रामो विग्रहवान्धर्मः — Word-by-Word Meaning
रामो विग्रहवान्धर्मः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
रामः
Ramah
Rama (Sri Rama)
विग्रहवान्
Vigrahavan
Embodied, possessing a (visible) form
धर्मः
Dharmah
Dharma (righteousness itself) — i.e. Rama is dharma incarnate
साधुः
Sadhuh
Virtuous, noble, the good one
सत्यपराक्रमः
Satya-Parakramah
Of true / unfailing valour — whose prowess never fails
राजा
Raja
King, sovereign
सर्वस्य लोकस्य
Sarvasya Lokasya
Of the entire world / of all the world
देवानाम् इव
Devanam-iva
Just as (the king) of the gods
वासवः
Vasavah
Indra (Vasava), the lord of the celestials
Complete Translation
राम साक्षात् धर्म के मूर्तिमान स्वरूप हैं; वे साधु (सज्जन एवं श्रेष्ठ) हैं और उनका पराक्रम सत्य (अमोघ) है। वे समस्त संसार के राजा हैं, जैसे देवताओं के राजा वासव (इन्द्र) हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda (words of Maricha to Ravana)
Author: Maharishi Valmiki
Period: Ancient (Treta Yuga setting; classical epic)
In the Aranya Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana, Ravana approaches the demon Maricha to enlist his help in abducting Sita. Maricha, who had already once felt Rama's power, tries to dissuade Ravana by extolling Rama's greatness. In this verse he declares that Rama is dharma embodied, of unfailing valour, and the king of all the world like Indra among the gods — a warning that to oppose Rama is to oppose righteousness itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the verse 'Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah' come from?▼
It is from Valmiki's Ramayana (Aranya Kanda). It is spoken by the demon Maricha to Ravana, describing the greatness of Sri Rama as he warns Ravana not to provoke Him. The verse has become one of the most famous descriptions of Rama.
What does 'Vigrahavan Dharmah' mean?▼
It means 'dharma possessing a form' or 'righteousness embodied'. It declares that Sri Rama is not merely a follower of dharma but dharma itself given a living, visible form.
Why is Rama compared to Vasava (Indra)?▼
Just as Indra (Vasava) is the sovereign of all the gods, Rama is described as the rightful king of the entire world. The comparison underlines His supreme majesty and authority.
Can this single verse be chanted on its own?▼
Yes. Though it is part of the Ramayana, this self-contained shloka is widely recited on its own as a brief, potent salutation to Sri Rama and an affirmation of dharma.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →