Rama Aarti (Shri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajman)
శ్రీ రామచంద్ర కృపాలు భజమన
Dedicated to Lord Rama · Composed by Goswami Tulsidas (16th century) · Composed as a stanza-by-stanza meditation, ~5 minutes
Sri Rama Navami, daily Rama worship, mornings in Rama bhakti tradition.
Opening Line — Sanskrit/Hindi
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजमन हरण भवभय दारुणम् । नवकंज लोचन कंजमुख कर कंज पद कंजारुणम् ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Śrī Rāmacandra kṛpālu bhajamana haraṇa bhava-bhaya dāruṇam / Nava-kañja locana kañja-mukha kara kañja pada kañjāruṇam
English Translation
O mind, sing the praise of compassionate Sri Ramachandra who removes terrible worldly fears — lotus-eyed, lotus-faced, lotus-handed, lotus-footed.
When to Sing
Sri Rama Navami, daily morning, before Sundara Kanda recitation.
Significance
Sri Rama Navami, daily Rama worship, mornings in Rama bhakti tradition.
How to Perform Aarti
- Light the aarti lamp: Use ghee in a 5-wicker or 1-wicker lamp. Light all wicks.
- Hold with right hand: Stand in front of the deity image/idol.
- Circular motion: Move the lamp in clockwise circles in front of the deity's face (5 times), heart (5 times), feet (5 times), and full body (5 times).
- Sing the aarti: The chorus repeats; family members join in the chorus.
- Conclusion: Show the flame to all family members (they "receive" the flame by passing palms over and to their eyes).
- Offer water: Sprinkle a few drops of water around the lamp at conclusion.
- Distribute prasad: Offerings prepared for the deity are distributed to all present.