Sri Ramastaka by Srila Murari Gupta

[Guest guest]

> > It occurred to me that it might be a nice stotra to recite on Raama

> > Navami during my puja, but I thought I would seek some details as to its

> > origin, authorship, etc.

>

> There is some glorification of Lord Rama by Srila Murari Gupta, none other

> than Hanuman. I think that if we can obtain it that would be a nice stotra

> to recite on Rama Navami.

 

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu delightfully ordered Sri Murari Gupta (none other

than Hanuman) to recite some poems composed by Sri Gupta himself. Sri Murari

Gupta began to recite Ramastaka and the Lord, who was greatly pleased, at

once regarded himself as Ramacandra. With a sweet smile Prabhu wrote the

name "Ramadasa" on the forehead of Murari Gupta.

 

By the order of Mahaprabhu, Murarigupta recited his own composition "Sri

Ramastaka".

 

(1) "I adore the Supreme Lord Ramacandra who is worshipped by the

residents of the three worlds; Whose face is as beautiful as a spotless

moon, Whose ears are adorned with beautiful kundalas, shining more

brilliantly than the stars named Brhaspati and Sukra; and whose crown is

bedecked with the gleaming Kiritamani jewel which glows like the shining

rays of the sun."

 

(2) "I worship Sri Ramacandra, the only guru of the three worlds, Whose

eyes are as beautiful as blossoming lotus', Whose lips are like beautifully

red bimba fruit. His nose is charming and His smile defeats the soft rays of

the moon."

 

(3) "I worship the only guru of the three worlds, Sri Ramacandra, whose

neck is as charming as a conch, and Whose complexion is like that of a blue

lotus. His effulgent necklaces of pearl and gold are likened to the sky,

where lightening flashes next to white swan-colored clouds."

 

(4) "I praise Sri Ramacandra, by whose side is seated the bright golden

complexioned Sita who holds a lotus flower in Her raised hand. That lotus

clasped by Her five beautiful fingers is possessed of morethan five hundred

leaves."

 

(5) "I sing the glories of Sri Ramacandra, the only guru throughout the

three worlds, in front of whom stands the great archer Sri Laksmana,

formerly known as Shesha (or Great Spirit), whose beautiful golden

complexion is enhanced by numerous ornaments and who is known as a devout

servant of his elder brother."

 

(6) "I glorify Sri Raghava, the killer of the demons Ravana, Khara,

Trisira and Kavandha. He is the destroyer of the corruptor's of Sri

Dandakaranya: the killer of Vali: and the friend of Sugriva."

 

(7) "I worship the only guru of the three worlds, Sri Rama, who has

taken the hand of Sita after breaking the Haradhanu. While one his way from

Mithila to Ayodhya, Sri Ramacandra, for the pleasure of his father,

destroyed the pride of Parasaurama. "

 

(8) Missing _________________

 

Being pleased to hear the glories of Sri Raghunandana Rajasimha, the

Supreme Lord Gaurasundara, placed his feet on the head of Sri Murari Gupta

and wrote on his forehead, "It is My desire that henceforward you shall be

known as Ramadasa."

Murari Gupta was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. In the morning

Prabhu and all the devotees returned to their own houses. Who can understand

the hidden meaning and true intentions behind the Lord's transcendental

activities.

 

>From Bhati Ratnakara by Narahari Dasa

 

[if any devotee can post the 8th verse (it may have been included in the 7)

and their sanskrit from Bhakti Ratnakara (Bengali Edition) then we can chant

this Ramastaka during Rama navami next year]

 

Your servant,

Nayana-ranjana das