मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी — Word-by-Word Meaning
मंगल भवन अमंगल हारी
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मंगल
maṅgala
auspiciousness, good, blessings
भवन
bhavana
abode, dwelling, the source/home (of all auspiciousness)
अमंगल
amaṅgala
inauspiciousness, evil, misfortune
हारी
hārī
remover, one who takes away, destroyer
द्रवउ
dravau
may He melt (with compassion), may He be moved to grace
सो
so
that very (Lord)
दसरथ
dasaratha
King Dasharatha, father of Rama
अजिर
ajira
courtyard (of Dasharatha's palace)
बिहारी
bihārī
one who sports/plays — the child Rama playing in the courtyard
मंगल भवन
maṅgala bhavana
the abode of all that is auspicious
अमंगल हारी
amaṅgala hārī
the destroyer of all that is inauspicious
दसरथ अजिर बिहारी
dasaratha ajira bihārī
He who plays in the courtyard of Dasharatha — the divine child Rama
Complete Translation
जो समस्त मंगलों के धाम और सब अमंगलों को हरने वाले हैं, तथा राजा दशरथ के आँगन में (बालरूप से) क्रीड़ा करते हैं, वे ही प्रभु (श्रीराम) करुणा से द्रवित होकर मुझ पर कृपा करें।
Origin & History
Source: Ramcharitmanas, Bala Kanda (Goswami Tulsidas)
Author: Goswami Tulsidas
Period: 16th century CE (c. 1574)
Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas, the Awadhi retelling of the Ramayana, beginning his work at Ayodhya in the year 1574. In the opening Bala Kanda he offers a series of invocations (mangalacharan) seeking the grace of his chosen deity, Lord Rama. This couplet is part of that benediction, praying that the Lord who is the very home of auspiciousness — and who once delighted the world as a child playing in Dasharatha's palace courtyard — may melt with compassion and bless the poet and all listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari' come from?▼
It is a chaupai (couplet) from the Bala Kanda (first book) of Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, composed in the Awadhi language in the 16th century. It appears within Tulsidas's benedictory invocation at the opening of the epic.
What does the verse mean?▼
It prays that Lord Rama — described as the abode of all auspiciousness, the remover of all inauspiciousness, and the divine child who plays in King Dasharatha's courtyard — may be moved with compassion and bestow His grace upon the devotee.
Why is it recited before ceremonies?▼
Because it is a self-contained benediction (mangalacharan) invoking auspiciousness and the removal of evil, it is traditionally chanted at the start of pujas, weddings, housewarmings, exams and new ventures to ensure an auspicious beginning.
Can anyone chant this verse?▼
Yes. It requires no formal initiation. Anyone may recite it with devotion at any time, especially in the morning or before beginning important work, to invite Lord Rama's blessings.
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