India is gearing up to the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, on January 22, at the site where stood the Babri Masjid which was torn down on December 6, 1992, to make way for the long-held dream of many Hindus. In the heart of devotion, where the ethereal meets the earthly, resonates the celestial symphony of Ram bhajans. Before we take a look at a few of the popular bhajans, whose timeless verses narrate the epic saga of Lord Ram and whose spiritual fervour and mellifluous notes invoke divinity, it is only fair to remember the man who made a Ram bhajan popular, using it to build communal harmony in the fight against the British colonisers. A modified version of the composition Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, an excerpt from the hymn Sri Nama Ramayanam, originally composed by Lakshmanacharya, was made popular by Mahatma Gandhi, who sang Ishwar Allah Tero Naam/Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwaan.
Here are 10 other Ram bhajans that became popular in free India:
Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari by Ravindra Jain
This is one of the quintessential classics when it comes to Shri Ram Bhajan and tops the list of bhajans shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently. Written and composed by Ravindra Jain from the album Jai Jai Shri Ram, this soulful bhajan has also been accompanied by singers Satish Dehra, Deep Mala and Rachana.
Hum Katha Sunate
Originally, this song was a part of the famous television series on Doordarshan, Ramayan, first aired in January 1987. Arun Govil played Ram, Deepika Chikhalia was Sita and Dara Singh was Hanuman in this popular epic show. It was produced and directed by Ramanand Sagar and this bhajan was a crucial one showcasing Lav-Kush singing praises of Lord Shri Ram. The bhajan was composed and written by Ravindra Jain and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, Hemlata and Ravindra Jain.
Hey Ram Hey Ram - Shri Ram Dhun
Jagjit Singh’s soulful bhajan Hey Ram Hey Ram is a must on any Shri Ram Bhajan playlist. This one was written by Sudarshan Faakir and was composed and sung by the late gha zal maestro Jagjit Singh.
Jai Ram Rama Ramanam Sharanam
This Sri Ram bhajan was rendered by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar many years ago and an original video can be found at the Prasar Bharati Archives.
Ram Ka Dham Anthem
One of the latest bhajans to release, Ram Ka Dham Anthem by Kailash Kher is an ode to the glorious Ram Mandir of Ayodhya Dham. This catchy single, written by Milind Panwar has been composed by Anu Malik and the music is by Aman Pant.
Ram Siya Ram
This is one of the most played songs of last year. Part of the Om Raut directorial Adipurush, starring Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon, Sunny Singh and others, this song won hearts for its melody and touching lyrics by Manoj Muntashir Shukla. Music composers Sachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon wove magic in not just the melody but also in their fine vocals while rendering the bhajan.
Jai Raghunandan Jai Siyaram
This is a classic bhajan that was a part of the 1961 classic film Gharana, starring Rajendra Kumar, Raj Kumar, Asha Parekh, Shubha Khote, Agha, Minu Mumtaz, Kanhaiya Lal and others. Composed by Ravi, this Shri Ram Bhajan was sung by the inimitable Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhajman
This Shri Ram bhajan was composed by Kedar Pandit and sung by Anuradha Paudwal and was a part of the 1988 album Tulsi Bhajanamrit and later in Greatest Mantras, Shlokas and Aartis by Anuradha Paudwal. This beautiful prayer song was written by Sant Tulsidas glorifying Lord Shri Ram and his unique characteristics.
Pal Pal Hai Bhaari
Written by Javed Akhtar and composed by AR Rahman, this Shri Ram bhajan was a part of the Shahrukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi starrer film Swades. This soulful bhajan was sung by Madhushree, Vijay Prakash and the director Ashutosh Gowariker.
Ram Aayenge
Lyricist-writer Manoj Muntashir’s lyrics in this Shri Ram bhajan single tells a touching story. Composed by Payal Dev and sung by none other than the melodious singer Vishal Mishra, this single stars Dipika Chikhlia and Sameer Deshpande.
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