“Sri Raghavam Dasharatha Athmajam” – Shloka, and its meaning

 

The Shloka "Sri Raghavam Dasharatha Athmajam" is a prayer to Lord Rama, praising his virtues and seeking his blessings. It describes Rama as the son of Dasharatha, the husband of Sita, and a great warrior who destroyed demons. The shloka is a way to invoke his divine presence and seek protection and guidance. 

The above video is the rendition of this Shloka by Smt. N. Lalitha Raghu

In essence, the Shloka translates to: "I bow to Sri Rama, the son of Dasharatha, the immeasurable, the husband of Sita, the jewel of the Raghu dynasty, having arms that reach his knees and eyes like lotus petals, the destroyer of demons."

The meaning of the Shloka in detail goes as follows:

Sri Raghavam: "To Sri Rama," the revered descendant of King Raghu.

Dasharatham: "Son of Dasharatha."

Atmajam: "Son."

Aprameyam: "Immeasurable, boundless, or infinite."

Sitapatim: "Husband of Sita."

Raghukulanvaya Ratnadipam: "The lamp (or jewel) of the Raghu dynasty."

Ajanubahum: "Having arms that reach to the knees."

Aravinda Dalayataksham: "Having eyes like lotus petals."

Ramam: "To Rama."

Nishachara Vinashakaram: "Destroyer of demons (or night walkers)."

Namami: "I bow down, I salute."