सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम — Word-by-Word Meaning
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ईश्वर उवाच
Ishvara uvacha
The Lord (Shiva) said (to Parvati)
श्रीराम राम रामेति
Shrirama rama rameti
Uttering 'Shri Rama, Rama, Rama'
रमे
Rame
I delight, I revel
रामे
Rame
In (the name) Rama
मनोरमे
Manorame
Which is enchanting and delightful to the mind
सहस्रनाम
Sahasranama
The thousand names (of Vishnu)
तत्तुल्यं
Tattulyam
Equal to that
रामनाम
Ramanama
The name 'Rama'
वरानने
Varanane
O lovely-faced one (Parvati)
Complete Translation
ईश्वर (शिव) ने कहा: 'श्रीराम, राम, राम — ऐसा कहते हुए मैं उस मनोरम राम-नाम में रमण करता हूँ। हे वरानने (पार्वती)! एक 'राम' नाम विष्णु के सहस्रनाम के तुल्य है।'
Origin & History
Source: Vishnu Sahasranama, phalashruti (concluding verses)
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata tradition)
Period: Itihasa period (traditionally Dvapara Yuga)
In the closing dialogue appended to the Vishnu Sahasranama, Parvati asks Shiva for a simple means by which the learned daily recite the thousand names of Vishnu. Shiva replies with this verse — that he himself revels in the enchanting name of Rama, and that the single name 'Rama' is equal to the entire Sahasranama. The line became one of the most cherished testimonies to the power of the Rama Nama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Sahasranama Tattulyam Ramanama' mean?▼
It means 'the name Rama is equal to the thousand names'. In this verse Lord Shiva tells Parvati that uttering the single name 'Rama' carries the same merit as reciting the entire thousand names of Vishnu (the Vishnu Sahasranama).
Where does this verse appear?▼
It appears in the concluding portion (phalashruti) of the Vishnu Sahasranama, in a dialogue where Parvati asks Shiva for an easy way to recite the thousand names, and Shiva answers that the name 'Rama' alone is equal to them all.
Why is the Rama Nama considered so powerful?▼
The Rama Nama is revered as the Taraka mantra — the name that liberates. This verse, spoken by Shiva himself (who is said to constantly chant it), is the classic scriptural endorsement of its supreme potency.
How should I chant it?▼
Recite the verse once, then simply keep repeating 'Shri Rama, Rama, Rama' with love. It requires no ritual and can be chanted at any time, making it ideal for continuous remembrance of the Lord.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →