Celebrated, revered, and widely worshipped, Lord Rama has been a figure of prime devotion not only in India but throughout South-East Asia. He has been the inspiration of people across centuries as the upholder of virtues such as dharma, righteousness, and justice. Reflecting on these qualities as well as the different aspects of his personality, he has been honored with various names.
So, this article brings you a list of names of Lord Rama along with their meaning and significance.
What is the Full Name of Lord Rama?
Lord Rama is commonly known as Rama, Raman, or Ramar, but his full name is often regarded to be Ramachandra, meaning 'Moon-like Rama.’ This name reflects not only his noble character and virtues but also his significance in the epic narrative of the Ramayana, where he embodies the ideals of dharma (righteousness) and devotion.
Other than that, he is also referred to as Ram Dasrath Raghu or Ram Dasrath Ikshvaku (Ram being his most commonly used name, Dasrath, the name of his father and Raghu/Ikshvaku, his clan).
Furthermore, in the scriptural sense, he is often referred to as Maryada Purushottam Ramachandra.
Different Names of Lord Rama
Let's look at some of the Bhagwan Ram names, their meaning, and what attributes they highlight of Lord Rama’s personality.
Rama
The most common name of Sri Rama literally translates to "one who is pleasing" or "the one who gives joy." It portrays his character as a good-hearted prince who made his kingdom, Ayodhya, happier and more prosperous. He offers happiness to every one of his followers, not just those in his own family or kingdom.
Being the eldest Prince of the Ikshvakus, he is disciplined, full of virtues, speaks the truth, and is aware of dharma.
Ramachandra
This name of Lord Rama is attributed to his moon-like face, highlighting his beauty as well as his calm and compassionate nature. For his devotees, Lord Rama is a ray of hope and direction that illuminates their journeys with love and wisdom, much like the moon does in the dark.
Maryada Purushottama
Maryada Purushottama," is one of Lord Rama's most significant names, translating to "the best among honorable men" and highlighting his ideal nature as a son, brother, husband, and king. His devotion to dharma is indicated by this name, which shows him as a person who upheld a moral worldview despite hardship throughout his life.
Raghunandan
Lord Rama, a member of the Raghu dynasty, is lovingly called "Raghunandan." In many Hindu texts, it is outlined that Raghu, a revered deity in Hinduism, was the great-grandfather of Lord Rama. So, the name ‘Raghunandan’ underlines his lineage and connection to the house of Raghu.
Dasharathi
"Dasharathi" describes Lord Rama as King Dasharatha's son. His relationship with his father, who greatly influenced his ideals and values, is highlighted by this name. A major topic in many Hindu traditions, the father-son bond is very much highlighted in this name, giving us a glimpse of the meaning of love and respect within the family.
Janaki Vallabh
Because of his unbound love and devotion for Sita, Lord Rama is frequently referred to as "Janaki Vallabh," which translates to "the beloved of Janaki (Sita)”. This Bhagwan Ram name highlights the value of love and partnership.
Raghav
This name of Lord Rama carries the meaning of “Son of Raghu”. It reminds devotees of his noble birth and the responsibilities of a royal ancestry. Those who aspire to walk the path of virtue can find encouragement from his life.
Adipurusha
Meaning “the primordial man” or “the first man”, this Sri Rama name signifies his role as the Preserver or Sustainer of the world, and hence the Supreme. However, this name is associated with not only one God in Hindu mythology but also with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
Ramabhadra
Translating to the “auspicious one”, this name of Lord Rama paints him as the noble and valiant warrior of the Raghu race. He personifies auspiciousness and divinity, inspiring us with his high morals and virtues.
Raghuvir
This epithet for Lord Rama means "hero" or "brave descendant of Raghu". It's a revered title signifying heroism, valor, and virtuous qualities, rooted in the epic Ramayana. This Sri Ram name inspires bravery, heroism, and virtue within all of us.
Raghunath
Since Lord Rama is the head of the Raghu dynasty, the term "Raghunath" is frequently used to refer to him. Here, ‘Raghu’ means the lineage from which he comes from, associated with King Raghu, and ‘Nath’ means “lord” or “master”. Hence, the name roughly translates to the “Lord of King Raghu’s race.” This name of Lord Rama presents his royal lineage and the respect given to him as a divine figure.
Wrapping Up
As one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism, Lord Ram continues to encourage us to be our better selves. His role in upholding the tenets of Dharma, truth, and justice is exemplary. He not only represents the ideal husband, king, brother, and warrior - he embodies them. With many names honoring his legacy, Lord Rama inspires countless devotees, reaffirming his place as one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is a unique name of Ram?
A. A unique name of Lord Ram is Raghunandan, which means "Son of the Raghu clan." It highlights his royal lineage and is distinct from the more commonly used names.
Q. What are some famous names of Lord Rama?
A. Some of the most famous names of Lord Rama include:
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Ramachandra – Moon among the Raghus
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Raghunath – Lord of the Raghu clan
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Dasharathi – Son of King Dasharatha
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Maryada Purushottam – The ideal man and supreme being of discipline
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Sitaram – Husband of Sita
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Koshalendra – King of Kosala
Q. What is a good name for a boy after Lord Ram?
A. A good and meaningful name for a boy inspired by Lord Ram could be:
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Ramveer – Brave like Lord Rama
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Ramit – Loved and beloved
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Raghav – Descendant of the Raghu clan (another name of Ram)
Q. What is Lord Ram's full name?
A. Lord Ram’s full name is Rama Dasharathi (meaning Rama, son of Dasharatha) or Ramachandra (the moon-like one). In scriptural terms, he is often referred to as Maryada Purushottam Ramachandra. In addition to this, he is also known as Ram Dasrath Raghu or Ram Dasrath Ikshvaku, with Ram being his most popular name, Dasrath being his father's name, and Raghu/Ikshvaku being his clan's name.