Rama Nama Tarakam: The Two-Syllable Mantra That Carries Souls Across Samsara

Rama Nama Tarakam is a song that asks Lord Rama to help us cross the ocean of samsara. His name can act as the divine boat (taraka) to cross the ocean of worldly suffering, bringing peace, purity, strength, and spiritual awakening.

Rama’s name is considered the essence of all Vedic mantras, combining elements of Vishnu and Siva mantras. The symbolism is that “Ra” represents the Sun (Light/God), “Ma” represents the Self (Individual), and the connecting “aa” signifies their unity.

My teacher told me that because the Rama mantra is chanted by great devotees like Hanuman for strength and fearlessness, we can imagine Hanuman’s presence while chanting it. Like any song on Rama, this song is melodious and was an absolute joy to sing.

LYRICS of Rama Nama Tarakam:

1. Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama Naama Tarakam
Rama Krishna Vasudeva Bhakti Mukti Dayakam

2. Janaki Manoharam Sarvaloka Nayakam
Sankaraadi Sevyamana Punyanama Keerthanam

3. Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama Naama Tarakam
Rama Krishna Vasudeva Bhakti Mukti Dayakam

4. Veershura Vanditam Ravanaadi Nashakam
Anjaneya Jeevanama Rajamantra Rupakam

5. Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama Naama Tarakam
Rama Krishna Vasudeva Bhakti Mukti Dayakam 

I hope you will chant with me. Thank you.

FEATURED IMAGE: Rama chasing golden deer Maricha: From the archives of the Museums of India, 18th century painting, artist unknown, Mandi style, from the Pahari region.
Description: As Ravana planned, Rama is fooled by Maricha and chases the golden deer into the forest. While chasing it, the deer appears and disappears from the sight, a trick used by Maricha to lure Rama far away. On the plain yellow background, Rama is shown chasing the beautifully painted golden deer Maricha. Long trees and inscription in Takri on the red border are significant features of the painting. (museumsofindia.gov.in)

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My Humble Tribute To The Carnatic Music Trio

{ Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri }