What it means
"Shri Ram, victory to Ram, victory, victory to Ram." Thirteen syllables in all, so it's also called the trayodashakshari mantra.
Where it comes from
Samarth Ramdas Swami preached it across Maharashtra in the seventeenth century. In the twentieth, Swami Ramdas of Anandashram in Kerala, known to his followers as Papa Ramdas, made it the centre of his life, and it is still the chant you hear at his ashram. Its rhythm invites clapping, and people often sing it together.
How to chant it
Alone, on a mala. With others, to clapping or cymbals. It feels most natural sung.
When: Mornings, Tuesdays and Ram Navami.
Try it now
The japa counter opens with this mantra selected and keeps count for you.
Questions people ask
A seventeenth-century saint from Maharashtra and the author of the Dasbodh. Tradition regards him as the spiritual guide of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.