Rama Tapaniya Upanishad
Rama Tapaniya Upanishad
Rama Tapaniya Upanishad
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
The Tatva (principle/philosophy) of Rama exists in this world, with his life showing the way to live, with his
name showing the way of ethereal knowledge, and also blessing all those who meditate or worship it with
wealth and renunciation.
The word ‘Rama’ on which yogis devote themselves is immeasurable and forever joyful and indicates
Para Brahman itself.
The body has been ascribed to Para Brahman which is holy, without any second, which does not have
any blemishes and which is bodiless, so that the worshippers are shown the path. 1
Similar to the whole banyan tree existing in the seed of the banyan tree, the entire world exists in the
seed “Rama”. 2
Rama when incarnated shone along with Sita, who is nature herself, like the moon shining with its
moonlight. He who was born to Mother Kousalya, was black in colour, wore yellow silk, had his hair made
up, wore ear studs and chains of precious stones, had in his hand the bow, had two hands, had a very
pleasant smiling face and was heroic and blessed with victory and ruled with the help of eight ministers
lead by Drishti. He was keeping the Parameshwari who was the mother of the world, who was nature,
who had two hands, who was well made up and was holding lotus flower in her hand, on his lap and
lightly embracing her. 3
He with Sita formed a triangle with Lakshmana who was holding a bow in his hand and was golden in
colour. The devas approached him who was sitting below “the wish giving tree” in the form of a triangle
and prayed, “Our salutations to you, who is personification of passion and illusion and also a god
primeval to Vedas. Our salutations to the Raghu Veera, who killed Ravana, who is drowned in joy by
keeping Goddess Lakshmi on his chest, who is the personification of all souls, who is an ornament to the
body of Janaki (daughter of Janaka), who killed Rakshasas, who is very handsome and who is
personification of all that is good.” 4
The devas further told “Hey, the killer of Ravana, please give us your protection and your grace.” Then
they were with him and became very happy. 5
On his left with Satrugna, on his right with Bharata and on his front Hanuman who was listening to his
advices, there was another triangle. Below Bharata was Sugreeva and below him was Vibheeshana.
Behind him Lakshmana was holding an umbrella and below him Vibheeshana and Sugreeva were
holding fans made of palm leaves. This was another inverted triangle. So the long armed Lord Rama who
was shining was meditating in between this figure with six vertices. This is the first row surrounding him.
The second is surrounded by Vasudeva and others (Santhi, Sankarshana, Sree Pradyumna, Saraswathi,
Anirudha and Rathi) as well as fire and others in different directions.
Third is surrounded by Hanuman, Sugreeva, Bharata, Vibheeshana, Lakshmana, Angada, Jambhavan,
Satrugna as well as Drushti, Jayantha, Vijaya, Surashtra, Rashtra Vardhana, Ashoka, Darmapala and
Sumandra.
Fourth is surrounded by the 10 dig-balakas (protectors of directions) viz., Indra, Agni (fire God), Yama
(god of death), Nirruthi, Varuna, Chandra, Isana, Brahma and Anantha.
Fifth is beyond the Dig-balakas and consists of their principal arms viz., Vajra, Shakthi, Danda, Vara,
Pasa, Angusa, Gada, Soola, Madma and chakra; these should be worshipped.
Sixth: After the arms, Neela and other monkeys. Vasishta, Vamadeva and other sages worship him. He
should be meditated and worshipped. 6
Thus worship Sri Rama who has the form which is the foundation of this world and who is forever joyful.
All people who worship him as the one carrying mace, sword, conch and lotus and who is known as the
one who removes births and deaths will attain salvation.
In Varanasi Lord Shiva did Japa (chanted) of the Rama Mantra. Pleased because of this, Sri Rama told
Lord Sankara as follows:
In this temple (city) whoever worships me with devotion, I would help him get rid of sins like Brahma
Hathi (killing of a Brahmin). Those of them who get the six letter mantra (Ram Ramaya NamaH) either
from you or Brahma or his disciple line, would live with mastery over the mantra or attain salvation. At the
time of death, if you tell this mantra in their ears, they would get salvation. 1
Brahma then thought in his mind about that Maha Vishnu, who is the foundation of this world, who is that
Narayana, who does not have any deficiencies and who is that Parameshwara, who is of the form of
Para Brahman and who is full of complete joy and then worshipped him as follows: 2
Om! He who is Ramachandra is verily the God. He is the ‘non-dual soul of great happiness’. I salute him
again and again in earth, bhuvar loka and Suvar loka. 3.1
This is followed by the repetition of the mantra 47 times with modification of the words with in quotes viz.
“non-dual soul of great happiness’.
Only this portion is being translated below. This should be appropriately replaced in the mantra. 3.1
One who is the soul of Gods like Vishnu and Indra; 3.5
One who is all Vedas, all Shakhas (branches), all Sankhyas and all Puranas (epics); 3.6
One who is the perception of Devas, Asuras and Human beings; 3.9
One who has taken the ten incarnations like fish, tortoise etc; 3.10
One who is the Supreme Being beyond the Brahmanda (universe); 3.36
The great God would be pleased with the one who worships the Lord of Lords daily by these 47 mantras
.The one who worships the Lord of Lords with this mantra will see him in person. He would attain a
deathless state. He will attain the deathless state.