Dhanurveda Prarthana Stotram (धनुर्वेद प्रार्थना स्तोत्रम्)
Complete lyrics with original text, transliteration, and meaning, 4 sections
Dhanurveda Ancient Hindu Science Warfare Lord Rama other
Verse 1 - Invocation to Lord Rama as Master of Dhanurveda
Original
ॐ श्रीरामचन्द्राय विद्महे कोदण्डपाणये धीमहि तन्नो रामः प्रचोदयात्। धनुर्वेदं परमं गुह्यं सर्वशस्त्रविदं परम्। रामेणोक्तं महात्मानं प्रणमामि सदा शिवम्॥
Transliteration
Om Shri Ramachandraya Vidmahe Kodandapanaye Dhimahi Tanno Ramah Prachodayat. Dhanurvedam Paramam Guhyam Sarvashastravidam Param. Ramenoktam Mahatmanam Pranamami Sada Shivam.
Meaning / Translation
Om, we meditate on Lord Rama, the wielder of the divine bow Kodanda; may that Rama inspire us. The Dhanurveda is the supreme secret science, the highest knowledge of all weapons. Spoken by Rama, the great soul, I eternally bow to that auspicious Lord.
Verse 2 - Glory of the Bow and Arrow
Original
कोदण्डं शार्ङ्गं चैव पिनाकं च त्रयो धनुः। रामेण धारितं पूर्वं शिवेन च महेश्वरे॥ दुर्गायाः च शुभं धनुर्विद्या सा परकीर्तिता। त्रैलोक्यविजयं दद्यात् यः पठेद्धनुर्वेदतः॥
Transliteration
Kodandam Sharngam Chaiva Pinakam Cha Trayo Dhanuh. Ramena Dharitam Purvam Shivena Cha Maheshvare. Durgaayah Cha Shubham Dhanurvidya Sa Parikirtita. Trailokyavijayam Dadhat Yah Patheddhanurvedatah.
Meaning / Translation
The three supreme bows — Kodanda, Sharanga, and Pinaka — were wielded by Rama and the great Lord Shiva. The auspicious bow of Goddess Durga is also praised. The knowledge of archery (Dhanurvidya) grants victory over the three worlds to one who studies the Dhanurveda.
Verse 3 - Principles of Dhanurveda
Original
आसनं प्राणसंयमो लक्ष्यं वेगोऽभ्यासः स्मृतिः। षडङ्गं धनुर्वेदस्य सर्वशस्त्रप्रवर्तकम्॥ शरीरं रथसन्निभं मनो सारथिरुच्यते। इन्द्रियाणि हयाः प्रोक्ता विषयास्तेषु गोचराः॥
Transliteration
Asanam Pranasamyamo Lakshyam Vego Abhyasah Smritih. Shadangam Dhanurvedasya Sarvashastravartakam. Shariram Rathasannibham Mano Sarathiruchyate. Indriyani Hayaah Prokta Vishayaste Shvagocharah.
Meaning / Translation
Posture, breath control, aim, speed, practice, and memory — these six limbs constitute the Dhanurveda, the activator of all weapons. The body is likened to a chariot, the mind the charioteer, the senses the horses, and their objects the paths they traverse.
Verse 4 - Phala Shruti (Benefits of Recitation)
Original
इदं स्तोत्रं पठेन्नित्यं धनुर्वेदपरायणः। शत्रुनाशं जयेत्सर्वान् विद्यां चावाप्नुयाद्ध्रुवम्॥ रामकृपा भवेद्दृढा शिवशक्तिसमन्विता। मोक्षं चैव सुखं चैव धनुर्वेदफलं परम्॥
Transliteration
Idam Stotram Pathednityam Dhanurvedaparayanah. Shatrunasham Jayetsarvan Vidyam Cha Avapnuyad Dhruvam. Ramakripa Bhaveddridha Shiva-Shakti-Samanvita. Moksham Chaiva Sukham Chaiva Dhanurvedaphalam Param.
Meaning / Translation
One who recites this hymn daily while devoted to Dhanurveda destroys all enemies and attains knowledge surely. The grace of Rama becomes firm, accompanied by the power of Shiva and Shakti. Liberation and supreme happiness are the ultimate fruits of Dhanurveda.