Ram Navami is an auspicious occasion for Hindus as it marks the birthday of Lord Rama. People visit temples of Lord Rama to seek his blessings on this holy day. Read more about the significance and celebration of Ram Navami. The festival of Ram Navami marks the birth of the Hindu Lord Rama, who is considered as one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the ninth day of the “Chaitra” month or the Spring season. In many parts of India Ram Navami is celebrated as a nine-day event which coincides with Vasanta Navratri. The nine days of the festival are dedicated to Goddess Durga or Shakti. In the year 2012 Ram Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, the 1st of April. In this articleRam Navami RitualsRamayana - Famous Indian LegendImportance of Ramayana in Modern TimesConclusionRam Navami Rituals Ram Navami is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnavites, a sect of Hindus. In many parts of India, early morning rituals mark the celebrations of this festival. The rituals include chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings fruits and flowers to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. Temples of Lord Rama across the country are decorated and the idol of Lord Rama is adorned with rich clothes and jewellery. Satsangs or public gatherings are held where people get together to hear stories from the Ramayana. At Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ram Navami fair is held every year which draws huge crowd of dedicated devotees. In the Southern India, this festival is celebrated for nine days as the wedding of Lord Rama and Sita. Ramayana - Famous Indian Legend The Ramayana is the story of Lord Rama, which was written by sage Valmiki during the 4th century B.C. As per the legend, Lord Rama, the eldest son of King Dashratha, was banished to the forest for 14 years. He was dethroned because of his stepmothers devious plans. Rama being the righteous son willingly gave up his throne and went to the forest accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. During the 14 years of banishment, Rama waged and won a war against the King of Lanka, Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita. After defeating Ravana, Rama had ascended the throne of Ayodhya. Lord Rama proved that he lived a life of righteousness the second time around when he banished his wife from his kingdom after hearing an adverse comment about her association with Ravana. These legends go on to prove that Lord Rama always lived a life of “Dharma” or righteousness. He was destined to destroy the evil and protect the weak. Since he followed the path of righteousness against all odds he is also referred to as “Maryada Pushottam” which means the perfect and best man. Importance of Ramayana in Modern Times The story of Lord Rama holds special significance in today’s modern world. In nuclear families with both parents working, children hardly pay any heed to their parents. Friendship is not valued and it is common to see friends turn into enemies in no time. Teachers show little affection for the students. Students rarely respect their teachers. In summary hatred and bitterness is growing day by day. Rama Navami is the perfect occasion for people to learn and practice the teachings of Ramayana. On this day in addition to worshipping Lord Rama, true devotees must attempt to try and follow the ideals and principles by which he lived. This day must serve as a reminder of the noble ideals which Lord Rama followed all his life. Conclusion The story of Sri Rama has cut across geographical boundaries of India and inspired people, culture and literature of countries like Indonesia where Muslims constitutes over 80% of the population. The birthday of Lord Rama is therefore an event remembered and celebrated in many parts of the world irrespective of race or religion. Sri Rama reigns supreme to till date in the hearts of people, cutting across all barriers of province, caste, sect or language.
Ram Navami is an auspicious occasion for Hindus as it marks the birthday of Lord Rama. People visit temples of Lord Rama to seek his blessings on this holy day. Read more about the significance and celebration of Ram Navami. The festival of
Ram Navami marks the birth of the Hindu Lord Rama, who is considered as one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the ninth day of the “
Chaitra” month or the Spring season. In many parts of India Ram Navami is celebrated as a nine-day event which coincides with
Vasanta Navratri. The nine days of the festival are dedicated to
Goddess Durga or Shakti. In the year 2012 Ram Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, the 1st of April.
Ram Navami Rituals
Ram Navami is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnavites, a sect of Hindus. In many parts of India, early morning rituals mark the celebrations of this festival. The rituals include chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings fruits and flowers to Lord Rama and his wife Sita.
Temples of Lord Rama across the country are decorated and the idol of Lord Rama is adorned with rich clothes and jewellery. Satsangs or public gatherings are held where people get together to hear stories from the Ramayana.
At Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ram Navami fair is held every year which draws huge crowd of dedicated devotees. In the Southern India, this festival is celebrated for nine days as the wedding of Lord Rama and Sita.
Ramayana - Famous Indian Legend
The Ramayana is the story of Lord Rama, which was written by sage Valmiki during the 4th century B.C. As per the legend, Lord Rama, the eldest son of King Dashratha, was banished to the forest for 14 years. He was dethroned because of his stepmother's devious plans. Rama being the righteous son willingly gave up his throne and went to the forest accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshman.
During the 14 years of banishment, Rama waged and won a war against the King of Lanka, Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita. After defeating Ravana, Rama had ascended the throne of Ayodhya.
Lord Rama proved that he lived a life of righteousness the second time around when he banished his wife from his kingdom after hearing an adverse comment about her association with Ravana.
These legends go on to prove that Lord Rama always lived a life of “Dharma” or righteousness. He was destined to destroy the evil and protect the weak. Since he followed the path of righteousness against all odds he is also referred to as “Maryada Pushottam” which means the perfect and best man.
Importance of Ramayana in Modern Times
The story of Lord Rama holds special significance in today’s modern world. In nuclear families with both parents working, children hardly pay any heed to their parents.
Friendship is not valued and it is common to see friends turn into enemies in no time. Teachers show little affection for the students. Students rarely respect their teachers. In summary hatred and bitterness is growing day by day.
Rama Navami is the perfect occasion for people to learn and practice the teachings of Ramayana. On this day in addition to worshipping Lord Rama, true devotees must attempt to try and follow the ideals and principles by which he lived. This day must serve as a reminder of the noble ideals which Lord Rama followed all his life.
Conclusion
The story of Sri Rama has cut across geographical boundaries of India and inspired people, culture and literature of countries like Indonesia where Muslims constitutes over 80% of the population. The birthday of Lord Rama is therefore an event remembered and celebrated in many parts of the world irrespective of race or religion. Sri Rama reigns supreme to till date in the hearts of people, cutting across all barriers of province, caste, sect or language.
