Raghava Ashtakam

R a gha v a t a k a 
I _ Sri Kris S s
slender; beatiful; 
Sista—» remaining; commanded, ordered;tame; wise and learned: 
a snake; 
2 _ Sri Kris S s
TRANSLATION 
1) I bow to the best among descendants of the Raghu dynasty, also known as 
Räghava, the abode of compassion, served by sages, admired by the Devas, the Sun for 
lotus-like face Of Jänaki, abode Of many qualities, the well-wisher Of Afigada the son Of 
Väli, the dear one to Hanuman, with lotus like eyes, and who is feared by the asuras. 
2) I bow to the best among descendants of the Raghu Dynasty, who is like the pure 
blue-pearl, decorating the bosom of Maithili (Sitä), who protected the younger brother 
of Rävaoa, who is the best among Raghu, who is my (the god who is dear to 
me), whose form challenges the beautiful lotus-like face Of the cultured woman, and who 
increased the might and glory Of the lineage Of Sun. 
3) I bow to the best among descendants Of the Raghu Dynasty, whose neck sides 
are decorated by golden ear-rings, who conquers foes, who is adorned by an ornament 
of golden peacock feather, who is adorned by a beautiful anklet, a Kaustubha garland 
and an ear-ornament, and who increased the might Of the lineage Of Sun. 
4) I bow to the best among descendants Of the Raghu Dynasty, who is the support 
for meditating and immortal siddha and Yogi, in the forest known as Daodaka, whose 
highest aim is to protect discipline and recitude, whose glories are enumerated and 
worshipped by victorious Pärtha (Arjuna), skilled in cutting off the snake like hands of 
Kumbhakarpa, and is affectionate towards Lakimapa and other younger brothers. 
5) I bow to the best among descendants Of the Raghu Dynasty, resplendent in a 
garland made of fragrant Ketaki, Karavira and Jäti flowers, possessing wealth, Whose 
chest is red coloure due to the kuhkumam from the breasts of Sitä (daughter of Mithilä), 
God of gods, who entices everyone, the Lord of the universe, and who dispels the fear of 
His devotees. 
6) I bow to the best among descendants Of the Raghu Dynasty, incessantly prayed 
with respect by twice born (brahmanas) which have understood the Vedic scripture, 
using sacrifice, charity, meditation, incense, chanting, etc., who is known for the slaying 
of Tävakä, who killed the father of Ahgada (Väli), and who protected & upheld the words 
of his father. 
4 _ Sri Kris S s
7) I bow to the best among descendants of the Raghu Dynasty, who instantly 
destroyed Khara, and other demons as His pastime, who vanquished Rävaoa, 
who is infallible, the support Of millions Of monkeys, whose face is like a lotus, having 
two lotus-feet. He is Hari, who is the support Of universe, and who is expert in fullfilling 
the desires of Devas. 
8) I bow to the best among descendants of the Raghu Dynasty, who is trained in an 
array of astra (weapons) by Sage KauSika (Viévämitra), who has stretched (beautiful) 
eyes, with a beautiful smile. He is the friend of hapless, who dwells in the world of 
everything, who rules over devas like Indra and asuras like Rävana. He is the final course 
of soul, and whose figure is glistening like a blue cloud. 
9) With respect and mind continuously fixed in the lotus-feet of Rämacandra, one 
should always chant this Räghavä>takam. This prayer, bestows spiritual perfection by 
by his compassionate side glance (kataksham), and bestows salvation and enjoyment, 
which increases achievements in wealth and possessions which are ways to approach the 
Infallible One, Sri Räma! 
O Räma, O Räma! I offer obeisances to You. All Glories, O Rämabhadra! I offer 
obeisances to You. O Rämacandra! I offer obeisances to You! All Glories! I offer 
obeisances to Räghava. O Noble among noble ones! I offer obeisances to You. All Glories, 
O Ruler Of demi-gods! I Offer obeisances to You. O Väsudeva! I Offer obeisances to You. 
All Glories, O Greatest warrior! I offer obeisances to You. 
5 _ Sri Kris S s

Leave a comment