श्रीराघवं दशरथात्मजम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीराघवं दशरथात्मजम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
श्रीराघवं
Shri-Raghavam
Sri Raghava — the illustrious scion of the Raghu dynasty (Rama)
दशरथात्मजम्
Dasharathatmajam
The son of King Dasharatha
अप्रमेयं
Aprameyam
The immeasurable, the incomprehensible (beyond all measure)
सीतापतिं
Sita-Patim
The Lord (husband) of Sita
रघुकुलान्वयरत्नदीपम्
Raghu-Kulanvaya-Ratna-Dipam
The jewel-lamp (radiant gem) of the lineage of the Raghu dynasty
आजानुबाहुम्
A-Janu-Bahum
Whose arms reach down to His knees (a mark of a great hero)
अरविन्ददलायताक्षं
Aravinda-Dalayatakṣham
Whose eyes are long and wide like the petals of a lotus
रामं
Ramam
Sri Rama
निशाचरविनाशकरं
Nishachara-Vinasha-Karam
The destroyer of the night-wandering demons (rakshasas)
नमामि
Namami
I bow, I salute, I worship
Complete Translation
मैं श्रीराम को प्रणाम करता हूँ — जो राघव हैं, दशरथ के पुत्र हैं, अप्रमेय (अमाप) हैं; जो सीता के स्वामी हैं; रघुकुल की वंश-परम्परा के रत्न-दीप (तेजस्वी मणि) हैं; जिनकी भुजाएँ घुटनों तक लम्बी हैं और नेत्र कमल की पंखुड़ियों के समान विशाल हैं; तथा जो निशाचरों (राक्षसों) का नाश करने वाले हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional dhyana shloka of Sri Rama, popularly recited before the Hanuman Chalisa
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical / Medieval
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 'Sri Raghavam Dasharathatmajam' recited?▼
It is a popular dhyana (meditation) shloka recited as an invocation before the Hanuman Chalisa and before Rama japa or puja. It can also be chanted on its own as a daily salutation to Sri Rama.
What does 'Aprameya' mean here?▼
'Aprameya' means immeasurable or incomprehensible — beyond the grasp of mind and measure. Though Rama appears in human form as Dasharatha's son, He is in truth the infinite, immeasurable Supreme Lord.
Why is Rama called 'A-janu-bahu' (long-armed)?▼
Arms reaching to the knees ('ajanubahu') were considered in tradition a mark of a great king and hero — signifying strength, generosity and majesty. It is a classical epithet of Sri Rama.
Who are the 'nishacharas' Rama destroys?▼
'Nishachara' literally means 'night-wanderer', referring to the rakshasas (demons) such as Ravana and his forces, whom Sri Rama vanquished. The phrase celebrates Rama as the protector who removes evil and fear.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →