Rama Raghava, Rama Raghava, Rama Raghava rakshamam
Krishna Keshava, Krishna Keshava, Krishna Keshava pahimam
This is a chant associated with Sri Chaitanya, and a common expression of folk devotion in India.
Rama and Krishna are both names of Vishnu, the preserver of the entire Universe.
Vishnu means "all-pervading". He incarnates on earth when unrighteousness abounds.
Rama means the blissful or delightful one. Krishna means black or dark-coloured. Krishna's complexion was believed to be dark, like the most beautiful clouds full of rain. Krishna is full of sacred grace and blessings and He is always ready to shower this auspicious energy on His true devotees.
Raghava is another name of Rama, referring to his Raghu clan.
Keshava is another name of Krishna, which means the One with beautiful hair. Krishna attracts the attention by His divine beauty. This beauty comes from within, as He is perfection incarnate. His hair is most beautiful and frames His lovely face. Concentrating on this sweet form of the Lord, the mind is turned away from maya, or illusion, and becomes engrossed in divine beauty and splendour.
Rakshamam means: you are my protection.
Pahimam means: I offer myself completely to you, now I am no longer mine, I am Yours.
Jai Uttal is one of the most gifted, original and brilliant contemporary musicians. Here is the Rama-Krishna chant sung by him.
Hear the album Beggars and Saints by Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra here.
6 comments:
Thank you for posting the explanation of this sacred song! Love from Mirjam, disciple of Maitreya the World Teacher in Transmission Meditation, owner of B&B Oasis in Millen, Belgium, Europe.
This Bhajan was Composed by Pandit Damodar Shastri as I heard from Shri Murari Bapu in a recent discourse at Kolkata.
Shri Murari Bapu is a well known saint & have written many books.
Prahlad Lal Jain
I am very proud to sing this mantra.but did not know its actual meaning,now it is clear.Thank you God bless you.
I was introduced to this mantra by devotees of Lord Krishna and perform it with them in our Kirtan troupe. I was unaware of the meanings of Rakshamam and Pahimam though. It's so much sweeter now. Thankyou for sharing this knowledge.
Haribol!
Thank you for explaining the meaning of this devotional chant. I’ve been listening to Bhagavan Das’s “Howler At Dawn” version of Rama Raghava and it’s the best version I’ve ever heard over any of the ppl chant it on there albums. I know he himself admits his shortcomings and makes fun of the Indian beliefs in India and the Native American Indian tribe but he’s got a real crisp clear voice who knows the language and songs along with the chants and mantras. What’s your take or opinion about Bhagavan Das who was the star of the book Be Here Now and his memoir of the continuation of Be Here Now called It’s Here Now (Are You?) that’s a spiritual memoir. Divided into 3 parts. Let me know. Om Shanti 👌🕉️☸️☯️📙
Thank you for detailing the beautiful meaning... I sing this chant a lot. The only version I know is the one from Sri Chinmoy, which I heard from his album, Baja Balika.... It is here, https://www.radiosrichinmoy.org/bhajan-balika/
Many. Many thanks.. And salutations...
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