Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
A Divine Vratam blessed by Sri Rama Himself
Viswapathi
Om Daasharadhaaya Vidmahe
Seethaa Vallabhaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Ramachandra Prachodayaath
Sreerasthu Shubhamasthu Avignamasthu
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
(Miraculous Vratha kalpam specified with Divine Blessings by Sri Rama)
Seethaa Vallabhaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Ramachandra Prachodayaath
Sreerasthu Shubhamasthu Avignamasthu
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
(Miraculous Vratha kalpam specified with Divine Blessings by Sri Rama)
Written by
Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy (M.Tech)
(T.V.R.K. Murthy)
Shri Designs
Vedic Logo designers
www.lordofsevenhills.com
www.vratams.com
Ph: +91 40 23713752
Mob: +91 9849443752
Hyderabad
2017
For Malayalam version of this vratham please click here to download
(right click the above link and select save target/file as to save the file onto your system/phone/tablet)
Foreword
Sri Rama Rama Raamethi Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasra Naama Tath Tulyam Rama Naama Varaanane
Sri Rama’s name is divinity personified. It is very powerful. It would bless us with prosperity. Those who chant Rama Namam would not face any adversity. Sri Ramachandra would always be with them and protect them. The more one chants Rama namam, the more they would benefit. It is very easy for anyone to chant this divine name. It would lead to success on all fronts.
Due to Sri Srinivasa’s mercy, I was able to write sixteen books on His leelas till now. It is only by his grace that these books are being read by devotees across the world. Among these, Sri Venkateswara Vratha Kalpam, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Vratha Kalpam and Sri Ananda Anjaneyam are more popularly followed. All these three vrathams are observed by numerous devotees in their houses as well as in temples across the world. I feel really blessed for being able to write these vrathams by the grace of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
From a long time devotees have been requesting me to a vratham on Sri Ramachandra. With divine intervention of Sri Rama I was able to write this vratham. No one can write any devotional book without the blessing of that particular God or Goddess. There is always a divine intervention behind each of the books that I have written. One afternoon a well-built Acharya Purusha came to my house. He said that he came from a nearby Sri Rama temple and took the books of Sri Venkateswara Vratha Kalpam and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Vratha Kalpam which i had written. He asked me to write Sri Rama vratham. As I was thinking something He again insisted me that I should write it again he said that I should compulsorily write Sri Ramachandra vratham. I said as soon as I receive Lord’s blessing I would definitely write. After He left I thought of the temple that He specified and realised that I had never seen a Sri Rama temple in that locality. The surprising thing is He had specified that He would come back, but till now He hasn’t. Perhaps Sri Ramachandra came in that form and gave me darshan that day. The interesting thing is that year, some devotees whom I had not met before came to me and gave Akshata (rice grains coated with turmeric) and pearls that are used in the Sri SitaRama Kalyanam, Bhadrachalam. It was the first time that I had seen the Lord’s Kalyanam pearls.
Another fascinating thing is that when the DTP of this book was finalised it was unknowingly on the Lord’s Janma Nakshatram day of Purnavasu. I feel it is only Lord’s blessing. It was also the last day of pavithrotsavam (an annual ritual) at Sri Kodanda Rama temple, Tirupati.
Sri Rama Raksha vratm is solely written by the grace of the Lord. I was only holding the pen, it was Sri Rama’s blessing that I could write each and every word. Performing this vratham is very easy. I pray to Lord to bless all those devotees who perform this vratham with devotion.
I am thankful to Smt & Sri P. Jagadeesh of Sri Vasavi printers, for the DTP work. I pray that Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy should always bless them.
I am thankful to those who helped in the first print of this book, especially Sri G.V.R. Ravi and Smt.Vijaya Lakshmi (VR Associates Hyderabad). I believe all this is Lord’s benevolence. I pray to Sri Sita Ramachandra to bless them and their family.
I also implore Sri Sita Ramachandra to bless all those who directly or indirectly contributed to the publication of the book, devotees like you who are performing this vratham or reading the stories and those who partake the prasadam should be blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.
“Sarve Janaa Sukhino Bhavantu”
“Sri Sita Ramachandra Kataaksha Siddhirasthu
Samasta Sanmangalaani Bhavantu”
Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy
Viswapathi@yahoo.com
Shridesigns@gmail.com
Ph: 9849443752
Hyderabad
Sri Rama Rama Raamethi Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasra Naama Tath Tulyam Rama Naama Varaanane
Sri Rama’s name is divinity personified. It is very powerful. It would bless us with prosperity. Those who chant Rama Namam would not face any adversity. Sri Ramachandra would always be with them and protect them. The more one chants Rama namam, the more they would benefit. It is very easy for anyone to chant this divine name. It would lead to success on all fronts.
Due to Sri Srinivasa’s mercy, I was able to write sixteen books on His leelas till now. It is only by his grace that these books are being read by devotees across the world. Among these, Sri Venkateswara Vratha Kalpam, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Vratha Kalpam and Sri Ananda Anjaneyam are more popularly followed. All these three vrathams are observed by numerous devotees in their houses as well as in temples across the world. I feel really blessed for being able to write these vrathams by the grace of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
From a long time devotees have been requesting me to a vratham on Sri Ramachandra. With divine intervention of Sri Rama I was able to write this vratham. No one can write any devotional book without the blessing of that particular God or Goddess. There is always a divine intervention behind each of the books that I have written. One afternoon a well-built Acharya Purusha came to my house. He said that he came from a nearby Sri Rama temple and took the books of Sri Venkateswara Vratha Kalpam and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Vratha Kalpam which i had written. He asked me to write Sri Rama vratham. As I was thinking something He again insisted me that I should write it again he said that I should compulsorily write Sri Ramachandra vratham. I said as soon as I receive Lord’s blessing I would definitely write. After He left I thought of the temple that He specified and realised that I had never seen a Sri Rama temple in that locality. The surprising thing is He had specified that He would come back, but till now He hasn’t. Perhaps Sri Ramachandra came in that form and gave me darshan that day. The interesting thing is that year, some devotees whom I had not met before came to me and gave Akshata (rice grains coated with turmeric) and pearls that are used in the Sri SitaRama Kalyanam, Bhadrachalam. It was the first time that I had seen the Lord’s Kalyanam pearls.
Another fascinating thing is that when the DTP of this book was finalised it was unknowingly on the Lord’s Janma Nakshatram day of Purnavasu. I feel it is only Lord’s blessing. It was also the last day of pavithrotsavam (an annual ritual) at Sri Kodanda Rama temple, Tirupati.
Sri Rama Raksha vratm is solely written by the grace of the Lord. I was only holding the pen, it was Sri Rama’s blessing that I could write each and every word. Performing this vratham is very easy. I pray to Lord to bless all those devotees who perform this vratham with devotion.
I am thankful to Smt & Sri P. Jagadeesh of Sri Vasavi printers, for the DTP work. I pray that Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy should always bless them.
I am thankful to those who helped in the first print of this book, especially Sri G.V.R. Ravi and Smt.Vijaya Lakshmi (VR Associates Hyderabad). I believe all this is Lord’s benevolence. I pray to Sri Sita Ramachandra to bless them and their family.
I also implore Sri Sita Ramachandra to bless all those who directly or indirectly contributed to the publication of the book, devotees like you who are performing this vratham or reading the stories and those who partake the prasadam should be blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.
“Sarve Janaa Sukhino Bhavantu”
“Sri Sita Ramachandra Kataaksha Siddhirasthu
Samasta Sanmangalaani Bhavantu”
Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy
Viswapathi@yahoo.com
Shridesigns@gmail.com
Ph: 9849443752
Hyderabad
How to Perform this Vratham
• This book can be read by anyone, anytime. There is no limitation of age, caste or creed. It can be read by both men and women, in any month or any day.
• It is very auspicious to read on Ekadasi or Pournami Tidhi or Punarvasu or Sravana stars. Reading on Wednesday or Saturday is much more auspicious.
• The bad deeds of previous births would be removed if read in Chitra, Vaisakha, Sravana or Karthika months. One would be blessed with a lot of punyam.
• There is no need to observe any fast when doing this vratham.
• Before starting the vratham first offer obeisance to Lord Ganapati, Navagrahas and Astadikpalakas. After that one can state in their mind their name, names of their family members and gotram. Read the Astothram of Sri Sita and Ramachandra. This has to be followed by Adhanga puja and then reading the five stories of Bhagawan and finally offering any fruits as Naivedyam.
• There is no requirement for both husband and wife to do the vratham together. Whenever husband or wife is free they can perform it. If both have time to perform together they can very well do so.
• Under unfortunate circumstances of being a widow or widower even they can, without any hesitation, perform the vratham. Those who perform would be blessed with peace of mind.
• Every Saturday if one reads the five stories, offer Banana, vada pappu (soaked yellow moong dal) and Paanakam (Jaggery water) as neivedyam and later take this as prasadam, then all their health problems would be resolved. No harm would come to them. There would be no fear of death. If one is not able to read then by listening to their relatives reading the book also would get the maximum benefit.
• On every Saturday if the temple priests of Sri Ramachandra temple reads this book then that temple will become a holy shrine and the devotees who visits that temple would be blessed by Lord Sri Sita Ramachandra with abundant health and happiness.
• Performing the vratham in any Sri Ramachandra temple would remove all the previous births bad deeds. As soon as one performs the vratham all their health problems would be removed. Their body would shine with new radiance. They would be blessed with long life.
• One can perform the vratham or read the book for the benefit of one’s children or relatives if they are unable to do so for any reason (out of country, health problem etc). One can perform or read the book continuously for three Saturdays in any temple or at one’s house to obtain the blessings of Sri Ram, be it for child, marriage, job, health etc.
• Whenever feasible perform the vratham with the help of a Purohit. It is more auspicious to perform with Kalasha sthaapana, inviting Astadikpalakas, Navagraha Devatas and all the lokapalakas and establishing them in their places.
• Before starting any auspicious task, performing this vratham would ensure that the blessings of Sri Sita Ramachandra would be there for its complete success.
• In the case of any unforeseen mental stress or unexpected problems, without looking at the day, week or star one can perform this Vratham to attain mental peace. With Bhagawan’s blessings the problem would be immediately removed and the devotee would get peace.
• In this way one can perform the Sri Seetha Ramachandra vratham in any way, on any day to receive the blessings of Bhagawan.
Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy
• This book can be read by anyone, anytime. There is no limitation of age, caste or creed. It can be read by both men and women, in any month or any day.
• It is very auspicious to read on Ekadasi or Pournami Tidhi or Punarvasu or Sravana stars. Reading on Wednesday or Saturday is much more auspicious.
• The bad deeds of previous births would be removed if read in Chitra, Vaisakha, Sravana or Karthika months. One would be blessed with a lot of punyam.
• There is no need to observe any fast when doing this vratham.
• Before starting the vratham first offer obeisance to Lord Ganapati, Navagrahas and Astadikpalakas. After that one can state in their mind their name, names of their family members and gotram. Read the Astothram of Sri Sita and Ramachandra. This has to be followed by Adhanga puja and then reading the five stories of Bhagawan and finally offering any fruits as Naivedyam.
• There is no requirement for both husband and wife to do the vratham together. Whenever husband or wife is free they can perform it. If both have time to perform together they can very well do so.
• Under unfortunate circumstances of being a widow or widower even they can, without any hesitation, perform the vratham. Those who perform would be blessed with peace of mind.
• Every Saturday if one reads the five stories, offer Banana, vada pappu (soaked yellow moong dal) and Paanakam (Jaggery water) as neivedyam and later take this as prasadam, then all their health problems would be resolved. No harm would come to them. There would be no fear of death. If one is not able to read then by listening to their relatives reading the book also would get the maximum benefit.
• On every Saturday if the temple priests of Sri Ramachandra temple reads this book then that temple will become a holy shrine and the devotees who visits that temple would be blessed by Lord Sri Sita Ramachandra with abundant health and happiness.
• Performing the vratham in any Sri Ramachandra temple would remove all the previous births bad deeds. As soon as one performs the vratham all their health problems would be removed. Their body would shine with new radiance. They would be blessed with long life.
• One can perform the vratham or read the book for the benefit of one’s children or relatives if they are unable to do so for any reason (out of country, health problem etc). One can perform or read the book continuously for three Saturdays in any temple or at one’s house to obtain the blessings of Sri Ram, be it for child, marriage, job, health etc.
• Whenever feasible perform the vratham with the help of a Purohit. It is more auspicious to perform with Kalasha sthaapana, inviting Astadikpalakas, Navagraha Devatas and all the lokapalakas and establishing them in their places.
• Before starting any auspicious task, performing this vratham would ensure that the blessings of Sri Sita Ramachandra would be there for its complete success.
• In the case of any unforeseen mental stress or unexpected problems, without looking at the day, week or star one can perform this Vratham to attain mental peace. With Bhagawan’s blessings the problem would be immediately removed and the devotee would get peace.
• In this way one can perform the Sri Seetha Ramachandra vratham in any way, on any day to receive the blessings of Bhagawan.
Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy
ADHANGA PUJA
(Praying to all parts of body of Lord Rama)
Offer the Lord a flower, akshatha, vibhudhi or kumkum after saying each line
Om Sri Ramaaya Namaha - Paadhou Pujayami
Om Sri Rama Bhadraaya Namaha - Jange Pujayami
Om Sri Ramachandraaya Namaha - Januni Pujayami
Om Sri Shaashvataaya Namaha – Ooroo Pujayami
Om Sri Katavallabhaaya Namaha - Katham Pujayami
Om Sri Dasaratha atmajaaya Namaha - Udaram Pujayami
Om Sri Kousalyaaya Namaha – Naabhim Pujayami
Om Sri Laxshmanagrajaaya Namaha – Vaksha Sthalam Pujayami
Om Sri Koustubha Aabharanaya Namaha - Kantham Pujayami
Om Sri Raaja Raajaaya Namaha - Skandou Pujayami
Om Sri Kodanda Dharaayana Namaha - Baahum Pujayami
Om Sri Bharata Agrajaaya Namaha -Mukham Pujayami
Om Sri Padmaakshaaya Namaha – Nethre Pujayami
Om Sri Sarveswaraaya Namaha – Shirah Pujayami
Om Sri Ramachandra ParaBrahmane Namaha
Sarvaanyaamgaani Poojayaami
Sri Rama Astothara Shathanaamaavali
Om Sri Raamaaya Namaha
Om Raama Bhadraaya Namaha
Om Raama Chandraaya Namaha
Om Shaasvataaya Namaha
Om Raajeeva Lochanaaya Namaha
Om Srimathe Namaha
Om Raajendraaya Namaha
Om Raghupungavaaya Namaha
Om Jaanaki Vallabhaaya Namaha
Om Jaitraaya Namaha
Om Jitaa Mitraaya Namaha
Om Janaardhanaaya Namaha
Om Vishwaamitra Priyaaya Namaha
Om Daantaaya Namaha
Om Sharanatraaṇa Tatparaaya Namaha
Om Vaali Pramadhanaaya Namaha
Om Vaangmine Namaha
Om Satya Vaache Namaha
Om Satya Vikramaaya Namaha
Om Satya Vrathaaya Namaha
Om Vrathadharaaya Namaha
Om Sadaa Hanumadaa Shritaaya Namaha
Om Kosalendraaya Namaha
Om Khara Dhwamsine Namaha
Om Viraadha Vadha Panditaaya Namaha
Om Vibheeshana Paritraathre Namaha
Om Harakodaṇḍa Khaṇḍa Naaya Namaha
Om Saptataaḷa Prabhetyai Namaha
Om Dashagreeva Shiroharaaya Namaha
Om Jaamadagnya Mahaadarpa Daḷanaaya Namaha
Om Taatakaantakaaya Namaha
Om Vedaanta Saaraaya Namaha
Om Vedaatmane Namaha
Om Bhavarogaasya Bheshajaaya Namaha
Om Bhushana Trishiroharthre Namaha
Om Thrimurtaye Namaha
Om Triguṇaatmakaaya Namaha
Om Trivikramaaya Namaha
Om Thrilokaatmane Namaha
Om Punya Charitra Kirtanaaya Namaha
Om Triloka Rakṣhakaaya Namaha
Om Dhanvine Namaha
Om Daṇḍa Kaaraṇya Kartanaaya Namaha
Om Ahalyaa Shaapashamanaaya Namaha
Om Pithru Bhaktaaya Namaha
Om Varapradaaya Namaha
Om Jitendriyaaya Namaha
Om Jita Krodhaaya Namaha
Om Jitaa Mitraaya Namaha
Om Jagath Gurave Namaha
Om Rikṣha Vanara Sanghaatine Namaha
Om Chitrakooṭa Samaashrayaaye Namaha
Om Jayantha Traaṇavaradaaya Namaha
Om Sumitraa Putra Sevitaaya Namaha
Om Sarva Devaadi Devaaya Namaha
Om Mṛuta Vaanara Jivanaaya Namaha
Om Maayaa Maaricha Hantre Namaha
Om Mahaa Devaaya Namaha
Om Mahaa Bhujaaya Namaha
Om Sarva Deva Stutaaya Namaha
Om Saumyaaya Namaha
Om Brahmaṇyaaya Namaha
Om Muni Saṃstutaaya Namaha
Om Mahaa Yogine Namaha
Om Maho Daaraaya Namaha
Om Sugrivepsita Raajyadaaya Namaha
Om Sarva Puṇyaadika Phalaaya Namaha
Om Smrutha Ssarvaagha Naashanaaya Namaha
Om Aadi Puruṣhaaya Namaha
Om Parama Puruṣhaaya Namaha
Om Mahaa Puruṣaaya Namaha
Om Puṇyodayaaya Namaha
Om Dayaasaaraaya Namaha
Om Puraana Puruṣhottamaaya Namaha
Om Smita Vakttraaya Namaha
Om Mita Bhaaṣhiṇe Namaha
Om Pūrva Bhaaṣhiṇe Namaha
Om Raaghavaaya Namaha
Om Anantha Guṇa Gambhīraaya Namaha
Om Dhīrodaatta Guṇottamaaya Namaha
Om Maayaa Maanuṣha Chaaritraaya Namaha
Om Mahaadevaadi Pūjitaaya Namaha
Om Setu Kṛute Namaha
Om Jita Vaaraashaye Namaha
Om Sarva Tīrda Mayaaya Namaha
Om Haraye Namaha
Om Shyaamaaṅgaaya Namaha
Om Sundaraaya Namaha
Om Shūraaya Namaha
Om Pīta Vaasane Namaha
Om Dhanurdha Raaya Namaha
Om Sarva Yagnaadhīpaaya Namaha
Om Yajvine Namaha
Om Jaraa Maraṇa Varji Taaya Namaha
Om Vibheeṣhaṇa Pratiṣṭaathre Namaha
Om Sarvaapa Gunavarjitaaya Namaha
Om Para Maatmane Namaha
Om Para Brahmaṇe Namaha
Om Sachidaanandaa Vigrahaaya Namaha
Om Parasmai Dhaamne Namaha
Om Paraakaashaaya Namaha
Om Paraath Paraaya Namaha
Om Pare Shaaya Namaha
Om Paaranaaya Namaha
Om Paaragaaya Namaha
Om Avaaraaya Namaha
Om Sarva Devaatmakaaya Namaha
Om Parasmai Namaha
Sri Seetha Astothara Shatanaamaavali
Om Shaantaayai Namaha
Om Maheeswaryai Namaha
Om Nityaayai Namaha
Om Shaasvataayai Namaha
Om Paramaayai Namaha
Om Aksharaayai Namaha
Om Achintyaayai Namaha
Om Keevalaayai Namaha
Om Anantaayai Namaha
Om Shivaatmane Namaha
Om Paramaatmikaayai Namaha
Om Janakakayai Namaha
Om Mithilaa nandaayai Namaha
Om Rakshaasanta Nidhaayenyai Namaha
Om Raavanaata karyayai Namaha
Om Ramyaamayayai Namaha
Om Rama Vakshastala Stithayayai Namaha
Om Praneswaryayai Namaha
Om Praana Rupayayai Namaha
Om Pradhaana Purushesvaryayai Namaha
Om Sarva Shaktiyayai Namaha
Om Kalaaya Namaha
Om Kaastayayai Namaha
Om Jyothsnayayai Namaha
Om Indu Mahima Spadhayayai Namaha
Om Puraanayayai Namaha
Om Chinmayayai Namaha
Om Pumsaamaadhaayayai Namaha
Om Bhutaantha roorinyayai Namaha
Om Bhuthantha raatmaneyai Namaha
Om Koota stayayai Namaha
Om Maha Purusha Samgnitayayai Namaha
Om Swavaaryayai Namaha
Om Kaarya Jananyai Namaha
Om Brahmasyayai Namaha
Om Brahma Samshrayaayai Namaha
Om Vyaktayayai Namaha
Om Pradhamajaayai Namaha
Om Brahmyayai Namaha
Om Mahatyayai Namaha
Om Gnana Rupinyai Namaha
Om Maheswaryai Namaha
Om Samuthaanaayai Namaha
Om Bhukti Mukti Phala Pradayayai Namaha
Om Sarveshwaryai Namaha
Om Sarva Varnayai Namaha
Om Nityayai Namaha
Om Muditha Maanasayayai Namaha
Om Vasavyayai Namaha
Om Varadayayai Namaha
Om Avaachyaayai Namaha
Om Karyayai Namaha
Om Sarvaardha Saadhanaayayai Namaha
Om Vaageeshwaryai Namaha
Om Sarva Vidhyaayai Namaha
Om Maha Vidhyaayai Namaha
Om Sushobhanaayai Namaha
Om Shobhayai Namaha
Om Vamshakartyai Namaha
Om Leelayai Namaha
Om Maaninyai Namaha
Om Parameshtinyai Namaha
Om Thrai Lokya Sundaryayai Namaha
Om GnanaSundaryayai Namaha
Om Kaamachaarinyayai Namaha
Om Viroopayayai Namaha
Om Suroopayayai Namaha
Om Bheemayai Namaha
Om Moksha Pradhayinyai Namaha
Om Bhaktarthi Naashinyai Namaha
Om Bhavyaayai Namaha
Om Bhavavinaashinyai Namaha
Om Vikrutyai Namaha
Om Shaankaryai Namaha
Om Shaastrayai Namaha
Om Yaksha gandharva Sevithaayai Namaha
Om Vaishwaanartyai Namaha
Om Mahasheelayai Namaha
Om Deva Senaa Priyayai Namaha
Om Bhatru Sevaa Paraayanaayai Namaha
Om Guha Vathsaalaayai Namaha
Om Hiranmantyai Namaha
Om Mahaa dhaatryai Namaha
Om Samsaara Parivartikaayai Namaha
Om Sumaalinyai Namaha
Om Suroopaayai Namaha
Om Taarinyai Namaha
Om Vaadinyai Namaha
Om Prabhaayai Namaha
Om Jagath priyaayai Namaha
Om Jaganmoorthyai Namaha
Om Sri Moorthyai Namaha
Om Amrutaashrayaayai Namaha
Om Niraashraayayai Namaha
Om Niraahaaraayai Namaha
Om Pathi Bhakti Viraajitaayai Namaha
Om Satyai Namaha
Om Sri Mathyai Namaha
Om Sri Shaayai Namaha
Om Sri Srinivaasayai Namaha
Om Hari Priyaayai Namaha
Om Sri Kartyai Namaha
Om Bhaktaanu Kampaayai Namaha
Om Sreedhaarayai Namaha
Om Janakaathmajaayai Namaha
Om Puraa Vedavathi Roopayai Namaha
Om Sadaa Hanumad Aashritaayai Namaha
Om Sarasaamrutha Dhaatyai Namaha
Om Sri Pattabhi Rama Priyanganaayai Namaha
(Praying to all parts of body of Lord Rama)
Offer the Lord a flower, akshatha, vibhudhi or kumkum after saying each line
Om Sri Ramaaya Namaha - Paadhou Pujayami
Om Sri Rama Bhadraaya Namaha - Jange Pujayami
Om Sri Ramachandraaya Namaha - Januni Pujayami
Om Sri Shaashvataaya Namaha – Ooroo Pujayami
Om Sri Katavallabhaaya Namaha - Katham Pujayami
Om Sri Dasaratha atmajaaya Namaha - Udaram Pujayami
Om Sri Kousalyaaya Namaha – Naabhim Pujayami
Om Sri Laxshmanagrajaaya Namaha – Vaksha Sthalam Pujayami
Om Sri Koustubha Aabharanaya Namaha - Kantham Pujayami
Om Sri Raaja Raajaaya Namaha - Skandou Pujayami
Om Sri Kodanda Dharaayana Namaha - Baahum Pujayami
Om Sri Bharata Agrajaaya Namaha -Mukham Pujayami
Om Sri Padmaakshaaya Namaha – Nethre Pujayami
Om Sri Sarveswaraaya Namaha – Shirah Pujayami
Om Sri Ramachandra ParaBrahmane Namaha
Sarvaanyaamgaani Poojayaami
Sri Rama Astothara Shathanaamaavali
Om Sri Raamaaya Namaha
Om Raama Bhadraaya Namaha
Om Raama Chandraaya Namaha
Om Shaasvataaya Namaha
Om Raajeeva Lochanaaya Namaha
Om Srimathe Namaha
Om Raajendraaya Namaha
Om Raghupungavaaya Namaha
Om Jaanaki Vallabhaaya Namaha
Om Jaitraaya Namaha
Om Jitaa Mitraaya Namaha
Om Janaardhanaaya Namaha
Om Vishwaamitra Priyaaya Namaha
Om Daantaaya Namaha
Om Sharanatraaṇa Tatparaaya Namaha
Om Vaali Pramadhanaaya Namaha
Om Vaangmine Namaha
Om Satya Vaache Namaha
Om Satya Vikramaaya Namaha
Om Satya Vrathaaya Namaha
Om Vrathadharaaya Namaha
Om Sadaa Hanumadaa Shritaaya Namaha
Om Kosalendraaya Namaha
Om Khara Dhwamsine Namaha
Om Viraadha Vadha Panditaaya Namaha
Om Vibheeshana Paritraathre Namaha
Om Harakodaṇḍa Khaṇḍa Naaya Namaha
Om Saptataaḷa Prabhetyai Namaha
Om Dashagreeva Shiroharaaya Namaha
Om Jaamadagnya Mahaadarpa Daḷanaaya Namaha
Om Taatakaantakaaya Namaha
Om Vedaanta Saaraaya Namaha
Om Vedaatmane Namaha
Om Bhavarogaasya Bheshajaaya Namaha
Om Bhushana Trishiroharthre Namaha
Om Thrimurtaye Namaha
Om Triguṇaatmakaaya Namaha
Om Trivikramaaya Namaha
Om Thrilokaatmane Namaha
Om Punya Charitra Kirtanaaya Namaha
Om Triloka Rakṣhakaaya Namaha
Om Dhanvine Namaha
Om Daṇḍa Kaaraṇya Kartanaaya Namaha
Om Ahalyaa Shaapashamanaaya Namaha
Om Pithru Bhaktaaya Namaha
Om Varapradaaya Namaha
Om Jitendriyaaya Namaha
Om Jita Krodhaaya Namaha
Om Jitaa Mitraaya Namaha
Om Jagath Gurave Namaha
Om Rikṣha Vanara Sanghaatine Namaha
Om Chitrakooṭa Samaashrayaaye Namaha
Om Jayantha Traaṇavaradaaya Namaha
Om Sumitraa Putra Sevitaaya Namaha
Om Sarva Devaadi Devaaya Namaha
Om Mṛuta Vaanara Jivanaaya Namaha
Om Maayaa Maaricha Hantre Namaha
Om Mahaa Devaaya Namaha
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Sri Seetha Astothara Shatanaamaavali
Om Shaantaayai Namaha
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Om Indu Mahima Spadhayayai Namaha
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Om Chinmayayai Namaha
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Om Bhutaantha roorinyayai Namaha
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Om Nityayai Namaha
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Om Varadayayai Namaha
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Om Sarvaardha Saadhanaayayai Namaha
Om Vaageeshwaryai Namaha
Om Sarva Vidhyaayai Namaha
Om Maha Vidhyaayai Namaha
Om Sushobhanaayai Namaha
Om Shobhayai Namaha
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Om Guha Vathsaalaayai Namaha
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Om Sumaalinyai Namaha
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Om Vaadinyai Namaha
Om Prabhaayai Namaha
Om Jagath priyaayai Namaha
Om Jaganmoorthyai Namaha
Om Sri Moorthyai Namaha
Om Amrutaashrayaayai Namaha
Om Niraashraayayai Namaha
Om Niraahaaraayai Namaha
Om Pathi Bhakti Viraajitaayai Namaha
Om Satyai Namaha
Om Sri Mathyai Namaha
Om Sri Shaayai Namaha
Om Sri Srinivaasayai Namaha
Om Hari Priyaayai Namaha
Om Sri Kartyai Namaha
Om Bhaktaanu Kampaayai Namaha
Om Sreedhaarayai Namaha
Om Janakaathmajaayai Namaha
Om Puraa Vedavathi Roopayai Namaha
Om Sadaa Hanumad Aashritaayai Namaha
Om Sarasaamrutha Dhaatyai Namaha
Om Sri Pattabhi Rama Priyanganaayai Namaha
Sri Rama Dwaadasa Naama Stotram
Prathamam Sridharam Naama
Dwiteeyam Dasharadhatmajam
Truteeyam Ramachandram Cha
Chaturtham Ravananthakam
Panchamam Lokapoojyan Cha
Shashtam Sree Janaki Priyam
Saptamam Vasudevam Cha
Sri Raamam Chashtamam Tatha
Navamam Paala Chandram Cha
Dashamam Lakshmanaagrajam
Ekaadasam Cha Govindam
Dwadasham Setu Bandhanam.
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
First Chapter
Vikrama Varma Story
Sri Ramachandra is lover of devotees. He protects His devotees who place complete faith in Him. He loves and cares for His devotees. The compassionate Lord blessed His devotee Sri Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy with this vratham. Devotees who perform this vratham with devotion would be blessed with prosperity. Devotees who read or hear the stories and those who partake the prasadam would not face any adversity. They would attain success in all jobs that they undertake.
Once upon a time, Kalinga kingdom was ruled by King Vikrama Verma. Vikrama Varma was a great devotee of Lord Sri Ram. He tried to make his kingdom like Rama Rajya. During his rule his kingdom was very prosperous. He used to believe that Lord Sri Rama would take care of his kingdom. He would celebrate Sri Rama Navami festival with a lot of devotion. On every nook and corner of the kingdom Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam would be performed in a splendid way. Those ten days the whole kingdom would have festive atmosphere.
Although he had everything Vikrama Varma was unhappy as he was childless. The king and queen performed a number of pujas to beget children and visited a number of holy places. However it was of no use. One night in his dream Vikrama Varma saw a very old and ancient temple. He did not understand where and what it was. Next day morning Vikrama Varma called the Chief Purohit (Aasthana Purohit) and explained his dream and asked the meaning of it. The Purohit closed his eyes, meditated for a few minutes and said ‘Oh King! The temple that you saw in your dream is a very old Sri Ramachandra temple. It must be located somewhere in our kingdom. You have to pray that you would renovate the temple to its previous glory. Then you would be blessed with children’. The king replied ‘How would we know the location of the temple?’ The Purohit said that they would come to know in a few days’ time. Vikrama Verma then prayed to Lord Sri Rama saying that if he is blessed with a child he would definitely renovate the temple.
A few days after this episode, the queen became pregnant and delivered a baby boy. He was named Rama Verma and was brought up with a lot of love. As time passed Vikrama Varma forgot about his promise to Sri Ram. One day, a village head came and requested some money for the renovation of an old Sri Rama temple in his village. Although Vikrama Verma agreed to send some money, he forgot about it. He also forgot the previous promise made to Sri Ram. One day Rama Verma became very ill. All the doctors could not find the cause for the disease. In the mean while a Saint visited the kingdom. The Prime minister brought him to the palace and enquired about the health of the Prince Rama Verma. The Saint then addressed Vikrama Varma and said ‘Oh King! In your kingdom there is a village called Sriramagiri. You have to pray to Sri Ramachandra of this temple for your child’s recovery’.
The next day Vikrama Varma went to Sriramagiri, prayed to Sri Sita Ramachandra and started his return journey. On his way back there was a forest. As it was nightfall he stayed along with his followers in the forest. During the night a monkey suddenly jumped near to the King. The King did not understand how a monkey could come into his tent with so many soldiers around taking care. The monkey held king’s hand and pulled him. It brought him out of the tent and took him into the forest. The king followed the monkey without saying anything. After a while the monkey suddenly jumped on to a tree and disappeared. Vikrama Varma took two steps and was shocked. He saw the same ancient temple that he had seen in his dream long back. There is no doubt! It is same temple. Immediately he remembered his promise to Lord Sri Ramachandra. He realised that the monkey which showed him this temple was none other than Sri Rama’s devotee, Sri Hanuman.
The king on his return to his tent explained everything to his Prime Minister. In the morning every one reached the temple and the king passed orders for the immediate renovation of the temple. After his return to the kingdom Vikrama Varma saw that his son was perfectly fine. He realised that his son fell ill because he had not kept his promise to Sri Ramachandra. He was happy that the Lord had blessed him. As per the king’s orders Sri Rama temple in the forest was renovated magnificently. A beautiful road to reach the temple was also laid. On an auspicious day Sri Sita Ramachandra idols were re-consecrated in the temple. In a few years the temple became famous as a very holy shrine. Devotees believed that if one worshipped with devotion then Sri Sita Ramachandra would bless them with prosperity.
|| End of first chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Second Chapter
Divine Story of Mallanna
Rama Eva Para Brahma Rama Eva Param Tapaha
Rama Eva Param Tatvam Sri Ramo Brahmataarakam
Rama is parabrahma. He is penance personified. He is paratatvam. He is Taaraka Brahma. Sriman Narayana who is the foundation of all living beings took the form of Sri RamaChandra in Treta yug. Let us go into the second chapter of Sri Rama Raksha vratham that was blessed to the devotee Viswapathi by the Lord Himself.
Once upon a time in a village called Ramapuram, there was a temple of Sri Sita Ram with Lakshman and Hanuman. The temple was situated outside the village with a lovely and beautiful pond (koneru). Every year a grand festival was celebrated during SriRama navami day and also every year the Teppostavam (float festival) was performed in a magnificent way. Two eyes were not enough to watch the grandeur of the Sri Ramachandra and His family who were beautifully decorated.
A person named Mallanna was working in that temple. He used to wake up early in the morning and clean the temple premises. He was poor and uneducated. Hence he started working in the temple. He used to diligently work on all jobs related to the temple. Early in the morning he would pray to Bhagawan. He used to live with his wife and son in a small hut in the temple premises.
It was the time for the Sri Rama Navami festival. Every day was a festival. The whole temple was decorated with garlands made with colourful flowers. Mallana was very busy with no time for rest. Everyday evening there was mythological discussions (purana reading). Each day different learned Speakers would beautifully explain different aspects from Puranas. A number of devotees would visit the temple. Mallana also would listen to these teachings by the speakers.
The evening before Navami, Shankara Shastri, a learned Pandit from the neighbouring village was explaining the significance of chanting Sri Rama’s name. He explained ‘There is no other name which is equal to the divine name of Rama. All the previous birth sins would be removed by chanting of Rama name at least once. Devotees would be blessed with prosperity if they regularly chant the name of Rama. Try calling Rama’s name during any danger or threat, Kodanda Rama would immediately rescue the devotee. There is no name which is so easy and so positive and powerful. Even Parama Shiva continuously chants the name of Rama. All divine beings eternally chant the divine Rama name. Many saints attained their divine powers only by chanting Rama Namam. Rama Namam is the foundation for all living as well as Celestial beings’.
Shankara Shastri’s words touched Mallana’s heart and he was greatly influenced. He thought ‘I did not know Sri Rama’s name whom I am serving every day is so powerful. Although I am serving Him every day, I did not realise the divinity of Sri Rama’. After dinner the family slept in their hut. Suddenly Mallana’s son screamed. Immediately Mallana and his wife woke up to check the reason for their son’s scream. His son was twisting with pain and pointing towards his leg. They saw a snake slithering away from the hut. They immediately understood what happened. The snake bite the boy. They wondered where they have to take him in the middle of the night. The boy was wreathing (crying) with pain and unable to move. The couple was very worried.
Suddenly Mallana remembered the evening lecture by Shankara Shastry. He thought in any troublesome situation Lord Rama would come and help if we just chant the name of Rama. He immediately chanted loudly the name of Lord Rama and blew with his mouth on the spot of snake bite. Wow! Surprise! The pain immediately subsided. The wound of snake bite also disappeared. The boy smilingly got up. Mallanna couple joy knew no bounds. They praised the Lord saying ‘Oh Rama! You have saved my son!’ Next day they enjoyed the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (wedding) to their hearts content. They served Sri Rama till their end and attained salvation. That is how powerful Rama Namam is. If one chants the divine name with all sincerity they would be saved from all threats. Devotees would not face any ill health if they chant the name continuously. They would be blessed with prosperity.
|| End of Second chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Third Chapter
Rama Sharma Story
On the banks of Godavari there lived a well learned pandit, Rama Sharma. Although he was a very learned in all shastras, he was not egoistical and was down to earth. Rama Sharma had lot of devotion towards Sri Ramachandra. He always used to meditate on Sri Ramachandra. He would always tell people who come to him for personal advice to worship Lord Rama. He used to say that Lord Rama is a divine force that would save from any kind of harm.
Rama Sharma’s wife was Vydhehi. They lived congenially with each other. The couple had two daughters named Vanaja and Girija. Both were of marriageable age. The couple decided to look for eligible grooms to marry their daughters. They prayed to Lord Rama to show them good grooms. They started serious efforts for finding grooms.
With Lord Rama’s blessing, the eldest daughter Vanaja got engaged in a few days. The groom was Vishnu Sharma, son of Srinivasa Sharma from a neighbouring village. Srinivasa Sharma’s family also was simple and endearing family like Rama Sharma’s. They have heard a lot of good things about Rama Sharma. They agreed to the marriage without putting forth any demands of dowry etc. Rama Sharma couple were very happy that they could find such a good family only with the grace of Lord Sri Ramachandra. An auspicious time was fixed for the wedding of Vanaja and Vishnu Sharma.
The marriage date approached. The groom’s family reached the village in the morning. Wedding was fixed for next day 7 am. Everyone finished dinner. Both the families were chit chatting in the night. Children were playing and running here and there. Suddenly there was a big storm along with heavy rain. The marriage pandal was drenched. Rama Sharma got worried. He thought ‘what is this untimely rain? It would be hard for everyone’. Rain became more severe. Due to heavy winds, trees began to sway. If the situation continued for some more time, the whole pandal would blow away. Seeing all this Rama Sharma immediately thought of Sri Rama. He prayed to the Lord in his mind saying ‘Oh Sri Ramachandra! Paramdhaama! Holder of Auspicious name! What is this anomaly? What wrong have I committed that you are punishing me like this? I was happy that my daughter’s marriage was fixed with a good boy with your blessings. I thought it would be celebrated with grandeur. Why this rain now? Swamy! All the universe is under your influence! Please hear my prayer and bless so that the rain stops quickly. There is no other way other than You. You are my father, mother, Guru and owner. You are my everything. Please listen to my appeal’.
Sri Ramachandra who is kindness personified heard Rama Sharma’s pleas. Immediately the rain stopped. The wind also reduced in intensity. By the time of muhurat the next morning the whole environment was peaceful and quite. Rama Sharma couple praised the Lord for listening to their prayers. There were tears of joy in their eyes. Vanaja and Vishnu Sharma’s wedding was conducted in a grand way. Their second daughter Girija’s wedding also was performed with a good groom in a few days.
Sri Ramachandra is kindness personified. He will take care of His devotees who have complete trust in Him. He takes care of the welfare of devotees who pray to Him regularly. He would bless them with prosperity.
|| End of third chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Fourth Chapter
Ramanatham Story
Once upon a time on the banks of river Godavari there was a fisherman named Ramanatham. He used to live in a hut in the fisherman’s village along with his wife and children. Along with other fishermen, he used to go for fishing in the river, sell the fish and make a living. He was very devoted to Lord Sri Rama. There was a Sri Rama temple in the fisherman village. Every year, they used to celebrate Sri Rama Navami festival in a grand way. All the fishermen used to celebrate the festival with devotion and used to call the festival as Rama’s festivities. All the villagers would wait eagerly for the festival. They would hold a number of activities. People from neighbouring villages would also attend.
All the fisherman villagers were very connected to Lord Sri Ram. They used to name their female children with names like Ramulamma, RamaLakshmi etc. and their male children with Sri Rama’s name. Their relation with Sri Ram was strong. They would narrate all their problems to the Lord.
Ramanatham was also very devoted to the Lord Ram. Every day before going to the river for fishing he would pray to Sri Ram. One day after praying to the Lord, he along with two more fishermen went to the river. As they could not catch much fish they went deeper into the river. Suddenly dark clouds formed and within minutes a heavy downpour started. They wanted to return. However due to the heavy rain they did not have control over the boat. The river was turbulent. Suddenly the boat turned upside down. All the three held on to the boat. Due to the heavy downpour they were unable to swim.
They were scared that they would drown in the river. Ramanatham prayed to Lord Rama and pleaded ‘Oh Swamy! Please save us from this danger’. Immediately the kind hearted (aapadhbandhavudu), compassionate Lord blessed them. From the depths of the river a big fish surfaced, turning the boat right by balancing it on its back. The boat returned to its original position. Even the intensity of rain reduced. Ramanatham was very happy and praised Lord Sri Ramachandra in many ways. All of them returned to the village safely. During that year’s festival Ramanatham participated with renewed vigour by dancing and singing.
Sri Ramachandra is compassionate towards his devotees. He takes care of His devotees who constantly pray to him. There is no need to know any shastras or any knowledge of puranas. He would bless an ordinary lay man too. Devotees should only have faith in Him. He would save and protect them from any danger or threat. We offer our obeisance to such a Lord who loves His devotees.
|| End of fourth chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Fifth Chapter
Divine Story of Raghava Charya
In the olden days in the village of Raghavapuram, there was a priest named Veera Raghava Chary. He was the priest in the village temple of Sri Sita Ramachandra. He was very devoted and would follow all rules and regulations. Sri Ramachandra was his everything. He would happily listen to devotees who enlist Sri Rama’s personality. He would go into rapture hearing Sri Rama’s name. He used to take part in the temple festivities with lot of enthusiasm. Throughout the duration of the festivals he would only meditate on the Lord day and night.
Like every year, one year Sri Rama Navami festival arrived. The temple was decorated with various flowers. Everyday garlands were made with new and different flowers and decorated on the dwajasthamb. When the Sri Rama Navami festival was being conducted in Raghavapuram, all the neighbouring villages would also participate in celebrations. People would come on bullock carts. All the houses would be filled with relatives. All the villagers would take care of the relatives and guests with a lot of love. Girls would draw rangoli with different colors. Boys would hang mango garlands on the streets. The whole village would be magnificently decorated.
Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam was celebrated with a lot of fervour. Raghava Chary who was conducting the wedding was very happy. After the wedding the main priest of the temple Sri Krishnama Chary said ‘Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam is the highlight of all marriages in the world. It represents prosperity. Devotees who watch the wedding are very blessed. Their life would go on smoothly. There will not be any dearth in their life.’ By the time the festivities wrapped up it was 10pm in the night.
When Raghava Chary came to the temple in the morning, he could not find the Utsava vigrahas (festival idols) that were kept next to the main deity. He was very worried. He started crying and wondered ‘What happened to the idols which were there in the previous night?’ He searched the premises of the temple with no result. He then ran to the house of the Main panel member of the temple and narrated everything to him. Both came running to the temple. They did not understand who stole the divine idols which were coated with golden sheet.
That night Raghava Chary could not sleep. He was only seeing the divine idols in front of him. He cried ‘Oh Lord! Who has committed this deplorable sin? Swamy! What wrong did I do? Please pardon me if I had committed any sin’. Early next morning when he reached the temple he was shocked and stunned to see a wonderful miracle.
A man was lying unconscious just inside the temple main entrance. And the festival idols were lying next to him. Chary fetched water from the nearby well and sprinkled on the unconscious man’s face. After a little while the man regained conscious. He immediately stood up and prayed to Raghava Chary with folded hands and said ‘Swamy! I have committed a grave mistake. Please pardon me. Day before yesterday while stealing the festival idols of the Lord and coming out of the sanctum sanctorum, I heard a sound. I dropped the idols in the well thinking I could take them the next day. Yesterday night I came and picked up the idols from the well. When I was about to leave the temple, I saw a divine luminous person standing on the threshold of the main door. He was carrying a big bow on his shoulder. I could not see the bright luminescence of that person even for a few minutes and fell down unconscious. I have made an unpardonable sin. Please pardon me’.
Raghava Chary understood the situation. Lord Ramachandra Himself made sure the idols were not taken outside the temple premises. He praised the Lord saying ‘Swamy! You saved Yourself from being robbed!’ He took the person to the Temple Main panel member. Though he had committed a sin, he was pardoned because he had the darshan of Lord Sri Ram. Raghava Chary took the idols into the sanctum sanctorum and worshipped them after consecration. He worshipped the Lord till his last breath and ultimately attained salvation.
|| End of fifth chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham Samaptam
Prathamam Sridharam Naama
Dwiteeyam Dasharadhatmajam
Truteeyam Ramachandram Cha
Chaturtham Ravananthakam
Panchamam Lokapoojyan Cha
Shashtam Sree Janaki Priyam
Saptamam Vasudevam Cha
Sri Raamam Chashtamam Tatha
Navamam Paala Chandram Cha
Dashamam Lakshmanaagrajam
Ekaadasam Cha Govindam
Dwadasham Setu Bandhanam.
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
First Chapter
Vikrama Varma Story
Sri Ramachandra is lover of devotees. He protects His devotees who place complete faith in Him. He loves and cares for His devotees. The compassionate Lord blessed His devotee Sri Timmaraju Viswapathi Rama Krishna Murthy with this vratham. Devotees who perform this vratham with devotion would be blessed with prosperity. Devotees who read or hear the stories and those who partake the prasadam would not face any adversity. They would attain success in all jobs that they undertake.
Once upon a time, Kalinga kingdom was ruled by King Vikrama Verma. Vikrama Varma was a great devotee of Lord Sri Ram. He tried to make his kingdom like Rama Rajya. During his rule his kingdom was very prosperous. He used to believe that Lord Sri Rama would take care of his kingdom. He would celebrate Sri Rama Navami festival with a lot of devotion. On every nook and corner of the kingdom Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam would be performed in a splendid way. Those ten days the whole kingdom would have festive atmosphere.
Although he had everything Vikrama Varma was unhappy as he was childless. The king and queen performed a number of pujas to beget children and visited a number of holy places. However it was of no use. One night in his dream Vikrama Varma saw a very old and ancient temple. He did not understand where and what it was. Next day morning Vikrama Varma called the Chief Purohit (Aasthana Purohit) and explained his dream and asked the meaning of it. The Purohit closed his eyes, meditated for a few minutes and said ‘Oh King! The temple that you saw in your dream is a very old Sri Ramachandra temple. It must be located somewhere in our kingdom. You have to pray that you would renovate the temple to its previous glory. Then you would be blessed with children’. The king replied ‘How would we know the location of the temple?’ The Purohit said that they would come to know in a few days’ time. Vikrama Verma then prayed to Lord Sri Rama saying that if he is blessed with a child he would definitely renovate the temple.
A few days after this episode, the queen became pregnant and delivered a baby boy. He was named Rama Verma and was brought up with a lot of love. As time passed Vikrama Varma forgot about his promise to Sri Ram. One day, a village head came and requested some money for the renovation of an old Sri Rama temple in his village. Although Vikrama Verma agreed to send some money, he forgot about it. He also forgot the previous promise made to Sri Ram. One day Rama Verma became very ill. All the doctors could not find the cause for the disease. In the mean while a Saint visited the kingdom. The Prime minister brought him to the palace and enquired about the health of the Prince Rama Verma. The Saint then addressed Vikrama Varma and said ‘Oh King! In your kingdom there is a village called Sriramagiri. You have to pray to Sri Ramachandra of this temple for your child’s recovery’.
The next day Vikrama Varma went to Sriramagiri, prayed to Sri Sita Ramachandra and started his return journey. On his way back there was a forest. As it was nightfall he stayed along with his followers in the forest. During the night a monkey suddenly jumped near to the King. The King did not understand how a monkey could come into his tent with so many soldiers around taking care. The monkey held king’s hand and pulled him. It brought him out of the tent and took him into the forest. The king followed the monkey without saying anything. After a while the monkey suddenly jumped on to a tree and disappeared. Vikrama Varma took two steps and was shocked. He saw the same ancient temple that he had seen in his dream long back. There is no doubt! It is same temple. Immediately he remembered his promise to Lord Sri Ramachandra. He realised that the monkey which showed him this temple was none other than Sri Rama’s devotee, Sri Hanuman.
The king on his return to his tent explained everything to his Prime Minister. In the morning every one reached the temple and the king passed orders for the immediate renovation of the temple. After his return to the kingdom Vikrama Varma saw that his son was perfectly fine. He realised that his son fell ill because he had not kept his promise to Sri Ramachandra. He was happy that the Lord had blessed him. As per the king’s orders Sri Rama temple in the forest was renovated magnificently. A beautiful road to reach the temple was also laid. On an auspicious day Sri Sita Ramachandra idols were re-consecrated in the temple. In a few years the temple became famous as a very holy shrine. Devotees believed that if one worshipped with devotion then Sri Sita Ramachandra would bless them with prosperity.
|| End of first chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Second Chapter
Divine Story of Mallanna
Rama Eva Para Brahma Rama Eva Param Tapaha
Rama Eva Param Tatvam Sri Ramo Brahmataarakam
Rama is parabrahma. He is penance personified. He is paratatvam. He is Taaraka Brahma. Sriman Narayana who is the foundation of all living beings took the form of Sri RamaChandra in Treta yug. Let us go into the second chapter of Sri Rama Raksha vratham that was blessed to the devotee Viswapathi by the Lord Himself.
Once upon a time in a village called Ramapuram, there was a temple of Sri Sita Ram with Lakshman and Hanuman. The temple was situated outside the village with a lovely and beautiful pond (koneru). Every year a grand festival was celebrated during SriRama navami day and also every year the Teppostavam (float festival) was performed in a magnificent way. Two eyes were not enough to watch the grandeur of the Sri Ramachandra and His family who were beautifully decorated.
A person named Mallanna was working in that temple. He used to wake up early in the morning and clean the temple premises. He was poor and uneducated. Hence he started working in the temple. He used to diligently work on all jobs related to the temple. Early in the morning he would pray to Bhagawan. He used to live with his wife and son in a small hut in the temple premises.
It was the time for the Sri Rama Navami festival. Every day was a festival. The whole temple was decorated with garlands made with colourful flowers. Mallana was very busy with no time for rest. Everyday evening there was mythological discussions (purana reading). Each day different learned Speakers would beautifully explain different aspects from Puranas. A number of devotees would visit the temple. Mallana also would listen to these teachings by the speakers.
The evening before Navami, Shankara Shastri, a learned Pandit from the neighbouring village was explaining the significance of chanting Sri Rama’s name. He explained ‘There is no other name which is equal to the divine name of Rama. All the previous birth sins would be removed by chanting of Rama name at least once. Devotees would be blessed with prosperity if they regularly chant the name of Rama. Try calling Rama’s name during any danger or threat, Kodanda Rama would immediately rescue the devotee. There is no name which is so easy and so positive and powerful. Even Parama Shiva continuously chants the name of Rama. All divine beings eternally chant the divine Rama name. Many saints attained their divine powers only by chanting Rama Namam. Rama Namam is the foundation for all living as well as Celestial beings’.
Shankara Shastri’s words touched Mallana’s heart and he was greatly influenced. He thought ‘I did not know Sri Rama’s name whom I am serving every day is so powerful. Although I am serving Him every day, I did not realise the divinity of Sri Rama’. After dinner the family slept in their hut. Suddenly Mallana’s son screamed. Immediately Mallana and his wife woke up to check the reason for their son’s scream. His son was twisting with pain and pointing towards his leg. They saw a snake slithering away from the hut. They immediately understood what happened. The snake bite the boy. They wondered where they have to take him in the middle of the night. The boy was wreathing (crying) with pain and unable to move. The couple was very worried.
Suddenly Mallana remembered the evening lecture by Shankara Shastry. He thought in any troublesome situation Lord Rama would come and help if we just chant the name of Rama. He immediately chanted loudly the name of Lord Rama and blew with his mouth on the spot of snake bite. Wow! Surprise! The pain immediately subsided. The wound of snake bite also disappeared. The boy smilingly got up. Mallanna couple joy knew no bounds. They praised the Lord saying ‘Oh Rama! You have saved my son!’ Next day they enjoyed the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (wedding) to their hearts content. They served Sri Rama till their end and attained salvation. That is how powerful Rama Namam is. If one chants the divine name with all sincerity they would be saved from all threats. Devotees would not face any ill health if they chant the name continuously. They would be blessed with prosperity.
|| End of Second chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Third Chapter
Rama Sharma Story
On the banks of Godavari there lived a well learned pandit, Rama Sharma. Although he was a very learned in all shastras, he was not egoistical and was down to earth. Rama Sharma had lot of devotion towards Sri Ramachandra. He always used to meditate on Sri Ramachandra. He would always tell people who come to him for personal advice to worship Lord Rama. He used to say that Lord Rama is a divine force that would save from any kind of harm.
Rama Sharma’s wife was Vydhehi. They lived congenially with each other. The couple had two daughters named Vanaja and Girija. Both were of marriageable age. The couple decided to look for eligible grooms to marry their daughters. They prayed to Lord Rama to show them good grooms. They started serious efforts for finding grooms.
With Lord Rama’s blessing, the eldest daughter Vanaja got engaged in a few days. The groom was Vishnu Sharma, son of Srinivasa Sharma from a neighbouring village. Srinivasa Sharma’s family also was simple and endearing family like Rama Sharma’s. They have heard a lot of good things about Rama Sharma. They agreed to the marriage without putting forth any demands of dowry etc. Rama Sharma couple were very happy that they could find such a good family only with the grace of Lord Sri Ramachandra. An auspicious time was fixed for the wedding of Vanaja and Vishnu Sharma.
The marriage date approached. The groom’s family reached the village in the morning. Wedding was fixed for next day 7 am. Everyone finished dinner. Both the families were chit chatting in the night. Children were playing and running here and there. Suddenly there was a big storm along with heavy rain. The marriage pandal was drenched. Rama Sharma got worried. He thought ‘what is this untimely rain? It would be hard for everyone’. Rain became more severe. Due to heavy winds, trees began to sway. If the situation continued for some more time, the whole pandal would blow away. Seeing all this Rama Sharma immediately thought of Sri Rama. He prayed to the Lord in his mind saying ‘Oh Sri Ramachandra! Paramdhaama! Holder of Auspicious name! What is this anomaly? What wrong have I committed that you are punishing me like this? I was happy that my daughter’s marriage was fixed with a good boy with your blessings. I thought it would be celebrated with grandeur. Why this rain now? Swamy! All the universe is under your influence! Please hear my prayer and bless so that the rain stops quickly. There is no other way other than You. You are my father, mother, Guru and owner. You are my everything. Please listen to my appeal’.
Sri Ramachandra who is kindness personified heard Rama Sharma’s pleas. Immediately the rain stopped. The wind also reduced in intensity. By the time of muhurat the next morning the whole environment was peaceful and quite. Rama Sharma couple praised the Lord for listening to their prayers. There were tears of joy in their eyes. Vanaja and Vishnu Sharma’s wedding was conducted in a grand way. Their second daughter Girija’s wedding also was performed with a good groom in a few days.
Sri Ramachandra is kindness personified. He will take care of His devotees who have complete trust in Him. He takes care of the welfare of devotees who pray to Him regularly. He would bless them with prosperity.
|| End of third chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Fourth Chapter
Ramanatham Story
Once upon a time on the banks of river Godavari there was a fisherman named Ramanatham. He used to live in a hut in the fisherman’s village along with his wife and children. Along with other fishermen, he used to go for fishing in the river, sell the fish and make a living. He was very devoted to Lord Sri Rama. There was a Sri Rama temple in the fisherman village. Every year, they used to celebrate Sri Rama Navami festival in a grand way. All the fishermen used to celebrate the festival with devotion and used to call the festival as Rama’s festivities. All the villagers would wait eagerly for the festival. They would hold a number of activities. People from neighbouring villages would also attend.
All the fisherman villagers were very connected to Lord Sri Ram. They used to name their female children with names like Ramulamma, RamaLakshmi etc. and their male children with Sri Rama’s name. Their relation with Sri Ram was strong. They would narrate all their problems to the Lord.
Ramanatham was also very devoted to the Lord Ram. Every day before going to the river for fishing he would pray to Sri Ram. One day after praying to the Lord, he along with two more fishermen went to the river. As they could not catch much fish they went deeper into the river. Suddenly dark clouds formed and within minutes a heavy downpour started. They wanted to return. However due to the heavy rain they did not have control over the boat. The river was turbulent. Suddenly the boat turned upside down. All the three held on to the boat. Due to the heavy downpour they were unable to swim.
They were scared that they would drown in the river. Ramanatham prayed to Lord Rama and pleaded ‘Oh Swamy! Please save us from this danger’. Immediately the kind hearted (aapadhbandhavudu), compassionate Lord blessed them. From the depths of the river a big fish surfaced, turning the boat right by balancing it on its back. The boat returned to its original position. Even the intensity of rain reduced. Ramanatham was very happy and praised Lord Sri Ramachandra in many ways. All of them returned to the village safely. During that year’s festival Ramanatham participated with renewed vigour by dancing and singing.
Sri Ramachandra is compassionate towards his devotees. He takes care of His devotees who constantly pray to him. There is no need to know any shastras or any knowledge of puranas. He would bless an ordinary lay man too. Devotees should only have faith in Him. He would save and protect them from any danger or threat. We offer our obeisance to such a Lord who loves His devotees.
|| End of fourth chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham
Fifth Chapter
Divine Story of Raghava Charya
In the olden days in the village of Raghavapuram, there was a priest named Veera Raghava Chary. He was the priest in the village temple of Sri Sita Ramachandra. He was very devoted and would follow all rules and regulations. Sri Ramachandra was his everything. He would happily listen to devotees who enlist Sri Rama’s personality. He would go into rapture hearing Sri Rama’s name. He used to take part in the temple festivities with lot of enthusiasm. Throughout the duration of the festivals he would only meditate on the Lord day and night.
Like every year, one year Sri Rama Navami festival arrived. The temple was decorated with various flowers. Everyday garlands were made with new and different flowers and decorated on the dwajasthamb. When the Sri Rama Navami festival was being conducted in Raghavapuram, all the neighbouring villages would also participate in celebrations. People would come on bullock carts. All the houses would be filled with relatives. All the villagers would take care of the relatives and guests with a lot of love. Girls would draw rangoli with different colors. Boys would hang mango garlands on the streets. The whole village would be magnificently decorated.
Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam was celebrated with a lot of fervour. Raghava Chary who was conducting the wedding was very happy. After the wedding the main priest of the temple Sri Krishnama Chary said ‘Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam is the highlight of all marriages in the world. It represents prosperity. Devotees who watch the wedding are very blessed. Their life would go on smoothly. There will not be any dearth in their life.’ By the time the festivities wrapped up it was 10pm in the night.
When Raghava Chary came to the temple in the morning, he could not find the Utsava vigrahas (festival idols) that were kept next to the main deity. He was very worried. He started crying and wondered ‘What happened to the idols which were there in the previous night?’ He searched the premises of the temple with no result. He then ran to the house of the Main panel member of the temple and narrated everything to him. Both came running to the temple. They did not understand who stole the divine idols which were coated with golden sheet.
That night Raghava Chary could not sleep. He was only seeing the divine idols in front of him. He cried ‘Oh Lord! Who has committed this deplorable sin? Swamy! What wrong did I do? Please pardon me if I had committed any sin’. Early next morning when he reached the temple he was shocked and stunned to see a wonderful miracle.
A man was lying unconscious just inside the temple main entrance. And the festival idols were lying next to him. Chary fetched water from the nearby well and sprinkled on the unconscious man’s face. After a little while the man regained conscious. He immediately stood up and prayed to Raghava Chary with folded hands and said ‘Swamy! I have committed a grave mistake. Please pardon me. Day before yesterday while stealing the festival idols of the Lord and coming out of the sanctum sanctorum, I heard a sound. I dropped the idols in the well thinking I could take them the next day. Yesterday night I came and picked up the idols from the well. When I was about to leave the temple, I saw a divine luminous person standing on the threshold of the main door. He was carrying a big bow on his shoulder. I could not see the bright luminescence of that person even for a few minutes and fell down unconscious. I have made an unpardonable sin. Please pardon me’.
Raghava Chary understood the situation. Lord Ramachandra Himself made sure the idols were not taken outside the temple premises. He praised the Lord saying ‘Swamy! You saved Yourself from being robbed!’ He took the person to the Temple Main panel member. Though he had committed a sin, he was pardoned because he had the darshan of Lord Sri Ram. Raghava Chary took the idols into the sanctum sanctorum and worshipped them after consecration. He worshipped the Lord till his last breath and ultimately attained salvation.
|| End of fifth chapter ||
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokaabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Sri Rama Raksha Vratham Samaptam
Mangala Harati
Ramachandraya Janaka Rajaja Manoharaya,
Maamakaa Bheeshta Dhaaya Mahitha Mangalam Rama
Kosaleshaaaya Mandahasa Dasa Poshanaaya,
Vaasavaadhi Vinutha Sadwaradha Mangalam Rama
Chaaru Megha Roopaya , Chandanaadhi Charchithaya
Haara Kataka Shobhithaya Bhoori Mangalam Rama
Lalitha Rathna Mandalaaya , Thulasi Vana Maalikaaya
Jalaja Sadrusha Dehaya Chaaru Mangalam Rama
Devaki Suputhraaya , Deva Devo Dathamaaya
Pavana Guru Varaya, Sarva Mangalam Rama
Pundarikaakshaaya Poorna Chandra Vadanaaya
Andaja Vaahanaaya , Athula Mangalam Rama
Vimala Roopaaya Vividha Vedantha Vedhyaaya
Sumukha Chitha Kaamithaaya Shubhada Mangalam Rama
Ramadaasaaya Mrudula Hrudaya Kamala Nivaasaaya
Swami Bhadra Giri Varaya Sarva Mangalam Rama
Ramachandraya Janaka Rajaja Manoharaya,
Maamakaa Bheeshta Dhaaya Mahitha Mangalam Rama
Kosaleshaaaya Mandahasa Dasa Poshanaaya,
Vaasavaadhi Vinutha Sadwaradha Mangalam Rama
Chaaru Megha Roopaya , Chandanaadhi Charchithaya
Haara Kataka Shobhithaya Bhoori Mangalam Rama
Lalitha Rathna Mandalaaya , Thulasi Vana Maalikaaya
Jalaja Sadrusha Dehaya Chaaru Mangalam Rama
Devaki Suputhraaya , Deva Devo Dathamaaya
Pavana Guru Varaya, Sarva Mangalam Rama
Pundarikaakshaaya Poorna Chandra Vadanaaya
Andaja Vaahanaaya , Athula Mangalam Rama
Vimala Roopaaya Vividha Vedantha Vedhyaaya
Sumukha Chitha Kaamithaaya Shubhada Mangalam Rama
Ramadaasaaya Mrudula Hrudaya Kamala Nivaasaaya
Swami Bhadra Giri Varaya Sarva Mangalam Rama
Aapadaamapa Hataaram Daataaram Sarva Sampadaam
Lokabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Lokabhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham
Mangalam Kosaleendraaya Mahaneeya Gunaathmanee
Chakravarthi Thanuujaaya Saarva Bhoumaaya Mangalam
Chakravarthi Thanuujaaya Saarva Bhoumaaya Mangalam