श्रीरामचन्द्राष्टकम् — Benefits & How to Chant
श्रीरामचन्द्राष्टकम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting श्रीरामचन्द्राष्टकम्
Each verse fixes the mind on the prayer 'may Rama ever dwell in my heart'
Recalls Rama's most beloved deeds
saving Shabari, redeeming Ahalya, befriending Sugriva and Vishwamitra
Affirms Rama as Vishnu (Mukunda, Govinda, Hrishikesha, Vaikuntha) and as the Supreme Self
The phalashruti promises freedom from the fear of birth and death for those who recite it at dawn
Said to lead the devotee to 'Raghupati Padam'
the supreme, blessedness-giving abode of Rama
A soothing, protective prayer ideal for beginning the day with Rama's name
Well suited to Ram Navami, Ekadashi and daily morning worship
How to Chant श्रीरामचन्द्राष्टकम्
Instructions
The stotra's own closing verse prescribes recitation at dawn (ushah-kala) with devotion and feeling. Bathe, sit before an image of Lord Rama (with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman), and recite the eight verses, letting the heart rest on the refrain 'Ramanatho Ramo Ramatu Mama Chitte Tu Satatam' — inviting Rama to dwell forever in your heart. End with the ninth phalashruti verse. Daily morning recitation is the traditional practice.
Spiritual Significance
The hymn's phalashruti declares its own blessing: whoever recites this stotra at dawn with devotion swiftly sheds the fear of birth and death and the suffering it causes, and is led to the supreme, blessedness-bestowing abode of Rama — the assurance that constant remembrance of Rama in the heart carries the devotee beyond samsara.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit hymn (Sri Rama Stotram)
Author: Amaradasa (as named in the hymn's phalashruti)
The Sri Ramachandra Ashtakam is a devotional stotra in which the poet Amaradasa adores Lord Rama both as the gentle prince of the Ramayana and as the all-pervading Vishnu and Supreme Self. Across its eight verses he recalls Rama's compassion to Shabari and Ahalya, his friendship with Sugriva and the sage Vishwamitra, and his cosmic forms, ending each verse with the longing that Rama dwell forever in his heart. The closing verse names the poet and sets out the hymn's fruit.