Sri Raghavam Dasharathatmajam — Benefits & How to Chant
श्रीराघवं दशरथात्मजम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Sri Raghavam Dasharathatmajam
Serves as a perfect dhyana / invocation before the Hanuman Chalisa or Rama japa
Fixes the mind on Sri Rama's complete, heroic and gracious form in one verse
Invokes Rama's protection as 'Nishachara-vinasha-kara', the destroyer of demonic forces
Cultivates devotion to Sita-Rama and reverence for the Raghu lineage
Brings calm, focus and auspiciousness at the start of worship
Easy to memorise, making daily Rama remembrance simple and steady
How to Chant Sri Raghavam Dasharathatmajam
Instructions
Recite this verse with folded hands as the opening dhyana before the Hanuman Chalisa, Rama japa, or your daily Rama puja, visualising Sri Rama as described — long-armed, lotus-eyed, with Sita, the jewel of the Raghus. Chanting it three times settles the mind on His form. It may also be used on its own as a brief, complete salutation to Sri Rama.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees believe that invoking Rama with this dhyana before the Hanuman Chalisa makes the recitation more potent, for one first establishes the Lord in the heart and only then calls upon His servant Hanuman, who is ever present where Rama's name is sung.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional dhyana shloka of Sri Rama, popularly recited before the Hanuman Chalisa
Author: Traditional
This verse belongs to the devotional tradition of dhyana shlokas that precede major prayers. It is especially well known as one of the invocatory verses chanted before the Hanuman Chalisa, where the devotee first meditates upon Sri Rama before praising His greatest devotee, Hanuman. Each epithet draws on the Ramayana's portrait of Rama as the ideal king, the immeasurable Lord, and the slayer of demons.