Original text
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन, हरण भवभय दारुणं । नव कंज लोचन कंज मुख, कर कंज पद कंजारुणं ॥१॥ कन्दर्प अगणित अमित छवि, नव नील नीरद सुन्दरं । पट पीत मानहुँ तड़ित रुचि शुचि, नौमि जनक सुतावरं ॥२॥ भजु दीनबन्धु दिनेश दानव, दैत्य वंश निकन्दनं । रघुनन्द आनन्द कन्द कोशल, चन्द दशरथ नन्दनं ॥३॥ सिर मुकुट कुंडल तिलक, चारु उदारु अंग विभूषणं । आजानु भुज शर चाप धर, संग्राम जित खरदूषणं ॥४॥ इति वदति तुलसीदास, शंकर शेष मुनि मन रंजनं । मम हृदय कंज निवास कुरु, कामादि खल दल गंजनं ॥५॥ ॥ छंद (रामचरितमानस, बालकाण्ड) ॥ मनु जाहिं राचेउ मिलिहि सो बरु, सहज सुंदर साँवरो । करुना निधान सुजान सीलु, सनेहु जानत रावरो ॥ एहि भाँति गौरि असीस सुनि, सिय सहित हियँ हरषीं अली । तुलसी भवानिहि पूजि पुनि पुनि, मुदित मन मंदिर चली ॥ ॥ सोरठा ॥ जानि गौरि अनुकूल, सिय हिय हरषु न जाइ कहि । मंजुल मंगल मूल, बाम अंग फरकन लगे ॥
Transliteration
Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhaju Man, Haran Bhavbhay Darunam. Nav Kanj Lochan Kanj Mukh, Kar Kanj Pad Kanjarunam. (1) Kandarp Aganit Amit Chhavi, Nav Neel Neerad Sundaram. Pat Peet Manahun Tadit Ruchi Shuchi, Naumi Janak Sutavaram. (2) Bhaju Deenbandhu Dinesh Danav, Daitya Vansh Nikandanam. Raghunand Anand Kand Koshal, Chand Dashrath Nandanam. (3) Sir Mukut Kundal Tilak, Charu Udaru Ang Vibhooshanam. Aajanu Bhuj Shar Chaap Dhar, Sangram Jit Kharadooshanam. (4) Iti Vadati Tulsidas, Shankar Shesh Muni Man Ranjanam. Mam Hriday Kanj Nivas Kuru, Kamadi Khal Dal Ganjanam. (5) Chhand (Ramcharitmanas, Bal Kand) Manu Jahin Racheu Milihi So Baru, Sahaj Sundar Sanvaro. Karuna Nidhan Sujan Seelu, Sanehu Janat Ravaro. Ehi Bhanti Gauri Asees Suni, Siy Sahit Hiyan Harashin Ali. Tulsi Bhavanihi Pooji Puni Puni, Mudit Man Mandir Chali. Soratha Jani Gauri Anukool, Siy Hiy Harashu Na Jai Kahi. Manjul Mangal Mool, Baam Ang Pharakan Lage.
Two passages, one beloved stuti
What most people sing as "Shri Ramchandra Kripalu" is really two pieces by Goswami Tulsidas, joined by long custom:
- Verses 1–5 are a complete pad from the Vinay Patrika, Tulsidas's collection of prayers (usually numbered pad 45). It is written in a Sanskritised Avadhi so ornate that it sounds almost like Sanskrit — every line ends in -am, and the fifth verse carries the poet's signature, "iti vadati Tulsidas".
- The chhand and soratha that follow come from the Ramcharitmanas, Bal Kand: the moment in Janakpur's garden when Sita has worshipped Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and the goddess blesses her.
Both are about seeing Ram and wanting him — the first through the devotee's eyes, the second through Sita's — which is why singers have long sung them as one.
Meaning of the Vinay Patrika verses
- "O mind, worship the compassionate Shri Ramchandra, who removes the dreadful fear of worldly existence. His eyes are new lotuses, his face a lotus, his hands lotuses, his feet like red lotuses." — kanj (lotus) appears four times in one line.
- "His beauty surpasses countless Kamadevas; he is lovely as a fresh dark-blue rain cloud. His yellow garment shines like lightning — I bow to the pure bridegroom of Janaka's daughter."
- "Worship him, friend of the humble, sun of the solar race, destroyer of the demon clans — Raghu's son, root of bliss, moon of Kosala, son of Dasharatha."
- "Crown on his head, earrings and tilak, his noble limbs adorned with ornaments; arms reaching to the knees, bearing bow and arrows, victor in battle over Khara and Dushana."
- "Thus says Tulsidas: O delighter of the minds of Shankara, Shesha and the sages, make your home in the lotus of my heart, destroyer of the wicked host of lust and the other passions."
Meaning of the Manas verses
In the Bal Kand, Sita has seen Ram in the flower-garden and goes to Gauri's temple to pray. The goddess's image smiles and speaks: "The groom on whom your heart is set — naturally beautiful and dark — you will have him. He is an ocean of compassion and all-knowing; he knows your love and your nature." Hearing this blessing, Sita and her companions rejoice; Sita worships Bhavani again and again and returns to the palace with a glad heart. The soratha closes the scene: knowing Gauri was favourable, Sita's joy could not be described, and her left side began to throb — an auspicious omen for a woman.
When it is sung
- On Ram Navami and Vijayadashami, and at Ram Vivah (Vivah Panchami).
- At the end of Sundar Kand and Akhand Ramayan recitations, and in daily evening worship of Ram.
- At weddings, especially the Manas verses, which are a blessing for the bride.
It has been recorded by many singers, from Lata Mangeshkar to Anup Jalota, and is usually sung slowly with the refrain line repeated.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote "Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhaju Man"?
Goswami Tulsidas (16th century). The first five verses are from his Vinay Patrika; the verses usually sung after them are from his Ramcharitmanas.
Is Shri Ram Stuti an aarti?
It is a stuti (hymn of praise), but it is often sung in place of, or alongside, Ram's aarti such as Aarti Kije Shri Raghuvar Ji Ki.
Why are the Gauri verses added to the Ram Stuti?
Custom. Both passages describe Ram's beauty and longing to reach him, and the Gauri blessing makes a joyful, auspicious ending, so singers have long joined them.
What does "kanjarunam" mean?
"Red like a lotus" — kanj is lotus and arun is red. It describes Ram's feet.
What does "Khar Dushanam" refer to?
Khara and Dushana, the demon brothers of Shurpanakha, whom Ram defeated in the Dandaka forest.
What is the significance of the left side throbbing?
In Indian omen-lore, throbbing of the left eye or arm is auspicious for women. Tulsidas uses it to show that Gauri's promise will come true.
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