As the 'Bhoomi Pujan' of Ram temple is all set to take place on August 5 in Ayodhya, let us remind you about one of the famous Bhajan which is sung to praise Lord Rama- Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. The Bhajan was widely popularized by Mahatma Gandhi.
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram is sometimes called Ram Dhun and it was sung by Gandhi and his followers as they walked during the 241 mile Salt March to Dandi.
This Bhajan was one of the favourites of Mahatma Gandhi and was chanted regularly in his prayer meetings.
However, Gandhi's thoughts on Rama were different. His Rama was all inclusive.
To the question how non-Hindus could take part in Ramadhun Gandhiji replied: "I laugh within myself when someone objects that Rama or the chanting of Ramanama is for Hindus only, how can Mussulmans, therefore, take part in it? Is there one God for the Mussulmans and another for the Hindus, Parsis, or Christians? No, there is only one omnipotent, and omnipresent God. He is named variously and we remember Him by the name which is most familiar to us."
"My Rama, the Rama of our prayers, is not the historical Rama, the son of Dasharatha — the King of Ayodhya. He is the eternal, the unborn, the one without a second. Him alone I worship, His aid alone I seek, and so should you. He belongs equally to all. I, therefore, see no reason why a Mussulman or anybody should object to taking his name. But he is in no way bound to recognize God as Rama. He may utter to himself Allah or Khuda so as not to mar the harmony of the sound."
"You may say you do not believe in Him. You do not know that but for His will you could not draw a single breath. Call Him Ishwara, Allah, God, Ahura Mazda. His names are as innumerable as there are men. He is one without a second. He alone is great. There is none greater than He. He is timeless, formless, stainless. Such is my Rama. He alone is my Lord and Master."
Harijan, 28-4-1946
Here are the lyrics of Gandhi's Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram for you:
Raghupati Raghav Rajaram
Patit Paavan Sitaram
Sitaram Jai Sitaram
Bhaj pyare tu Sitaram
Raghupati.........
Ishwar Allah Tere Naam
Sabko sanmati de Bhagwan
Raghupati ........
Raat ko Nindiya Din ko Kaam
Kabhi Bhajoge Prabhu Ka Naam
Karte rahiye aapne Kaam
Lete Rahiye Prabhu Ka Naam
Raghupati Raghav
Rajaram Patit Paavan Sitaram.
