ahalyākṛta rāma stotram

Ah! I am fulfilled, O abode of the universe, as I touch the dust particles from your lotus feet, which are constantly contemplated by Brahma, Shiva, and others with concentrated minds.॥1॥

Ah! How wondrous are your deeds, O Rama, that the world is deluded by your human form. You move constantly without feet, being full of bliss and beyond illusion.॥2॥

The sacred Ganges, adorned by the pollen of your lotus feet, purifies even the likes of Shiva and Brahma. That very Lord is now visible to my eyes. What can I say about the fortune of my past deeds?॥3॥

In this mortal incarnation, I worship Hari, known as Rama, with a charming form, wielding a bow, and with lotus-like eyes. I shall not worship others.॥4॥

I meditate incessantly in my heart on Lord Ramachandra, whose lotus feet’s dust is sought by the Vedas, from whose navel the lotus-born Brahma arises, and whose essence is cherished by Lord Shiva.॥5॥

I take refuge in Him, whose incarnations and deeds are sung in the realm of Brahma by Narada and others, and whose presence is revered by Saraswati with tears of joy.॥6॥

This Supreme Soul, the eternal Purusha, self-luminous and infinite, assumes a form of illusion to delude the world, solely out of compassion, as Rama.॥7॥

He alone, reflected by the qualities of His own Maya, is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe, assuming the names of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, yet remains independent and complete.॥8॥

Salutations to you, Rama, whose lotus feet are cherished by Lakshmi on your chest, who once conquered the three worlds with a single step, and who is meditated upon by sages free from ego.॥9॥

You are the primal being of the universe, the universe itself, and the refuge of the universe. You, the Supreme, appear singular and unattached in all beings.॥10॥

O Rama, you are signified by the sacred syllable Om, beyond the scope of words. Through the distinction of the signified and the signifier, you alone pervade the universe.॥11॥

O Rama, you appear as one through the distinctions of cause, effect, doer, and means, yet manifest in various forms through your Maya.॥12॥

Those whose intellects are deluded by your Maya do not know you in truth. They consider you human, the supreme magician, and the ultimate Lord.॥13॥

Like space, you are everywhere, inside and outside, pure, unattached, immovable, eternal, wise, and imperishable.॥14॥

How can I, a deluded and ignorant woman, know your true essence, O Lord? Therefore, with unwavering mind, I offer you hundreds of salutations, O Rama.॥15॥

O Lord, wherever I may be, may my devotion always remain attached to your lotus feet.॥16॥

Salutations to you, the overseer of all beings, the beloved of devotees. Salutations to you, Hrishikesha, Narayana.॥17॥

I praise Rama, the sole remover of the fear of existence, shining like millions of suns, holding bow and arrows, resembling a dark cloud, adorned in golden garments, with jewel-studded earrings, and lotus-like clear eyes, along with his brother.॥18॥

Having thus praised the manifest Lord Raghava, she circumambulated him, bowed, and quickly departed with his permission to her husband.॥19॥

Whoever recites this hymn composed by Ahalya with devotion is freed from all sins and attains the Supreme Brahman.॥20॥

Whoever recites this with devotion, keeping Rama in their heart, for the sake of a son, even a barren woman, will obtain a virtuous son within a year.॥21॥

Even a person guilty of killing a Brahmin, violating a teacher’s bed, stealing, or drinking liquor, or one who harms mother or brother, if constantly attached to enjoyment,॥22॥

By regularly reciting this hymn and remembering Lord Raghupati with devotion in the heart, and meditating, attains liberation. What then of a person who is righteous in conduct?॥23॥