Raamarakshaa-stotram (रामरक्षास्तोत्रम् ) is a famous स्तोत्रम् taken from the “Ananda Ramayana” and is said to have been composed by a saint called Budhakoushika, probably in the 14th century.
This stotram is a protection against troubles, threats and dangers. It is believed that its recitation empowers a person to battle all worldly and super-natural troubles in life.
The stotram begins with details of its Presiding Deity, the author, etc., followed by a meditation and then a brief description of the benefits of its recitation.
It then describes the divine relationship he shared with his mother as a son, preceptor as a disciple, Sita as his wife and likewise. Different epithets of Lord Rama, based on various legends about his physical attributes, compassionate nature, pious character and valorous achievements, have been mentioned, while invoking him and requesting him to protect the body including all its parts and limbs.
This portion of the stotram is especially useful because it gives small but significant hints about Lord Rama’s life. Sanskrit names of all body organs have been given and the Lord is beseeched for the protection of each of these. Such a kind of invocation is very unique and rarely seen in other prayers.
There is a tradition to recite this stotram on the nine days of ‘Vasanta Navratri’, early in the mornings after a bath. It is also recommended to recite this stotra either 7 or 11 times everyday, meditating on the benevolent form of Lord Rama. This procedure is said to help in overcoming all sorts of problems faced by individuals.
There does not exist a traditional way of dividing the stotram into specific parts, but on the basis of the kind of invocation being made, we have divided it into a few parts, which also makes it convenient for people to learn by heart.
The following pages contain the first few parts – The Introduction, Meditation, a short Benediction and the Body-protection verses of the Stotram.
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