Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
रघुपति राघव राजा राम, पतित पावन सीता राम
Transliteration
Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, Patita Pavana Sita Ram
Pronunciation
Deity / Quality Invoked
Rama
Full Translation
One of the most widely sung Ram bhajans, praising Rama as the chief of the Raghu dynasty and "uplifter of the fallen," alongside his consort Sita. Mahatma Gandhi adopted and adapted it, adding the line "Ishwar Allah tero naam" — "God, you are called both Ishwar and Allah" — turning it into a prayer for interfaith harmony and the unity of all paths to the divine.
Spiritual Significance
Chanting it cultivates devotion (bhakti) to Rama and a felt sense of the divine as the redeemer of all beings, regardless of their failings. In Gandhi's hands it also became a meditation on religious unity — a single God known by many names.
For Leaders
Chords and structure for leading this chant on harmonium or guitar — transcribed from the linked recording. New to leading? Read our guide to leading kirtan →
Original key
C
Tempo & feel
Steady walking tempo (~88 bpm) — this is literally a marching bhajan
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. marching boom-chick; this is literally a walking bhajan, keep left-right steady.
Response
Call & Response Structure
Gandhi's beloved Ram dhun: two chords carry the whole song. Lead the first couplet, let the circle answer with the "Sita Ram" refrain. Traditionally sung while walking, so keep the pulse rock-steady and let kartals or clapping mark every beat.
Terms in the Glossary
Words from this page, explained in our A–Z reference.