Ram Naam Mantra
The name of Ram — the simplest and most beloved chant of devotional India.
Original
Transliteration
Śrī Rāma Jaya Rāma Jaya Jaya Rāma
Translation
Glorious Ram, victory to Ram, victory, victory to Ram.
Quick answer
The Ram Naam Mantra — Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram — is a thirteen-syllable Sanskrit chant of the name of Rama, one of the most widely repeated mantras in devotional India.
- Tradition
- Hindu / Vedic
- Language
- Sanskrit
- Repetitions
- 108 times, or continuously as japa.
- Best time
- Any time. Traditionally at dawn, and continuously through the day as remembrance.
- Best for
- Daily japa, Walking meditation, Steadiness in difficulty
Line by line
Śrī Rāma
Revered Ram — the embodiment of dharma and steadiness.
Jaya Rāma
Victory to Ram — the triumph of truth within.
Jaya Jaya Rāma
Victory, victory — the joy that repetition itself awakens.
Meaning
Literal
A thirteen-syllable praise of Rama, repeating his name in celebration.
Spiritual interpretation
The tradition holds that the name of Ram is not different from Ram himself. Gandhi carried this mantra through his life and spoke it as his final word. It is chanted for steadiness in turbulence — the name repeated until the mind stops arguing and simply rests.
What this mantra is used for
How to chant
Repeat aloud or silently, in rhythm with walking or with the breath. Many practitioners write it repeatedly in a likhita japa notebook.
When to chant
Any time. Traditionally at dawn, and continuously through the day as remembrance.
Traditional count: 108 times, or continuously as japa.
Origin & context
The Ramanama tradition, celebrated by Tulsidas, Kabir, Tukaram, and countless saints of the bhakti movement.
Related mantras
Hanuman Chalisa
Forty verses in praise of Hanuman — one of the most beloved devotional texts of India.
Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
The great mantra — sixteen names of the divine, sung with love.
Hanuman Mantra
A bow to Hanuman — devotion, courage, and unshakeable strength.
Continue exploring
Frequently asked questions
What does Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram mean?+
'Glorious Ram, victory to Ram, victory, victory to Ram' — a joyful repetition of the name of Rama.
Why is the name of Ram considered so powerful?+
In the bhakti tradition the name is held to be inseparable from the one it names — to say it is to be in his presence.
How is Ram Naam practiced?+
As spoken japa, as sung kirtan, or as likhita japa — writing the name repeatedly as a meditation.