Devendra KumarThe melody of devotion floats on the air, carrying the spirit toward the divine. A chorus of voices rises, each syllable laden with love and surrender, chanting the sacred words: “श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजमन, हरण भवभय दारुणं” (Shree Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajaman, Haran Bhavbhay Darunum).
श्रीरामचंद्र कृपालु भजु मन हरण भवभय दारुणं,
नवकंज लोचन, कंजमुख कर, कंज पद कंजारुणं.
कंदर्प अगणित अमित छवि नव नील नीरज सुन्दरम,
पट पीत मानहु तडित रूचि-शुची नौमी, जनक सुतावरं.
भजु दीनबंधु दिनेश दानव दैत्य वंष निकन्दनं,
रघुनंद आनंद कंद कोशल चन्द्र दशरथ नंदनम.
सिर मुकुट कुंडल तिलक चारू उदारु अंग विभुशनम,
आजानुभुज शर चाप-धर, संग्राम-जित-खर दूषणं.
इति वदति तुलसीदास, शंकर शेष मुनि-मन-रंजनं,
मम ह्रदय कंज निवास कुरु, कामादि खल-दल-गंजनं.
एही भांति गोरी असीस सुनी सिय सहित हिं हरषीं अली,
तुलसी भावानिः पूजी पुनि-पुनि मुदित मन मंदिर चली.
दोहा
जानि गौरी अनुकूल सिय हिय हरषु न जाइ कहि |
मंजुल मंगल मूल बाम अंग फरकन लगे ||
This bhajan, an ardent invocation of Lord Rama, resonates deeply within the hearts of millions. It is a song not just of praise, but of refuge, a hymn that seeks solace in the compassionate embrace of the divine. Each verse unfolds like a petal of a lotus, revealing the myriad facets of Rama’s grace and unwavering strength.
Verse 1:
नवकंज लोचन कंजमुख करकंज पदकंजारुणं (Navkanj Lochan Kanjमुख Karakunj Padkanjarunun)
The bhajan begins by painting a vivid picture of Rama’s celestial beauty. His eyes are like newly blossomed lotus flowers, soft and radiant. His face, a lotus unfolding its petals, reflects the gentle dew of compassion. His hands, reaching out with mercy, are like lotuses poised to offer blessings. Even his feet, resting upon the earth, are likened to lotuses, reminding us that the divine walks amongst us, rooting us in righteousness.
Verse 2:
कन्दर्प अगणित अमित छवि नवनीलनीरज सुन्दरं (Kandarpa Aganit Amit Chhavi Navnilneeraj Sundaram)
His beauty transcends comparison, surpassing even the allure of Cupid himself. It is boundless and immeasurable, like a newly formed cloud shimmering in the azure sky. His yellow garment, shimmering like lightning, casts an aura of divinity around him. And in his union with Sita, daughter of King Janak, we see the harmony of divine and earthly love, a beacon of hope and purity.
Verse 3:
भजु दीन बंधु दिनेश दानव दैत्य वंश निकंदनम् (Bhaju Deen Bandhu Dinesh Daanav Daitya Vansh Nikandanam)
The bhajan then urges us to worship Rama, the friend of the downtrodden, the Lord of the Sun, the destroyer of darkness and evil. He is the champion of the weak, the vanquisher of demons, and the source of light that dispels the shadows of fear and doubt. In him, we find not just a powerful deity, but a protector, a friend who walks beside us in our darkest hours.
Verse 4:
आजानु भुज शर चाप धर संग्राम जित खर-धूषणं (Aajanu Bhuj Shar Chaap Dhar Sangram Jit Khar-Dhooshanam)
The bhajan reminds us of Rama’s courage and unwavering righteousness. His mighty arms, reaching past his knees, hold the bow and arrows, symbols of his unwavering resolve. He is the victor in battles, having conquered the demonic Khara and Dhooshan, not just with physical strength, but with the unyielding power of truth and justice.
Verse 5:
इति वदति तुलसीदास शंकर शेष मुनि मन रंजनम् (Iti Vadati Tulsidas Shankar Shes Muni Man Ranjanam)
Tulsidas, the revered poet-saint, sings this bhajan, not just with his voice, but with his soul. His words resonate with the devotion of Shiva, Sesha, and other celestial beings, each syllable a brushstroke upon the canvas of faith. He implores Rama to reside in the lotus of his heart, dispelling the noise of desire and negativity, and filling it with the divine melody of peace and love.
The bhajan transcends language and generations. It is a bridge built with devotion, connecting the individual soul to the infinite source of love and grace. As we sing, we surrender to the rhythm of surrender, letting go of our anxieties and immersing ourselves in the ocean of Rama’s mercy. Every repetition of “श्री राम, जय राम, जय-जय राम” echoes not just through the air, but within our hearts, a constant reminder of the divine presence that guides and protects us.
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजमन हरण भवभय दारुणं
नवकंज लोचन कंजमुख करकंज पदकंजारुणं
श्री राम, जय राम, जय-जय राम
(Chorus)
Sing with me, brothers and sisters, let the walls of our hearts resonate with the divine echo of this sacred hymn. May it wash away our worries, cleanse our souls, and guide us towards the shores of inner peace.
Beyond the lyrical tapestry, the essence of this bhajan lies in its call to action. It urges us to:
- Embrace compassion: Witness Rama’s tenderness, reflected in his lotus-like eyes and hands. Let this inspire us to cultivate kindness and empathy in our daily lives.
- Seek strength in righteousness: Remember Rama’s victorious battles against darkness. Let this be a reminder that good always triumphs over evil, and that upholding truth and justice is our sacred duty.
- Surrender to divine love: The bhajan whispers of Rama’s presence within the lotus of our hearts. Open your heart to his love, let it wash away negativity, and bask in its radiant warmth.
Singing this bhajan is not merely a ritual; it is a transformation. It is a commitment to walk the path of Rama, embodying his virtues and seeking refuge in his grace. Each repetition becomes a mantra, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.
And beyond the personal, this bhajan carries a message of unity. It is a bridge across communities, languages, and cultures, uniting us all under the banner of Rama’s divine love. As we sing together, we transcend our differences and realize the oneness of humankind, echoing the harmony that exists within Rama himself.
So, let the spirit of श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजमन continue to reverberate through the ages. Let it inspire generations to come, reminding them that amid life’s complexities, there is a divine hand holding us, guiding us toward the light of ultimate liberation.
Additional Information:
- This bhajan is a popular devotional song dedicated to Lord Rama.
- It is often sung during Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, and other festivals related to Lord Rama.
- It is believed that singing this bhajan brings peace, happiness, and prosperity.
May the blessings of Lord Rama shower upon you, filling your hearts with peace, your lives with purpose, and your journey with unwavering faith. Jai Shri Ram!
Devendra Kumar
