Ram Raksha Stotra Tantric Siddhi, With the Grace of Mahavidya Tara

Two types of Ram Raksha Stotra are prevalent. The most popular one was composed by budha-kaushika. The second is from the Padma Mahapuran — compared to the first, it is somewhat shorter, so it has a specific application in wearing as an armor (Kavach). Those who practice Tantric disciplines, worshipping Goddess Tara or Lord Shri Ramachandra Ji Maharaj alongside forms of the Goddess, frequently use that armor. The Budha Kaushika Muni composition, being larger, takes more time; the Padma Purana version forms part of the Uma-Maheshwara dialogue and takes less time. Those whose family deity is Lord Ram may choose either armor according to convenience.

In both methods, Goddess Tara is the foremost power associated with Lord Shri Ramachandra. The hymn of Lord Ram's power was provided by Maharshi Vashistha Muni, the family guru, through Goddess Tara as a Mahavidyas form of Jagadamba"Mother of the World" — an epithet of the Devi.. Whenever attempting to achieve perfection in any Tantric praise, mantra, or hymn, performing a simple and straightforward worship of Goddess Tara activates a divine energy within that hymn. One may possess the arrow of Ram (Ram Baan), but the capability and power to launch it is bestowed by the form of Goddess Jagadamba Tara.

On the first day (Pratipada), take a vow (SankalpaA formal ritual resolution spoken aloud before an offering or observance, declaring its intent and dedicating its merit.). If performing the Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana), then after it, when taking the Navratri resolution, pronounce that in this Navratri one is resolving to attain perfection in the Ram Raksha Stotra so that whenever it is needed for righteous work, it delivers its full effect — resolving to recite it to the best of one's capacity and target count.

One may perform 108 recitations daily or complete 1100 recitations across all 9 days — though 1100 usually needs to be completed in about 8 days, because the fire ritual (Havan) is primary on the ninth day (Navami). Doing 9 recitations daily in a simple manner is also acceptable. The recitation time should be kept from early dawn until 7:00, 7:30, or 8:00 PM in the evening. Recitations for achieving perfection should be done during the day, from around 3:00-3:30 AM at dawn until 7:00-8:00 PM in the evening; for application afterward, it can be done at any time.

Attaining perfection during chaitra-navratri is particularly divine: Ram Navami arrives during this period, and Tara Navami falls on the same day. Goddess Tara has been the primary deity worshipped by the family guru of Lord Shri Ram, and through her grace, power, and capability, Lord Shri Ram activated his powers fully in human form by worshipping her — this is found in Tantric texts. Performing this Siddhi alongside the worship of these two powers and one's family deity brings immense grace.

To attain perfection, light three lamps at the worship place on the first day (Pratipada); wear yellow clothing, or orange-tinted clothing combining yellow and red if also worshipping the Goddess. Both men and women can perform this. The first lamp is for the family deity (Kuldevi/Kuldevta); the second for Lord Shri Ramachandra Ji Maharaj; the third for Goddess Tara. Note that the continuous flame (Akhand Jyot) or witness lamp (Karmasakshi Deepak) already kept burning should remain separate — these three lamps are specifically for this spiritual practice.

Worship is conducted at all three lamps. At the first lamp, offer fragrance, unbroken rice (AkshatUnbroken raw rice grains, held in hand along with water and flowers while taking a Sankalpa.), and flowers at the feet of the family deity. At the lamp of Lord Shri Ramachandra Ji Maharaj, offer unbroken rice and flowers in the names of Lord Shri Ramachandra Ji Maharaj, Goddess Sita, Shatrughna, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Lord Shri Hanuman — taking unbroken rice and flowers in hand, adding a little water, and mentally offering them to each individually.

At the lamp of Goddess Tara, offer fragrance, unbroken rice, and flowers in the names of her three primary Tantric forms. First, Ugratara: "O Goddess Ugratara! We offer these rice grains and flowers in your name, please accept them. May we attain full capability in our recitation of Ram Raksha Stotra. Whenever we use it, may we receive full effect by your grace, and may Lord Shri Ramachandra bestow his grace upon us." Second, Ekajata: "O Ekajata Tara! We offer this to you." Third, in the name of Goddess Nila Saraswati. These three flowers near the lamp must be offered daily.

If doing nine recitations daily, complete them in a single sitting. If doing 108 recitations, which takes more time, one may rise between sessions — when sitting again, perform purification (AchamanaThe ritual sipping of water for self-purification before worship, one of the opening Shatkarma/Pavitrikaran rites.), without needing to re-offer flowers unless the lamp has gone out and been relit. Recite as much as possible over 8 days. On the final day, perform the fire ritual (Havan). If doing nine recitations daily, they can easily be completed on the morning of Navami; if the target count is larger, such as 1100, recite as much as possible by 7:00-8:00 AM on Navami, since the fire ritual and worship of young girls (Kanya Pujan) take up time afterward.

When performing the fire ritual for the Ram Raksha Stotra, regardless of total count, offer one rosary count (108 oblations) using the specific name mantra of the Stotra: "Ramaya Ramabhadraya Ramachandraya Vedhase Raghunathaya Nathaya" — the 27th mantra. Men should offer oblations using a mixture of clarified butter (ghee) and guggul (aromatic resin); women should offer 108 oblations using pure guggul alone with the same mantra.

Establish a coconut on the first day (Pratipada) as a resolution for attaining perfection in the Ram Raksha Stotra. When the fire ritual and maiden worship are completed on the final day, break the coconut on the tenth day (Dashami) when breaking the fast (Parana). If not fasting during Navratri, complete the morning recitation before eating.

On Ram Navami, after completing the fire ritual, offer the results at home first to the idol of Lord Ram, Lord Narayana, or Lord Shiva. Then visit a temple of Lord Shri Ramachandra Ji Maharaj, offering incense, lamp, fragrance, unbroken rice, food offerings (NaivedyaThe food offering (Bhog) presented to a deity during worship, accompanied by water offerings and dedicatory mantras.), and a flower garland according to capacity. If Lord Hanuman is present there, offer bread and attire (Rot-Langot). Host the victory flag (Vijay Pataka) of Lord Hanuman at home. Complete these procedures and pray: "O Lord! May this Ram Raksha Stotra ritual we have performed be fully awakened and perfected, and bestow your grace upon us." After offering worship at the temple, the Ram Raksha Stotra becomes fully activated.

When applying the activated Stotra, take a resolution (Sankalp) for the specific purpose. For relief from spirit possession: if someone is affected by spirit issues, take a resolution in their name — "O Lord! We are performing this recitation in their name, please bestow your grace upon them and destroy the effects of ghosts and spirits." Perform at least 21 recitations (or a minimum of 9). Keep water in a copper vessel, place 27 stalks of Kusha grass tied like a small broom inside it, perform 27 recitations to consecrate it, and sprinkle/administer the water to the person to remove the spirit affliction.