Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
One of the most widely sung bhajans in India, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram was popularised by Mahatma Gandhi as the closing prayer of his evening meetings. The verse adapted by Gandhi includes the inclusive line "Iishvara Allaha tero naama" — naming both Hindu and Muslim deities as one — which gave the bhajan its political and spiritual weight.
Last updated 4/16/2026
About this bhajan
“Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” is structurally simple: a four-line verse repeated, with each line built on the same melodic phrase descending toward Sa. This repetition is intentional — the bhajan was composed for congregational singing, where a song-leader sings each line and the congregation repeats. By the third repetition, even first-time singers can follow.
How to use the player above
Click ▶ Play full bhajan to hear the entire melody at the recommended tempo. Click ▶ Line N beside any individual line to loop just that line — useful for memorising one verse at a time. The Sa slider lets you transpose to your comfortable singing key.
On the harmonium
Most singers play the bhajan in a key where Sa = D or E (MIDI 50–52). Set your harmonium to that pitch and follow the sargam column. The melody never goes above Pa^ (upper Pa), so a 2-octave keyboard is plenty.
If you want to add a left-hand drone, play Sa and Pa together as a held chord while singing. The chord column above is for guitar/keyboard players who want a Western-style accompaniment.
Where this bhajan fits
In a typical Hindustani devotional concert, this bhajan would be sung as closing, after a heavier raga-based piece. The simple melody and inclusive lyrics offer a “bringing everyone together” moment that closes a session well.
Lyrics with Sargam notation
Suggested chord progression
C · Am · F · G · C
Background & meaning
The original bhajan is attributed to Lakshmanacharya, a Marathi sant of the 17th century, and praises Lord Rama. Gandhi modified the text in the 1930s by adding the syncretic verse, and the modified version became the standard prayer at his ashrams. After Gandhi's assassination in 1948, the bhajan acquired memorial significance and is now performed at every Gandhi Jayanti observance.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which raga is Raghupati Raghav usually sung in?
Mishra Khamaj — a flexible "mixed" version of Khamaj thaat that allows komal Ni in descent and shuddha Ni in ascent. The tonal centre stays clearly in major-mode, which makes the bhajan accessible to first-time singers.
How fast should I sing it?
Start at 60 BPM (slow). Once the words and melody are stable, lift to 80 BPM. The version Gandhi led was around 70 BPM with congregational repetition extending each line. Avoid rushing — the bhajan is meant for breath-paced singing.
Can I play this on harmonium without the lyrics?
Yes. The melody works as a meditative instrumental piece. Use the sargam line above and play each note for one beat (or two beats for the syllables marked long). The chord progression below the lyrics gives you a left-hand drone option.
Source / further reading: Public domain (traditional). Gandhi version compiled from Sevagram Ashram bhajanavali.