jaṭāyu kṛta rāma stotram

Jatayu Krita Rama Stotram (The Hymn to Rama composed by Jatayu)

Jatayu said:

I constantly bow down to Ramachandra, who possesses countless virtues, who is immeasurable, the primordial one, the cause of the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the entire universe, who is the supreme tranquility (beyond all), and who is the Supreme Soul.

I constantly bow down to Rama, the best among men, who is boundless bliss, who is the object of the glances of Indira (Lakshmi), who destroys the sorrows of Indra, Brahma, and other gods, who is the bestower of boons, and who holds the excellent bow and arrows in His hands.

I constantly take refuge in Raghunandana (Rama), whose beautiful form is attractive to the three worlds, who is worthy of worship, who is as brilliant as a hundred suns, who fulfills desires, who gives refuge, and who has made His abode at the root of the celestial tree (Kalpavriksha).

I take refuge in Hari (Rama), whose name is like a forest fire to the forest of worldly existence (samsara), who is the God of gods like Bhava (Shiva) and others, who is compassionate, who destroys billions of demon kings, and who is like the son of the Sun (Yama) to His enemies.

I take refuge in Raghunandana, who is far removed from the constant thoughts of worldly existence, who is always visible to sages who have turned away from worldly attachments, and whose lotus feet are the boat to cross the ocean of samsara.

I take refuge in Raghunayaka, who dwells in the minds of Girisha (Shiva) and Girisuta (Parvati), who held up the great mountain (Govardhana - as Krishna), who is pleasing in His actions (or fulfilling desires), whose feet are served by the best of gods and the lords of demons, and who is the bestower of boons to the gods.

I take refuge in the lotus-eyed best of Raghus, who is easily served by those who abstain from others' wealth and others' wives, whose minds are satisfied by the virtues and prosperity of others, and whose souls are engaged in the welfare of others.

I take refuge in Raghupati, whose lotus-like face is expanded with a beautiful smile, who is very easily attainable (by devotees), who is dark like a sapphire, whose beautiful eyes shine like white lotuses, and who is the Guru of the lord of gurus (Shiva/Brahma).

Here, You shine by assuming the different forms of Hari (Vishnu), Kamalaja (Brahma), and Shambhu (Shiva) in accordance with the three gunas, just as the one sun reflects in multiple water-filled vessels. I praise You, the Lord, who is the object of praise even by the Lord of the immortals (Indra).

I take refuge in Raghupati, the Lord who destroys distress, whose limbs are as beautiful as billions of Kamadevas (lords of Rati), who is beyond the comprehension of those walking the path of karma (Shatapatha), and who constantly shines in the hearts of the best of ascetics.

The best of Raghus (Rama) became pleased with him (Jatayu) who was praising Him thus. He said, 'Go, may you be blessed, to My supreme abode of Vishnu.'

Whoever listens to this hymn, writes it, or reads it with discipline, he attains a form similar to Mine (Sarupya liberation) and obtains My memory at the time of death.

Hearing these words spoken by Raghava, the bird (Jatayu), overwhelmed with joy, attained a form similar to Raghunandana (Rama) and departed to the supreme abode worshipped by Brahma.

Thus ends the Sri Rama Stotra composed by Jatayu in the eighth canto of the Aranya Kanda in the Srimad Adhyatma Ramayana.