Naam Ramayan: Discover the Power of Sri Ram’s Name

jasu naam sumirat ek baara, utarahin nar bhavsindhu apara

-Balkaand, Sri Ramcharitmanas

Describing the glory of Sri Ram’s name, Goswami Tulsidas states that chanting it once is enough to help a person cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Puranas state that in the Kaliyug, practices such as Gyan (knowledge), Karm (action), Dhyan (meditation), Yog, and Tapas (penance) will be ineffective, as the human race will find it difficult to maintain deep concentration and discipline. However, chanting Sri Ram’s name will be the most powerful way to attain liberation from the cycle of life and death.

The two-syllabled Divine name “Ram” is greater than the teachings of the Vedas, Puranas, and other scriptures combined.

In this blog, we will explore the glory of Sri Ram and learn about the significance of a divine chant whose every single line is a sweet reminder of Sri Ram and his Divine leela. It is the Naam Ramayan.

Here are the quick highlights of this blog:

Ram Setu Episode—The Glory of Ram Naam

What is Naam Ramayan?

The Benefits of Chanting Naam Ramayan

Ram Setu Episode—The Glory of Ram Naam

The construction of Ram Setu (a bridge across the sea to Lanka) was in full swing. Under the able leadership of the commanders Jambavan, Hanuman, Sugreev, and Angad, the monkey soldiers worked enthusiastically. With utmost devotion and faith, they were inscribing ‘Sri Ram’ on stones and throwing them in the sea. All directions echoed with the acclamation of ‘Jai Sri Ram’. In no time, the stones began to float. Even Sri Ram was surprised at this unusual happening. He wondered, “When the stones bearing my name are floating, what if I threw a stone in water myself? That should float too.” So, he picked up a stone and threw it in the sea. But to his surprise, it sank. Sri Hanuman, standing close by, was observing the events unfold. Realising the discomfort in Sri Ram’s heart at that moment, he asked, “Prabhu, what is troubling you?”

Sri Ram spoke, "Look, Hanuman, the stones with my name are floating, but the ones I threw myself, they sank.”

(Sri Ram’s Vanar Sena building a bridge across the sea)

Smiling at Sri Ram’s innocent observation, Sri Hanuman—the bestower of strength and wisdom replied, ‘Prabhu only by holding on to your name can people cross the ocean of life. But what of the one whom you abandon yourself? How can anyone save them from drowning?’

Describing the glory of Sri Ram’s name, Goswami Tulsidas writes:

ram naam nar kesari, kanak-kasipu kalikaal |

jaapak jan prahlad jimi, paalihi dali sursaal ||

-Balkaand, Sri Ramcharitmanas

(Sri Ram’s name is like Lord Narsimha—the powerful man-lion form of Lord Vishnu—while the age of Kaliyug is like Hiranyakashipu, the cruel Asura king. Those who chant Sri Ram’s name are like Bhakt Prahlad. Just as Lord Narsimha destroyed Hiranyakashipu to protect Prahlad, in the same way, the sacred name ‘Ram’ destroys the evils of Kaliyug, protecting the ones who chant it.)

(Goswami Tulsidas composing Sri Ramcharitmanas)

It is said that Sri Ram’s name is greater than Sri Ram Himself. In Northern India, reading and recitation of the Ramcharitmanas is very popular. Sometimes devotees do an Akhand Ramayan Path, reading the entire scripture in just 24 hours. A slower and more immersive jap or reading can take many days (Navah Parayan: 9 days; Mass Parayan: 30 days) or months as the devotee moves through the seven Kaand of Sri Ramcharitmanas. But did you know that there is a short devotional chant that beautifully captures all these Kaand? Popular in Southern India, this chant is the Naam Ramayan.

Devotees believe that reading and chanting the Ramayan bring peace and prosperity to the family. However, a complete recitation of the Ramayan can take many days, and due to limited time, it is often not possible to read or recite it in one go.

But, even with little time, you can still sing the glories of Sri Ram and imbibe his divine qualities in your life by chanting Naam Ramayan.

What is Naam Ramayan?

Shuddh Brahmparatpar Ram

Kalatmak Parmeshvar Ram

-Naam Ramayan

(Ram, who is the pure Supreme Brahman; Ram, who is the Supreme God beyond time.)

Composed by a Vaishnav saint, Lakshmanacharya, Naam Ramayan is a concise but powerful essence of the great epic Ramayan by Maharishi Valmiki. This devotional hymn narrates the complete Ramayan through 108 sacred names of Sri Ram, chronologically arranged as per the seven Kaand (chapters). Each name represents an important event from Sri Ram’s life.

The primary theme of the Naam Ramayan is Sharanagati (total surrender). By chanting the events of Sri Ram's life as names, the devotee performs a mental pilgrimage through the seven Kaand of the epic.

Naam Ramayan is deeply rooted in the tradition of Naam Jap (chanting the divine name), the simplest and most effective practice to get closer to the divine in Kaliyug.

(Devotees doing a kirtan with Naam Ramayan)

On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, you can perform Abhishekam of Sri Ram with Naam Ramayan (on the Sadhana app) and invoke divine grace in your life.

Bal Kaand (The Childhood)

In this Kaand, Sri Lakshmanacharya presents Sri Ram not merely as a prince, but as the embodied (Sagun) form of the attributeless Supreme Brahman (Nirgun Brahman).

This section includes events such as Sri Ram’s birth, the slaying of Tadaka, and the breaking of Mahadev’s bow, all of which show the establishment of Dharma and the destruction of evil.

Key Verse: Brahmadyamar-prarthita Ram

(I seek refuge in Lord Rama, whom Brahma and the other gods asked to be born as King Dasharath’s son to destroy Ravan.)

Ayodhya Kaand (The Exile)

This Kaand symbolises sacrifice, righteousness, and upholding one’s duty (Dharm). Honouring the word given to his father, Raja Dashrath, Sri Ram went to the forest and refused to return before the appointed time. Sri Ram showed how personal desire must be sacrificed for truth.

Key Verse: Pitru-vakyashrit Kanan Ram

(I seek refuge in Sri Ram, who went to the forest to obey his father’s command.)

Aranya Kaand (The Forest)

This Kaand describes Sri Ram’s interactions with sages and the slaying of demons such as Khar and Dushan. It symbolises the soul’s journey into the “forest” of worldly life, where God protects the seeker from their inner enemies.

Key Verse: Dandakvana Jan-paavan Ram

(I seek refuge in Sri Ram, who purified the Dandakaranya forest by destroying the demons.)

Kishkindha Kaand (The Alliance)

This Kaand describes Sri Ram’s friendship with Sugriv and Hanuman’s devotion. It represents the stage where the seeker, in the quest to find their lost “consciousness” (Sita), gains the support of ‘life force’(Pran represented by Hanuman.

Key Verse: Hanumat-sevit-nij-pad Ram

( I take refuge in Sri Ram, whose lotus feet are served by Hanuman.)

Sundar Kaand (The Heroism of Devotion)

This Kaand symbolises devotion, hope, and faith. It describes how Lord Hanuman crosses the sea to deliver Sri Ram’s message to Ma Sita. Lord Hanuman reassures her, asking her to hold on to her faith and patience. This episode highlights the unbreakable bond between the Divine and the devotee.

Key Verse: Kapivara-santata-samsmrita Ram

( I take refuge in Sri Ram, who is constantly remembered by Hanuman, the greatest among the Vanaras.)

Yuddh Kaand (The Victory)

This Kaand describes the epic battle between Sri Ram and Ravan, culminating in Ravan's defeat. It symbolises the destruction of ego and unrighteousness; Dharm prevails, and Vibhishan is crowned as the new king.

Key Verse: Vidhi-bhav-mukh-sur-samstut Ram

(I take refuge in Sri Ram, who is praised by Brahma, Shiv, and other gods.)

Uttar Kaand (The Eternal Reign)

This Kaand describes the establishment of Ram Rajya (a model kingdom) and peace. Sri Ram returns to his divine abode, symbolising the final stage of life—liberation (moksh) and eternal peace.

Key Verse: Dharma-sthapana-tatpara Ram

(I take refuge in Sri Ram, who is devoted to establishing righteousness —Dharm—in the world.)

Benefits of Chanting the Naam Ramayan

According to the Phalashruti (the concluding section of the Naam Ramayan), the Naam Ramayan benefits a seeker on three levels:

Mental Clarity

The vast Ram Katha of 24,000 verses is condensed into 108 names, presenting a “mental picture” of Sri Ram’s entire life. These divine names calm the intense waves of thoughts, bringing stability and focus.

Inner Purification

It is believed that reading or chanting the Ramayan reduces the effects of Prarabdh (predestined karma). Just as Sri Ram freed the forest from demons, this chanting frees the heart from inner impurities.

Supports Devotion

Doing a regular jap of Sri Ram’s divine name creates a deep emotional connection for the devotees. It helps them progress from merely “knowing Ram” to truly “experiencing Ram.”

Ram Navami 2026: Date & Auspicious Timing

• Date: March 26, 2026
• Navami Tithi Begins: March 26, 2026 at 11:48 AM
• Navami Tithi Ends: March 27, 2026 at 10:06 AM
• Ram Navami Madhyahna: (Midday Moment): 12:27 PM

There is a beautiful saying in Sri Ramcharitmanas: by chanting the name of Ram in reverse, bandit Ratnakar became Mahrishi Valmiki, Lord Brahma’s equal. In other words, even not-so-proper chanting of Sri Ram’s name brings about transformation. So, this Ram Navami, invoke Sri Ram with his Divine names and fill your heart with joy. You can also do ‘Ram’ jap on the Sadhana app.

Ramayate iti Ram

(The one who fills the heart with joy is Ram.)