Benefits.

 The Benefits of Reading Kamban’s Ramayanam

The Kamba Ramayanam, composed by the great Tamil poet Kamban in the 12th century, is more than a literary masterpiece. It is revered as both poetry and scripture, carrying not only the story of Lord Rama but also profound spiritual power. Just as Valmiki and Tulsidas offered phala-śruti (assurances of benefit) for their works, Kamban too concludes with verses that describe the fruits of reading, listening, and contemplating his epic.

1. Moral and Spiritual Uplift

Kamban’s Rama is dharma personified. His life teaches righteousness, compassion, humility, and courage. To read or hear the text is to absorb these virtues and to realign one’s own life with moral principles. Kamban himself declares that sins are burnt away like cotton in fire when Rama’s story is recited.

2. Protection from Suffering

The poet assures that those who listen to his verses will be shielded from fear, danger, and sorrow. Just as Rama protected the sages of the forest, his name and story act as a shield of divine grace.

 Tamil (Kamba Ramayanam – Phala-śruti):

"அரங்கமுடையானை ஆற்றலால் கூறினேன்;

திறம்பிலா நாவினோர் தீமை காணார்."

Meaning:

By singing the Lord of Srirangam (Rama, Narayana), I have composed this;

Those who recite it with faultless tongue will never meet with evil.

3. Worldly Prosperity and Well-being

The phala-śruti promises food, wealth, family harmony, and long life to devotees. The recitation is said to bring blessings to the household, just as Rama’s presence brought joy to Ayodhya.

4. Purification and Peace of Mind

Kamban assures that even the gravest sins are erased by reading his epic with devotion. Just as the Ganga purifies all who bathe in it, the verses of the Kamba Ramayanam purify the heart.

 Tamil Verse:

"இராமனது நாமமே யெல்லா வினையையும்

தீமையும் போக்கும் செல்வம் தரும்."

Meaning:

The very name of Rama destroys all sins and sorrows,

And bestows prosperity and joy.

5. Strength and Victory

By immersing oneself in the tale of Rama’s victory over Ravana, the devotee too gains courage to conquer obstacles in life—whether they are inner weaknesses or outer challenges.

6. Bhakti and Divine Grace

Above all, Kamban emphasizes bhakti. Listening to Rama’s story in sweet Tamil verse melts the heart, softens pride, and turns the soul toward the divine. The reward is the love of Rama and Sita, who shower grace upon the devotee.

7. The Ultimate Fruit – Liberation

Kamban does not stop at worldly benefits. His final assurance is lofty: those who recite his Ramayana with devotion will attain moksha, release from the cycle of birth and death, reaching the eternal abode of Rama.

Tamil Verse:

"எத்தனை யாயினும் இப்புகழ் கேட்பவர்

சித்தமலர் தூவிக் கைவினை தீர்வார்.

Whoever listens to this glorious tale, in whatever measure,

Their heart blossoms, their karmas are dissolved.

The Kamba Ramayanam is not only poetry of unparalleled beauty but also a living scripture. To read or hear it is to receive blessings both worldly and spiritual: freedom from sorrow, prosperity, purification of sins, courage, devotion, and finally liberation. That is why, even today, Tamil households and temples organize Kamba Ramayanam recitations, believing firmly in Kamban’s assurance that Rama’s story is a river of grace, carrying all who enter it toward peace and eternal joy.

O Rama, Lord of dharma, your name is light,

It burns away sorrow, it ends every night.

Who listens with love to your noble tale,

Finds blessings unending, and grace without fail.

It grants us long life, and food for our days,

It frees us from sin and leads us in ways.

It gives us the courage to conquer and stand,

With Sita’s compassion, and Lakshmana’s hand.

O Lord of Srirangam, protector and guide,

In your holy story all blessings abide.

May hearts become pure, may burdens all cease,

May every soul rise to eternal peace.