"Rama Navami"- Embracing Tradition, Devotion, And Life Lessons

Rama Navami, the last day of Chaitra Navratri, falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in Chaitra month. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is observed in the month of March or April. This year, we are celebrating Ram Navami on the '17th April ‘24.'

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Rama Navami” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Rama Navami on Wednesday, April 17 ‘24

• Navami Tithi Begins - 01:23 PM on Apr 16 ‘24
• Navami Tithi Ends - 03:14 PM on Apr 17 ‘24

This holy day has an immense significance in Hinduism as it marks the birth of the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe), Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram.

Rama Navami is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world. Since Treta Yuga, the people of Ayodhya are believed to be Suryawanshis. Hence the celebrations of Rama Navami begin by worshiping Lord Sun in the early morning.

People observe fast on Rama Navami which is limited to intake of Sattvik food only.

Special puja and homam along with recitation of Bhajans to praise Lord Rama are conducted in temples to seek the blessings of the Lord.

In Hindu Dharma, “Madhyahna” is considered the most auspicious time to perform Rama Navami Puja rituals.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Rama Navami Madhyahna Muhurat - 11:03 AM to 01:38 PM on 17th April ‘24
• Duration - 02 Hours 35 Mins
• Rama Navami Madhyahna Moment - 12:21 PM

Many true devotees of Prabhu Shri Ram also perform akhanda naam japa (continuous mantra chanting) and stay vigil the whole night. One can witness huge Pandals decoration at Ayodhya, Ujjain & Rameshwaram.

In Ayodhya, taking a dip in the Sarayu river is considered blissful on Rama Navami. ISKCON temples also celebrate this holy occasion with joy and full devotion. Even in places outside India like Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and many more, this festival is commemorated following Indian rituals.

As we are celebrating Ram Navami, the mention of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India is a must. It is the Heartland of Hindutva and considered as the birthplace of Shri Ram. Ram Mandir, being an important religious and cultural site for millions of Hindus around the world, is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of Hindu pride and unity. Every year, Ayodhya experiences a vast splurge among its people on Rama Navami.

The inauguration and Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, marked a historic milestone in the cultural and religious landscape of India, particularly resonating with the celebration of Ram Navami. This auspicious event, held on January 22, 2024, symbolized the culmination of a long-standing aspiration of millions of Hindus worldwide. Through the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Ram Lala, the deity, received his divine form, marking a sacred moment for Hindus.

The Ram Mandir holds profound significance as the birthplace of Lord Rama, revered as the epitome of righteousness and virtue in Hindu Dharma. Its construction not only signifies the establishment of a place of worship but also serves as a tangible expression of Hindu pride and unity. The inauguration ceremony further underscored the spiritual and cultural resonance of this momentous occasion.

As i look back and rewind the prestigious moment, I recall how the atmosphere in Ayodhya during the inauguration was electrifying, with devotees and dignitaries from across the country converging to witness this historic event. The rituals conducted during the Pran Pratishtha involved the consecration of the deity of Lord Rama within the temple premises, infusing the sacred space with divine energy and sanctity. The entire ceremony was conducted with meticulous precision, adhering to age-old Vedic traditions and rituals, thereby honoring the spiritual heritage of the land.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji graced the occasion of the Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha with his presence, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural significance of the event. His participation added spiritual fervor to the ceremony, resonating with millions of Hindus worldwide.

In essence, the inauguration and Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya symbolize the culmination of a centuries-old aspiration and the beginning of a new chapter in India's spiritual and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Rama and his timeless teachings of righteousness, compassion, and devotion, inspiring generations to come.

The day of Rama Navami indicates the victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma as Shri Ram was mainly born for the purpose of defeating LankaPati Ravana who had become very egoistic and started harnessing the earth's peace after receiving a boon from Lord Brahma.

There is also a very interesting legend behind the birth of Lord Rama:

During the reign of Raja Dashratha, Ayodhya reached the epitome of a perfect governance. But the only concern worrying the King was that he had no successor. Therefore, he decided to perform Ashvamedha Yagya which was presided over by Rishi Rishyasringa. This Yagya was a great event in the whole Ayodhya & everyone assembled there. At the end, Rishi recited a mantra & made an offering to the holy fire.

Since lord Brahma had given a life long boon to Ravana that no power of this world, either God or demi-god or demon would ever be successful to kill him, he would remain immortal until the end of this universe. Hence, Ravana had become very cruel towards people of the earth & started causing destruction everywhere. Then, all the Gandharvas, Gods and Rishis present around started praying to Lord Brahma. On seeing the destruction caused by Ravana on the earth & listening to the prayers of Gods, Gandharvas & Rishis, Brahmadev declared that Ravana would be killed by a man. After that, all the gods went to Vishnu & requested him to take birth as Dashratha's son in Ayodhya (in the form of a human). Ultimately, when Ashvamedha's sacrifice came to an end, a shining soul appeared over the Havan Kunda & offered a divine "payasam" to King Dashratha. He gave that equally to his three queens: Koushalya, Sumitra & Kaikeyi. In due time, all the 3 conceived and gave birth to Rama, Lakshamana, Bharat & Shatrughan. Later on, their sons proved to be the best Bharatvanshi & glorify the name of their father, King Dashratha, in the world.

On the occasion of Ram Janmotsava, i.e., Rama Navami, reading or listening to the similar stories related to Lord Rama's birth, his life, his epitome of righteousness, his teachings, the battles fought and won by Shri Ram and others are considered to relieve one from puzzled or confused mindset and seek clarity and harmony in life. Reciting Akhand Ramayan Path (an epic poem telling the story of Lord Rama's life) & SundaraKanda Paath are also considered blissful on Rama Navami.

The portrayal of the character of Lord Rama as a humble person, obedient son, loving & caring husband, in brief 'Maryada Purushottam' teaches us many life lessons that we can reflect in our lives.

Let us further explore how one can practice Self-Reflection, Mindfulness and imbibe the satvik gunas of Lord Rama on this auspicious day of Ram Navami.

• Learning Integrity: Lord Rama is considered to be the paragon or embodiment of integrity. Through his divine choices, he teaches the world to choose dharma over adharma in every situation and to choose Moksha over Kama. So let's pledge to be on the path of integrity like Prabhu Shri Ram.

• Learning Dutifulness: Prabhu Shri Ram always used to serve his family & praja without any greed. He was dutiful and was completely aware of his responsibilities. We can learn to not only take responsibilities in life & but work dedicatedly fulfill those.

• Following the path of Dharma (Righteousness): Even in the face of adversity, Lord Rama always followed the path of righteousness. In today's life, we can learn to uphold 'Dharma' or righteousness in all our actions, even when it's difficult.

• Being focussed: After the abduction of Sita Mata by Ravana, Lord Rama was completely focused on saving her. He knew his ultimate goal. From this, we can learn to keep our emotions and impulsiveness in check during uneven times. Have a crystal clear vision towards our ambitions or goals and act responsibly.

• Practising Compassion & Forgiveness: Shri Ram forgave Mata Kaikeyi, who banished him from his kingdom. He could have even got his maid Manthara punished for provoking Mata Kaikeyi.
  But Manthara being his caretaker during childhood, Lord Rama forgave her without questioning. He never complained about mata Kaikeyi and treated her with love and respect irrespective of her harsh doings.

  Being compassionate and forgivable are the best qualities to be acquired. From these, we can learn to let go of grudges and forgive, instead of holding onto resentment and anger.

• Practising Determination : The ordeal of Shri Ram's determination can be clearly seen in his exile for 14 years. Despite the immense personal sacrifice and difficulties, he didn't waver in his commitment to his father's words.

  We can learn from him to stay resilient in the face of setbacks and not let failure deter us from our path. With determination, we can achieve great things and overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

• Modesty: Shri Ram was one of the best archers of Treta Yuga. But still he never boasted about his skills.

  From this, we can imbibe the most powerful attribute: being modest. Recognising our limitations & not boasting about the achievements. Treat everyone with respect & humility, regardless of their social status or accomplishments.

There are many more attributes that we, as humans, can learn from Shri Ram to live a rich, meaningful, and purposeful life.

And undoubtedly, if you succeed in imbibing even a few of these qualities in your life, it will be a huge gain on its own.

Reciting 'Rama Naama' is the surest, easiest and purest way to attain enlightenment, prosperity, success and endeavours in life.

So let's chant his name & surrender ourselves with complete devotion.

You may chant either of the following :

|| Jai Shree Ram ||

|| Hare Rama Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||

Shubh Rama Navami !