The Hindu world celebrates the appearance of Shri Raam on earth on April 15, 2016. This date also marks the commencement of the writing of Shri Raamcharitramanas by Goswami Tulsidasji approximately five hundred years ago. In his writings this foremost of poets regards the name, Raam, as most powerful, transformational and the panacea of many ills of humanity. He sheds light on the power of each of the letters that comprises this word and extols the glory of its name.
The word ‘Raam’ is comprised of the letters ‘Ra’, ‘Aa’ and ‘Ma’, with each letter representative of a source of light. A brief insight into each of these constituents will give some understanding into the power that is wielded by the repetition of the name ‘Raam’ and consequently, the quality of spiritual perfection that Shri Raam personifies.
- ‘Ra’- represents ‘Agni’ (fire), which is a source of light on earth. ‘Agni’ burns away the fruits of one’s actions, both positive and negative. ‘Ra’ is also representative of ‘rakt dhaatu’- one of the seven fundamental principles (elements) that support the basic structure (and functioning) of the body. It is the carrier of the fire that invigorates the body and mind. As such, when ‘rakt dhatu’ is at its optimal level, a person feels energized with a healthy outlook on life.
- ‘Aa’- represents ‘Soorya’ – the sun, a source of light in the heavenly sphere. The sun removes the darkness of ignorance, from which other forms of negative qualities are derived. These are: egoism, attachment, dislikes and the fear of death. ‘Aa’ is also one of the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet that signifies ‘aanand shakti’ – the embodiment of bliss.
- ‘Ma’ – represents ‘Chandramaa’ – the moon, which signifies the remover of ‘taap’ (pain). The three main types of pain are ‘daihik’ – pertaining to bodily discomforts, ‘bhoutik’ – environmental difficulties and ‘daivik’- natural disasters. The letter ‘Ma’ is also associated with the heart. By chanting the name, ‘Raam’, all pain can be destroyed.
The numerical value of the name Raam
Tulsidas recognized the incomparable power of chanting this name and urges all to chant constantly. A brief look at the numerical value of each of the constituents shows the inherent power contained within.
The number associated with Agni ———–3
The number of Soorya ————————-12
The number of Chandramaa ————————à1
The cumulative sum of these three is 16, the number that is indicative of spiritual perfection. Metaphysically interpreted, Shri Raam is spiritual perfection. The sincere worship of Shri Raam and the chanting of His name are conducive to attaining this state, the state to which each individual strives to attain, consciously or unconsciously.
Raam – The number of creation
In his proclamation of the glory of Raam-naam, Tulsidasji also informs that prostration to the name Raam is prostration to creation itself.
Taking a look at the numerical value once again:
3+12+ 1 = 16………………..1+6 = 7. Seven is the number of creation.
In describing the utmost power of this name, Tulsidasji informs us that the form liberated many but the name itself has freed millions. The name itself is referred to as ‘Mantra-raj’ – the chief of all mantras. Valmiki, the robber, was transformed to Maharishi and Adi Kavi by repeating that name. Shri Hanumanji was able to cross one hundred ‘yojanas’ of ocean by keeping the name of His Master on His lips. Is there anything that cannot be achieved by the repetition of the powerful name of Raam?
