagat-tamo-divaakaram', the sun that dispels the darkness of ignorance, hence chanted for clarity and wisdom
Recalls how Rama removed the suffering of gods, sages, monkeys and subjects
invoked for relief from one's own troubles
Ideal for daily Rama worship and especially powerful on Ram Navami and Vijayadashami
Cultivates the ideals of dharma
obedience, courage, friendship and just rule — embodied by Rama
Short, rhythmic and melodious, easy to memorize and chant for the whole family
How to Chant Shri Rama Ashtakam (Namami Ramamishvaram)
Instructions
After a bath, sit before an image of Sri Rama (with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman) and light a lamp. Recite all eight verses melodiously, allowing the mind to follow the unfolding story of the Ramayana that each verse paints — from the gods' prayer to Rama's reign in Ayodhya — and bowing inwardly at every refrain 'namaami raamam-eeshvaram'. It may be recited 8 times for its eight verses, or as a daily part of Rama worship. Its rhythmic meter makes it especially suited to be sung.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees cherish how this hymn, in just eight short verses, lets one re-live the whole Ramayana — and traditionally hold that one who lovingly remembers Rama through such a stotra, recalling how he removed the burdens of gods, sages and subjects alike, finds his own burdens lightened and his mind drawn from the darkness of worry into the light of devotion ('jagat-tamo-divaakaram').
Origin & History
Source: Shri Ramashtakam composed by Paramahamsa Swami Brahmananda
Author: Paramahamsa Swami Brahmananda
This Ramashtakam belongs to the Bhakti tradition of compressing the entire Ramayana into a short, singable hymn of praise. Composed by the saint Paramahamsa Swami Brahmananda, it differs from the Vedantic Ramashtakam of Vyasa: instead of dwelling on Rama's non-dual nature, it narrates Rama's deeds one after another — protecting sages, redeeming Ahalya, breaking Shiva's bow, going to the forest, slaying demons, befriending the vanaras, bridging the ocean, destroying Ravana, and ruling Ayodhya — and crowns each with the affirmation that this very hero is 'Ishvara', the Supreme Lord. The hymn thus unites the loving remembrance of Rama's story with recognition of his divinity.