रामाष्टकम् — Benefits & How to Chant
रामाष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting रामाष्टकम्
Unites devotion to Rama with the Vedantic vision of him as the non-dual Brahman
Each verse contemplates a deeper truth
Self-knowledge, formlessness, pure consciousness, liberation
The phalashruti promises knowledge (vidya), prosperity (shri), great happiness and endless fame
Declared to grant moksha (liberation) at the time of death to those who recite or hear it
Short, rhythmic and meditative
well suited to contemplative japa and study
Helps cross the 'ocean of samsara' by fixing the mind on Rama as the inner Self
Ideal for Ram Navami, Ekadashi and daily morning contemplation
How to Chant रामाष्टकम्
Instructions
Sit calmly facing east before an image of Lord Rama. Recite the eight verses slowly, letting the refrain 'Bhajeha Ramam Advayam' settle the mind on Rama as the one, non-dual reality. Because this is a contemplative (Vedantic) hymn, reflect on each verse's meaning — Rama as the Self, beyond name and form, revealed by the Mahavakyas. Conclude with the ninth (phalashruti) verse. Daily recitation in the morning is traditional.
Spiritual Significance
The hymn's own phalashruti is its promised wonder: whoever recites this Rama Ashtakam, or even hears it, is said to obtain knowledge, prosperity, vast happiness and unending fame in this life, and to attain liberation (moksha) at the dissolution of the body — the highest fruit of devotion to Rama as the non-dual Self.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit hymn; attributed to Vyasa
Author: Attributed to Veda Vyasa
This Rama Ashtakam belongs to the Advaita (non-dualist) devotional tradition, in which the personal Lord Rama is adored as identical with the impersonal Supreme Brahman. Its verses move from Rama's enchanting beauty to ever more abstract truths — Rama as the awakener of the Self, beyond name and form, the single reality of consciousness revealed by the great Vedic sayings (Mahavakyas). The closing verse, naming Vyasa as its speaker, sets out the fruits of its recitation.