ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Maryada Purushottam Rama is the seventh avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu.
Lord Rama is the most widely worshipped Hindu deity, the embodiment of the ideal of chivalry and virtue.
Hindus living all over the world celebrate Ramnavami as the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious festival of Ramnavami falls during Shukla Paksha or the waxing moon phase, on the ninth day of the Hindu month Chaitra.
According to mythology, Ramnavami is one of the five major Hindu festivals.
On this day, devotees observe a complete fast and recite verses from the holy scriptures like Shrimad Bhagavatam, Rama Charita Manas, and Ramayana.
he festival of Ramnavami is also celebrated by performing the ceremonial wedding of Lord Rama and His consort Goddess Sita.
Valmiki Ramayana (widely accepted holy scripture) and some modern astrological studies describe that Lord Sun is an ancestor of Lord Rama and Lord Rama was born to queen Kaushalya and King Dasharatha in Ayodhya.
As per astrological calculations, these experts suggest that the date of birth of Lord Rama is January 10 at 12.05 hours, 5114 BC.
On this pious day, devotees offer water and worship Lord Sun early in the morning.
Ramnavami Rituals: On this very significant day devotees observe a day-long fast which starts in the morning and extends till the next morning.
They worship Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and His younger brother Laxman by listening or narrating the epic Ramayana.
The temples of Lord Rama perform the ceremonial wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita and also conduct grand procession in the evening carrying the idols on a Ratha.
On this auspicious day, devotees collectively organize bhajans and kirtans for an entire day.
Some of the devotees observe a strict fast and refrain from the consumption of food and water.
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama celebrates Ramnavami by lighting millions of Diyas (lamps).
Thousands and thousands of devotees from far-flung places come to Ayodhya, take a holy bath in river Sarayu, and visit Rama temple to participate in the grand ceremony.
In some parts of India, the festival is called ‘Sri Rama Navaratra’ that lasts for nine days starting from the first day of Chaitra and ending on Ram Navami.
A variety of rituals are observed during this 9-day period.
Every day, devotees offer varieties of fruits and flowers to the deities.
They distribute Prasad, community meals to the people. Programs like Akhanda Ramayana, Ratha Yathra, or Sobha Yathra and other activities are conducted during this period.
Mantras to chant on this day:
• Om Shri Ramaya Namah||
• Shri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama ||
• Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||
• Om Dasharathaye Vidmahe, Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rama Prachodayat||
Significance of Ram Navami:
• It teaches the goodness of choosing dharma and victory of good over evil.
• People believe that worshipping Rama on this day helps in removing bad karmas and influences from their life.
It also marks the entrance of righteousness, happiness, and prosperity in a person’s life.
• Lord Rama who is also known as Purushottam, Satcharitra, King of Kings, is an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, an ideal friend, and an ideal king.
Thus, the festival of Ramnavami reminds us to saturate our minds, to follow the path of Lord Rama to live a blissful life.
Traditional foods prepared during Ram Navami: Indian festivals are incomplete without delicious foods and Ram Navami is no different.
Indians prepare different types of foods that are offered to the deity as bhog, or prasad.
Few of them are, as follows-
•Panakam – It is a drink that is prepared by using jaggery, cardamom, and dry ginger.
A simple and healthy drink perfect to drink at the onset of summer.
• Coconut laddoos – These are made with jaggery, grated coconut, and milk.
Most of the devotees prepare this sweet at home to offer as bhog.
• Makhana kheer – It is prepared with butter, sugar or jaggery, and milk.
This makes an amazing mouth-watering substitute to rice kheer.
• Dates halwa – Several temples prepares this amazing delight during this day to be offered to the deity and served as prasad to a large crowd.
Followers of Lord Rama not only prepare sweets but also, prepare grand feasts and serve to people in order to seek blessings from Lord Ram.
The Legend: Ramayana is one of the great epic poems of India which was written by the sage Valmiki.
The Sanskrit poem describes the royal birth of the God Rama in the kingdom of Ayodhya.
As per this holy book, the Suryavansi King Dasharatha has three wives named Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.
Prince Rama was born to elder queen Kausalya and his brothers were Bharata (born to Kaikeyi), Lakshmana, and Shatrughna (both born to Sumitra).
The epic story describes that Lord Rama is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took birth on earth on his own will to establish Satya (truth), dharma (righteous duty), and to vanquish adharma (unlawful activities).
The epic says, Rama was banished from his position as heir to the kingdom and was sent to exile with his wife Sita and younger brother, Lakshmana, for a period of 14 years.
During this difficult period Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, kidnapped Sita.
And after a series of events Lord Rama slays Ravana and rescues Sita.
This part of the epic gives a universal message of dharma versus adharma or victory of virtue over vice.
The holy scripture Ramayana enjoys immense popularity in India and abroad.
As per the teachings of Puranas, recitation of the verses of this holy text is an act of great merit.
Summary: Lord Rama is considered the Supreme Being and a major deity in Hinduism.
Lord Rama is one of the most popular incarnations (avatar) of God Vishnu.
For Hindus, there is nothing bigger, better, and lovable than worshipping Lord Rama.
The birth anniversary of Lord Rama known as Ramnavami is one of the most auspicious festival of India.
History Of Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a famous Hindu festival.
This festival is celebrated in order to honour the birth of Marayada Purshottam Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
This day also known as Sri Rama Navami marks the end of nine-day Chaitra-Navratri celebrations.
The festival of Ram Navami is held in high regard not only by the people in India but also by the Hindu community residing in the other parts of the world.
The festival is celebrated with extreme joy and excitement.
Many devotees also fast on this occasion.
It is considered that all the devotees who fast on this day are showered with endless happiness and good luck by Lord Rama.
Read on, if you want to explore the history of Ram Navami.
Ram Navami History
Ram Navami is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in India.
It is said that the date of Ram Navami can be seen back to the pre-Christian era, as Hinduism is the oldest religion of the world.
The reference of Ram Navami can also be found in the Kalika puran.
It is said in the prior times when caste system was common in India; Ram Navami was one of the few festivals that the lower castes were granted to celebrate.
In Hindu religion, it is considered to one of the five major holy festivals and it is said that properly observing this fast leads to the attainment of salvation.
Every year, the month of March-April observes a flurry of activities in the temples and religious spots around India full with millions of Hindus with faith in their hearts and dedication in their minds.
It is not something unusual for the knower who is fully known that the Hindu month of Chaitra are near and Ram Navami, one of the holy Hindu occasions, is to be celebrated in ‘Shukla paksha’ or the waxing moon phase on the ninth day of the same.
The devoted Hindus believe that on a similar day in the year 5114 BC, the prayers of Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya (an ancient city in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India) was answered.
This king had three wives named Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. But none of the three bore him a male child which the king needed to take care of his empire and as a successor to his throne.
Even after several years of his marriage, the King was not able to be a father.
Then the great sage Vasistha advised him to perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, the holy ritual carried out to obtain an offspring.
With King Dasharatha’s consent, the great sage Maharshi Rushya Shrunga performed the ritual in the most detailed manner possible.
The king was handed over a bowl of payasam (a preparation of milk and rice) and asked to distribute the food between his wives.
The king gave one-half of the payasam to his elder wife Kausalya, and another half to his younger wife Kaikeyi.
Both wives give half of their portions to Sumithra.
This unequal distribution of the holy food leads to both Kausalya and Kaikeyi giving birth to one son each while twin sons are born to Sumithra.
The day was one of the ultimate celebrations in Ayodhya where not only the royal family but every resident of the place heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the God for this miracle, little knowing that god himself was present among them in the form of Rama, the newborn son of Kausalya.
The great Hindu epic Ramayana (written by the ancient sage and Sanskrit poet Valmiki) as also a host of other ancient epics mention Rama as the seventh incarnation of the supreme god Lord Vishnu, who was born on earth to restore mankind to its previous glory, annihilate the evil and protect the innocent.
In his adulthood, Rama’s execution of Ravana, the terrible demon-king of Lanka, and his army, as well as many other astonishing deeds, proved his divine status before the people.
When Rama became a king, the people of Ayodhya supposedly began to observe his birthday out of extreme faith to their godly ruler.
It is highly difficult to point out the exact time when Ram Navami celebrations were started.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is an auspicious Hindu festival that marks the birth anniversary of Lord Raam.
This year, the festival is being observed on Thursday, March 30.
The day coincides with the last day of Chaitra Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri is an auspicious nine-day festival that started last week.
Many people conclude nine days of festivities of Chaitra Navratri on this day.
Hence Navratri Puja during Chaitra month is also known as Rama Navratri.
Raam Navami Significance
Rama Navami is observed since the era of Lord Raam.
Hindus have been celebrating Rama Navami since ages and no historic records are kept to count the exact years of the birth anniversary of Lord Raam.
However, as per Vedic time keeping, Lord Rama was born about a million years ago during Treta Yuga.
Rama Navami Deity
Lord Raam is the main deity who is worshipped during Ram Navami.
Along with Lord Raam, the mother of Lord Rama i.e. Mata Kaushalya, the father of Lord Rama i.e. King Dasharatha, the wife of Lord Rama i.e. Devi Sita, three younger brothers of Lord Rama i.e. Bharata, Lakshman and Shatrughan and the ardent devotee of Lord Rama i.e. Lord Hanuman are also worshipped on the auspicious day of Rama Navami.
Rama Navami Observance
On this special day dedicated to Lord Rama, devotees observe a day-long fast and worship Lord Rama.
They listen or recite the epic Ramayana or Nama Ramayanam.
Many also perform the ceremonial wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Devotees take out a Raam Navami procession and perform havan i.e. Homa, before breaking the fast the next day.
What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is a religious festival of great fervor and devotion that commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
An avatar is thought of as a human embodiment, or a form, that is taken by the most important Hindu deities, of which Vishnu is one of three.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took on his earthly incarnation and was born unto the world as Rama in order to defeat the demon king Ravana, restore cosmic balance, and protect the universe from evil forces.
Lord Rama is often depicted in scripture and paintings as a handsome princely figure with fair or blue skin, wearing a crown and his body adorned with jewelry, including a necklace, armlets, and bracelets.
He can typically be seen standing with a long bow and arrow or sitting alongside his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana, both of which play an important part in Rama’s story (more on this later).
The ancient Hindu epic Ramayana chronicles the stories, life, and teachings of Lord Rama, including his origins and his ascension to becoming the King of Ayodhya, the city believed to be Rama’s birthplace.
Observing Ram Navami : When to Celebrate?
While the exact dates differ from year to year, the highly anticipated festival usually occurs in the months of late March or early April. More specifically, it is held on navmi (the ninth day) of Chaitra, which is the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar.
In some parts of the country, celebrations begin nine days before the arrival of this special date, and the lead-up to this event is also considered to be a ‘Festival of Spring.’ Seeing as it is a time to come together and celebrate as a community, Ram Navami is also recognized as an optional government holiday in India.
If you are planning to visit India during Ram Navami , it should be a perfect time to visit, seeing as the spring weather is warm and sunny, with the occasional sun shower. Travelers planning to visit India during this time should pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect themselves from the sun.
Who Celebrates and Where?
Ram Navami is predominantly observed by followers of Vaishnava, a Hindu sect that worships a deity known as Lord Vishnu and his various human incarnations. It is a day of joy and celebration marked by religious customs and rituals, such as fasting, praying, and offering puja (devotional worship) to Lord Rama.
It is considered a notable calendar event alongside other major Hindu holidays, including Diwali and Holi. One reason for this festival’s popularity, aside from being one of the oldest holy days in India, is that Ram Navami was one of the few festivals that underprivileged people of lower castes were permitted to celebrate.
Nowadays, millions of Hindu people in India, Nepal, and around the world devotedly honor Lord Rama’s legacy and seek his blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
City, State Description
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Being the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is the most significant pilgrimage site to celebrate the festival of Ram Navami.
During this time, people decorate the cities with flowers and lights, bathe in the holy waters of the Sarayu River, and visit temples to perform religious ceremonies.
Be sure to check out the joyful and raucous street parades and chariot processions that are definitely sights not to be missed.
Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu This beautiful island destination located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu is famous for Sri Kothandarama Swamy Temple and Rama Setu bridge, sites devoted to Lord Rama.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed the bridge was built by an army of monkeys to help Rama rescue his wife from Sri Lanka.
Expect to see a vibrant town illuminated with lights, flowers, and grand celebrations during the festival of Ram Navami ram navami .
Bhadrachalam, Telangana A small town located along the banks of the Godavari River, which is popular for Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple.
Like at many other holy sites, the festival goes on for nine days, climaxing in the grand wedding ceremony of Rama and his wife.
The town is filled with pilgrims performing various religious rituals and ceremonies and is an excellent place to witness the local Hindu culture and customs.
Sitamarhi, Bihar This city, located in the eastern state of Bihar, is considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, wife of Rama, and is also an important site for Hindu followers.
The Janaki Mandir Temple is famous for its lavish decorations and special fairs, where you will be able to find all kinds of authentic handicrafts and souvenirs.
Vontimitta, Andhra Pradesh Found in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Vontimitta is home to the 450-year-old Sri Kondandarama Swamy Temple.
The holy site is believed to have been built by two criminals who later devoted their lives to Lord Rama.
It is the official venue for Ram Navamin celebrations in this region and features week-long traditional festivities
The Origins of Ram Navami Explained
To millions of Hindus around the world, Ram Navami is a celebration of great joy and devotion.
It is a special time to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama, whose entry into this world is a mesmerizing tale of divine intervention and human aspiration.
We can trace the origins of this sacred festival back to ancient Hindu mythology, where Lord Vishnu took human form as Rama in order to destroy an evil demon king, Ravana. Rama’s inspiring life and eventual victory over wicked forces are remembered on this day of Ram Navami and are seen as a symbol of devotion, courage, and triumph of good over evil.
To understand the significance of Lord Rama’s birth, we must go back to ancient times when the Indian subcontinent was ruled by powerful kingdoms and empires.
According to the holy scripture Ramayana, Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya, a city in northern India formerly the capital city of the Kosala Kingdom, around 5,114 years ago.
Legend has it that the king and his three wives were unable to bear a male heir as a successor to the throne.
Upon taking the advice of a great sage, the king performed a sacred ritual called Putra Kamesti Yagna, where he gave out portions of payasam (a preparation of milk and rice) to his wives as a way to seek out blessings from the gods.
As a result, on the ninth day of the Hindu month, Chaitra, the king’s prayers, were answered, and his eldest son Rama was born.
Lord Rama’s birth was marked by many signs of good fortune, including the appearance of a bright star in the sky, the blowing of conch shells, and the ringing of bells, symbols that are used to this day in rituals and festival proceedings.
Lord Rama went on to live an incredible life of courage and virtue and was revered as the physical embodiment of dharma, or righteousness.
To many of his followers, he was seen as the epitome of a perfect being, existing as a god in human form.
However, his peaceful existence was soon interrupted by the evil deeds of the demon king, who had abducted Rama’s wife, Sita, and taken her to his kingdom of Lanka.
So, our beloved protagonist Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and loyal monkey god Hanuman, set on a long, perilous journey to rescue Goddess Sita.
After many testing trials and extraordinary deeds, Rama was finally able to defeat the demon king and rescue Sita.
Finally, he returns to his hometown in triumph, where he is hailed as a hero and eventually claims his birthright to become the King of Ayodhya.
From its sacred origins to current-day festivities, Ram Navami has been firmly ingrained in Hindu culture as a joyous celebration of victory and divine providence.
In most parts of India, the week-long celebrations are highlighted by grand processions of idols in the streets depicting Lord Rama and his loyal accomplices, devotional worship and offerings at temples, and, all in all, an amazing and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Want to join in on the action? In the next section, we will take a detailed look into the elaborate rituals and traditions of Ram Navami and how you can also partake in this festive occasion.
Rituals and Traditions of Ram Navami
- Recitation of Ramayana: The first and foremost tradition associated with Ram Navami is the recitation of the Ramayana, the epic story of Lord Rama’s life, which is considered one of the most important religious texts in Hinduism.
The recitation of the Ramayana is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the devotees, and it is done with great fervor and devotion during the festival.
2. Devotional worship and prayers: Devotees also visit temples to offer prayers, perform special puja rituals, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Rama, seeking his blessings and protection.
Traditional kirtans and bhajans (hymns and mantras) are also sung to honor the revered deity.
These chants are often performed in groups, with participants clapping, dancing, and being entranced by the music.
The energy and enthusiasm of these religious gatherings are seemingly infectious, and they provide followers with a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
3. Processions: In many cities of India, massive parades fill the streets with elated festival-goers who dress up in intricate costumes of Lord Rama, Sita, and other mythological characters from the Ramayana.
Some processions will feature horse-drawn chariots and large parade floats depicting the Hindu gods, all of which amount to a one-of-a-kind visual spectacle.
4. Fasting: Many devout followers observe a day-long fast on Ram Navami.
Some people choose to eat only fruits and milk, while others only drink water from sunrise to sunset.
It is believed that observing a fast on this day could purify the mind and body and lead to the attainment of salvation from Lord Rama.
5. Charity and donations: Another way to pay tribute to Lord Rama is through acts of kindness and generosity.
People donate food, clothes, or money to those in need, following in the footsteps of Lord Rama, who was renowned for his selflessness and compassion towards all.
6. Sacred plunge: It is not uncommon to see crowds of people take holy baths in rivers, an act that is believed to purify their souls.
Hindus believe the river is a powerful symbol of renewal and rejuvenation, and immersing oneself in water is believed to wash away sins and impurities.
In summary, Ram Navami is an important festival in Hindu culture that embodies the values of faith, devotion, and righteousness.
Whether through the reciting of the Ramayana, assistance to the needy, or a sacred bath, there are many meaningful ways to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama and honor his legacy.
Ram Navami is a time to reflect on the teachings of Rama and to recommit oneself to living a life of compassion, kindness, and empathy.
Read on to learn more about Rama’s life and teachings, as well as the significance of Ram Navami this year.
Exploring the Meaning and Significance of Ram Navami
With the festive season quickly approaching, let’s revisit the life and teachings of Lord Rama and spend a quiet moment reflecting on the deeper meaning behind Ram Navami.
The fundamental principles of Lord Rama’s teachings are focused on dharma, karma, and compassion. In a more practical sense, living a life of duty, having a strong morality, and practicing empathy towards all living things are ways of achieving a fulfilling life.
To explain this in greater detail, dharma refers to the right way of living, and it involves following a code of ethics and morals that is in line with one’s duty and responsibility.
According to religious lore, Lord Rama is considered to be ‘the ideal man,’ having lived his life in accordance with his duty as a prince, a husband, and a son.
Despite coming from a royal lineage and literally being a living god, Rama was said to have endured a difficult and challenging life which made him constantly question his morals and values.
Nevertheless, this revered role model always stuck to his principles of fulfilling his obligations and responsibilities.
To this day, countless numbers of his Hindu disciples draw inspiration from Rama’s commitment to his duty.
The story of his life and struggle serves as a reminder of how to live a life of higher purpose.
Compassion involves the ability to empathize with others and to act with kindness and understanding toward all beings.
Among Lord Rama’s most significant teachings is the notion of selflessness, exemplified by his willingness to relinquish his own desires and worldly needs for the greater good of mankind.
In the story of his life, Prince Rama willingly gives up his throne and goes into exile to honor his father’s word.
Later on, he bravely ventures far into dangerous lands to wage war against the demon king just to protect his beloved wife, Sita.
Rama’s selflessness serves as a reminder of the importance of putting others before oneself and acting in the service of the greater good.
Last but not least, karma refers to the law of cause and effect, highlighting the significance of being accountable for one’s actions and their consequences.
The ancient text Ramayana emphasizes the ideals of forgiveness through the experiences of Lord Rama.
When his wife was kidnapped by evil forces, Lord Rama could have easily abandoned her and moved on.
Instead, he chooses to forgive Sita and holds himself accountable for her return.
Rama’s act of compassion and forgiveness is a compelling reminder of how to live as a better person by letting go of anger and embracing loving kindness towards all living things.
Ram Navami is not just a time of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on Lord Rama’s teachings and to renew our commitment to living a life of dharma, karma, and compassion.
The Hindu principles of selflessness, duty, responsibility, forgiveness, and compassion are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago, and they continue to inspire millions of people around the world.
By following in Lord Rama’s footsteps and holding ourselves to a higher standard of living, we can create a better world for ourselves and for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions for Ram Navami
· When is Ram Navami ?
Ram Navami will be celebrated on Thursday, March 30.
· Is Ram Navami a public holiday in India?
No, it is an optional government holiday.
However, in some states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Ram Navami is a public holiday.
· What are the important rituals performed on Ram Navami?
People perform special prayers, read Ramayana, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Rama.
· Is there any specific dress code for Ram Navami?
There is no specific dress code for Ram Navami, but many people prefer to wear traditional Indian attire.
· Can non-Hindus celebrate Ram Navami?
Yes, anyone can celebrate Ram Navami, as it is a cultural and religious festival celebrated by people of all faiths.
Ram Navami
What does Ram Navami mean?
Ram Navami is the celebration of the birth of the Hindu god Rama, who embodies chivalry and virtue and who is worshiped as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the supreme god in Vaishnavism.
The festival is held in the spring, in either March or April.
Devotees participate in devotional worship (puja), the reading of Rama stories like the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, community meals and charitable events.
Some Hindus fast during Ram Navami and take time for moral reflection.
Explains Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a part of and held on the final day of Vasanta or Chaitra Navratri, the nine-day spring festival that celebrates the change of seasons and that honors the feminine divine energy Shakti.
Ram Navami is held on the ninth day of shukla paksha (the waxing moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra.
According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu descended to Earth as Rama through birth to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.
Vishnu incarnated as Rama in order to rid the world of the demon King Ravana, which he does in the Ramayana.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is an important Hindu festival, celebrated every year on the ninth day of Chaitra month (the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar) — it falls on April 17 this year.
The Hindus celebrate Ram Navami to honor the birth of Lord Rama.
Did you know that the Hindus believe that Lord Rama is the supreme God and holds an important place in the hearts of all Hindus living across the world?
HISTORY OF RAM NAVAMI
Ram Navami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama to the king of Ayodhya, King Dasharatha.
It is known that King Dashratha had three queens, Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi.
The three queens were unable to give birth to a child for a very long time.
King Dashratha performed a sacred ritual known as “Putrakameshti Yagna,” which was suggested by a sage, Vasishtha.
In the ritual, the king served ‘payasam’ to all his wives to fulfill his wish of having a child.
As a result, the king was blessed with a baby boy on the ninth day of the Hindu month, Chitra.
Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Lord Rama, whereas the other queens gave birth to Lakshmana and Bharata.
Ram Navami is one of the five major holidays celebrated by the people belonging to the upper and lower castes in Hindu society.
Lord Rama is believed to be the seventh avatar of the Hindu Lord Vishnu.
Although this day is declared as a holiday in many Indian states, it is celebrated on different days.
The Hindus celebrate this day by going to temples, observing fasts, and seeking Lord Rama’s blessings.
This spring festival clearly promotes the idea of the victory of good over evil.
HOW TO OBSERVE RAM NAVAMI
1. Create miniatures of Lord Rama
On this Hindu festival, you create miniatures of Lord Rama or you can even dress up as Lord Rama to show your love for this festival.
2. Give food to the needy
You can donate food to the needy on this day. Devotees celebrate this day by giving food to the needy inside or outside the temples.
3. Perform a ritual called ‘Kanya Puja’
This day is also celebrated by performing the ‘Kanya Puja’ ritual. In this ritual, ‘Prasad’ is distributed amongst girls in the form of halwa and puri (Indian food).
FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RAM NAVAMI
1. Rama is known as the epitome of perfection
Rama is also known as Ramachandra and he is seen as the epitome of perfection, who fulfills all his responsibilities towards his family.
2. Rama was born at noon
According to legend, it is known that Rama was born at noon in Ayodhya.
3. Siblings of Rama
Rama had three siblings, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
4. Rama married Sita
Rama married Sita who was the daughter of the King of Videha.
5. The story of Rama is written in the Ramayana
The whole story of Rama is written in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian Sanskrit text, which is a part of the Hindu scripture.
WHY RAM NAVAMI IS IMPORTANT
1. The victory of good over evil
The importance of this festival clearly states the triumph of good over evil.
2. It glorifies the power of religion
Since the birth of Rama had the purpose of defeating the evil spirit of Ravana, the festival of Ram Navami glorifies the power of religion and faith.
3. It signifies the removal of negativity
Since Rama defeated Ravana and removed evil through good, this celebration also signifies how evil and negativity were removed from the world.
Ram Navami History and Significance:
Lord Rama is considered a symbol of truth, righteousness, virtue, bravery, courage, and devotion to his duty.
He is also the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The story of Ram Navami is also called the Vratha Katha.
It revolves around how King Dashratha and his wives performed Putra Kamesti Yagna on the advice of Rishi Vashishth as they were not able to give him an heir.
After the yagna was completed, the three queens were given kheer blessed by the Lord of Yagna.
After consuming the kheer, all three queen Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra queens gave birth on the last day of the Chaitra month.
Lord Ram was born to Queen Kaushalya, Bharat was born to Kaikeyi.
The other two sons Lakshman and Shatrugana were born to Sumitra.
The significance of the festival indicates the victory of good over evil and establishment of dharma to beat adharma.
The Ram Navami festival celebration starts with offering water to Surya in the early morning to propitiate him.
This is due to the belief that the descendants of Surya were the ancestors of Rama.
Rama Navami
What is Rama Navami?
In the Hindu religion, Rama Navami takes place every spring as a day to celebrate the birth of lord Rama.
This day stands as a holiday for Rama’s followers to participate in certain rituals to observe festival traditions and worship Rama.
Rama Navami
Ramayana, a piece of Hindu scripture, details the heroic events of Rama’s life, including his birth, 14-year exile, and eventual rule over Ayodhya.
Born into a royal family, Rama gained the title of prince under his father King Dasharatha.
However, his stepmother, Kaikeyi, demanded Rama to be banished to the forest in an attempt to turn the kingdom over to her other son.
In the forest, Rama had to work with Sugriva, king of the monkeys, to rescue his wife, Sita, from the evil demon king, Ravana of Lanka.
When they arrived back at the kingdom, the two are crowned king and queen, and Sita went on to give birth to Rama’s two sons.
People across the world celebrate Rama Navami differently.
In the birthplace of Rama, Ayodhya, India, people will visit the holy river Sarayu or one of the many Rama temples.
Passages from the Ramayana are recited as Hindus reflect on the virtuous traits of Rama in hopes of being able to develop a similar character.
Also on this day, devotees dress and bathe an image representing baby Rama to add to a cradle-like altar adorned with fruit and flowers.
Special food is created and shared with the congregation, but some prefer to fast from certain food during this day in reverence to Rama.
This is a worshipful day filled with singing, the repetition of mantras (japas), and saying prayers (pujas) to celebrate the birth of Rama.
The celebration of this holiday by specific practice varies not only from region to region but on an individual basis.
Gospel Opportunity
Taking an interest in your friend’s plans for Rama Navami is a great way to open the door to show you care deeply about them.
Due to the shared belief in the practices of worshipping and praying, Hindus are very open to conversations about their faith.
Often, they are willing to share their ideas of faith, which allows you to establish your belief in one personal God in comparison to their many gods.
Since this holiday involves reading about the life of their god Rama, you can ask them to explain to you the story and what it means to them.
Then, ask if you can share Jesus’ story of sacrifice and victory.
Make clear that He is a historical figure sent by God in a loving act to redeem us (John 3:16).
While discussing the story of Jesus’ life, you can compare Rama with Jesus.
Rama is praised for saving his wife Sita, and Jesus is praised for saving his Bride, which is made up of his people who choose to follow Him.
Regardless of their views on God, it is important to make sure you let your friends know that God’s grace and love are welcome to all who seek him.
“‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’” -Acts 10:34-35
If you are invited to celebrate in Rama Navami, it is important to remember to follow Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 9:22, to “become all things to all people … .”
Try your best not to show any offense and instead show the compassion of Jesus and respect for them making these dietary choices.
Ram Navami
Lord Ram is regarded as the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, and Ram Navami is celebrated to celebrate the day of his birth.
He was born in Ayodhya to King Dashratha and Queen Kaushalya during the Tretha Yug.
On the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri, Ram’s birth marks Vishnu’s seventh avatar, which is celebrated as a spring festival.
This festival occurs during the Hindu calendar’s Shukla Paksha or the brighter half of the Chaitra month. Hindus in India will observe Ram Navami on March 30.
Ram Navami : History and Importance
Rama Navami story, also known as the Ramayana, is regarded as one of the two greatest Sanskrit epics of the Hindu religion.
The Vratha Katha is another name for the Ram Navami story.
Celebration in India
Lord Ram devotees pray for peace, prosperity, and success on this day and seek his divine blessings.
In addition, Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of Navratri, when devotees observe the festival by distributing food to those in need.
On this day, Hindus also perform the rituals of Kanya Puja, in which nine girls are invited to their homes and honoured because Hindus believe they are the manifestations of Devi.
After the puja, a Prasad of puri, Kala chana, and Sooji halwa is also made and given to the girls.
One of the most important Hindu festivals, Ram Navami, is observed in a variety of ways.
Some devotees bathe, dress, and place miniature Rama idols in a cradle to observe his birth while Kheer is prepared as an offering to God.
They then light a lamp in front of the idol.
Ram Navami : Bank holiday
Ram Navmi is a festival that celebrates the Hindu god Ram’s birth.
Government workers nationwide are eligible for an optional day off on this significant holiday.
The city of Ayodhya, where Ram was born, celebrates this day in a grand way.
People take a dip in the holy Sarayu river and go to their neighbourhood Ram temple to pray on this day.
Ram Navami is celebrated as a bank holiday.
Sri Rama Navami
According to Hinduism, Bhagwan Ram is considered as the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu, the supreme being.
Thus, Sri Rama Navami is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India which celebrates the birthday of Bhagwan Ram.
This festival is usually observed by people by keeping fasts or vrats.
Thus, my collection of 30 Ram Navami Festival Recipes will help you with some delicious treats for this day.
Sri Rama Navami is also a significant festival that is a part of the Chaitra Navratri festivities in the spring season.
So, this day dedicated to Bhagwan Shri Ram primarily takes place in March or April months, according to the Gregorian Calendar.
In , this falls on March 30.
Significance of Ram Navami
Diwali celebrates Lord Ram’s victorious return to Ayodhya.
This was along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman after killing demon king Ravana in Lanka.
This day happens to end the grand festival of Sharada Navratri, of which even Dussehra festival is a part of.
Dussehra is the day when Lord Ram had executed the 10-headed demon king Ravana.
Thus, signifying the victory of good and truth over evil.
Just like this, the significance of Shri Ram Navami also is related to a similar reason.
The day marks the celebration of victory of good over evil.
With ‘dharma’ or ‘righteousness or morality’ being established to finish ‘adharma’ or ‘unrighteousness or immorality.’
One popular tradition on Sri Rama Navami is to offer ‘jal (water)’ to Surya, the sun God, at the break of the dawn.
This is considered as auspicious because it is believed that Bhagwan Ram’s ancestors were the descendants of Surya.
Many typical dishes are consumed on this day, as a part of the fasting ritual observed by many people.
These classic dishes may have variations across the Indian subcontinent.
For instance, some North Indian halwas and kheers may become kesaris and payasams in South India, etc.
Here, I have shared a list of popular, tasty and easy Ram Navami Festival Recipes.
Bhagwan Ram: The Perfect Man
Lord Ram has always been looked up to as ‘Maryada Purushottam’ or the ‘perfect man.’
Thus, Sri Rama Navami becomes the ideal day to know about the attributes, a man should possess to be impeccable.
Just like Bhagwan Ram.
Here’s what they are:
- Dutiful: Lord Ram sacrificed everything, just to keep the promise given to his father.
He was extremely dedicated and obedient in keeping his words.
- Responsible and loving: Lord Ram was always a responsible brother.
Even being elder to Lakshman, he treated his brother as his equal.
He gave him love, and was never envious or jealous of his brother’s achievements.
- Supportive: Lord Ram respected Sita’s choice to join him on his exile and gave her equal decision-making power and authority.
Also, during the exile, Lord Ram took great care of her.
- Knowledgeable and noble: Lord Ram had exceptional administration skills, was clever and was a principled king.
He was also well-versed with the Vedas, scriptures and warfare skills and techniques.
Ram Navami Celebrations
Vrats, remembering Bhagwan Ram, reciting bhajans and his ‘katha’ (stories) from the Hindu epic Ramayana are features of this festival. Ram Navami is also a good day for involving in some charity work.
You can even do so today or return back to the normal ways of charity, which involves physically present at a trusted NGO or similar organization and donate whatever or how much ever you can.
Doing charity is never dependent on how much money you gave.
It is the noble act and the conscious of willing to do something for the needy, no matter how small or big, that always matters.
Charity can also be done in the form of taking part as a ‘sevak’ in ‘langars’ at gurudwaras or any other place of worship, where community meals are organized on this day.
Another way of celebrating the day is to read other spiritual books like Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas or even watching the serial Ramayana on television.
The city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, North India celebrates Ram Navami with much grandeur and fanfare.
Chariot processions of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman called ‘rathayatras’ take place at several locations within the city.
A lot of Ram bhakts or devotees also consider taking a dip in the Sarayu River and then visiting a Ram temple as sacred.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a Hindu festival observed by people across the country to commemorate the birth of Lord Ram to King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya in the Treta Yuga.
The seventh Avatar of Lord Vishnu is Lord Ram, the incarnation that Lord Vishnu took on Earth to end the riotous reign of King Ravana.
When is Ram Navami Festival Celebrated?
The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Chaitra, following Chaitra Navaratri and Durga Ashtami.
Every year, Ram Navami falls around March-April in the Gregorian Calendar.
This year, Ram Navami festival falls on March 30th, .
The History of Ram Navami: The Birth of Lord Ram
As the legend goes, King Dasaratha of Ayodhya was a glorious and righteous king but without an heir to the throne.
This left him distraught, and hence, he decided to perform a sacrificial ritual under the guidance of learned brahmins to bear a son.
The King himself invited sages and pandits from within and beyond his kingdom, and he went himself to invite the esteemed presence of sage Rishyasringa for the fruitful completion of the rituals to achieve what he desired.
King Dasaratha decreed to adopt measures, erected sacrificial pavilions, and assembled things that were requisite to perform the ritual of Ashvamedha (or horse sacrifice), strictly in accordance with scriptural injunctions so as to beget sons.
Following the successful completion of Ashvamedha, Sage Rishyasringa offered to perform the ‘Putreshti Yagna’ as presented in the Atharva Veda, that was certain to bear the king a son.
The sages and brahmins promised the King “four illustrious sons of limitless valor.” During the Putreshti Yagna, as the celestial beings, gandharvas, siddhas and sages assembled to get their share of the offerings, they approached Lord Vishnu with a concern.
They approached Lord Vishnu with a request to incarnate himself on Earth and to take birth as a man to bring the unruly and destructive reign of King Ravana to an end.
As pleased and willing as he was, the lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu resolved to take form as one of the four sons of King Dasaratha- he was born as Ram, son to King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya.
It is said that Lord Ram was born to save the people of Ayodhya from evil, and to ensure that peace and prosperity prevails over his kingdom.
This day is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Swaminarayan, a saint who is considered an avatar of Narayana.
He was born in the village of Chhapaiya in Uttar Pradesh.
Rituals of Ram Navami, Puja Muhurat, and Panchang
- Devotees of Lord Rama observe a staunch fast on this day.
- The holy text of Ramayana is recited at different temples during the entire day of Ram Navami.
- Images of the deity are worshipped with enchanting of hymns and mantras; devotees offer flowers and sweets to the Lord and ‘Akhand path‘ is continued throughout the day.
- A big fair is arranged at Ayodhya every year on the occasion of the birth anniversary of their beloved king.
- In some states of India, this is a part of a nine day long festival.
- Processions of ‘shobha yatras‘ of the idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman along with Hanuman are organized across the streets of Ayodhya.
- The sacred chant of ‘Om Sri Ram’ is recited many times throughout the day.
- Havan or a sacred bonfire is arranged on the day of Ram Navami.
- Temples and other religious places are decorated with lights and the idols of Lord Rama are adorned with the best of clothes and jewellery.
- In many places, this day is also observed as the marriage anniversary of Lord Rama and Mother Sita.
- In Southern India, Kalyanotsavam is organized on the day of Ram Navami. On this day, a ceremonial wedding is arranged to mark the marriage of Rama and Sita’ following this ‘panakam’ is served to all devotees. This is a sweet drink which is prepared with jaggery.
- Later, the idols are taken out in processions across the city and people play with colours celebrating the festive spirit of the occasion.
- Special functions with cultural activities are arranged by organizations to showcase and preach the teachings of Lord Rama.
FAQs
1) What are the different types of Ramayan?
Predominantly, there are four types of the epic Ramayan:
- The first version is the history or ithihaasa called the Ramayana scripted by Valmiki.
- The second type of the epic is called the Ramacharitramanas (or Ramacharitmanas) written by Goswami Tulsidas
- The third type of the epic, known as the Raghuvamsa was written by Kalidas.
- The fourth type of the mythological text is called the Ramayanam, written by Kambar.
2) What is Vimana?
As described in the mythological Hindu and Sanksrit texts, Vimanas are chariots or flying vehicles that were used by the Gods to travel.
The making of these Vimanas are mentioned in the Vaimanika Sastra, the science of Vimana or aeronautics.
3) When was Lord Ram born?
According to the Ramayana, six seasons after the Puthreshti yagna, during the twelfth month, on the ninth day of the Chaithra moon, Lord Ram, who is a Cancer Ascendant, was born in the tithi of shukla paksha navami in the punarvasu nakshatra.
During his birth, the Sun, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were in their prime, auspicious position and were exalted.
In his ascendant sign of Karka, or Cancer, the Moon and Jupiter were in conjunction.
As derived from these calculations from the text, it is reckoned that Lord Ram was born on January 10th, 5114 BC at around 12:30 in the noon.
Ram Navami in India: Where and How to Celebrate it
Ram Navami is around the corner; the time of the year when celebration can be felt through chants of Jai Shree Ram.
Marking the birth of Maryada Purushottam Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Ram Navami is not only one of the most important Hindu festivals in India but is also the most popular celebration amongst tourists, who travel across the states to witness this dynamic festival.
According to the Hindu calendar, the celebration comes on the 9th day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month.
This year, , Ram Navami will be celebrated on 10th April.
Ram Navami is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
Placing the idol of Lord Rama along with Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman in public pandals and offering prayers, chanting hymns, and presenting popular plays like Ramlila with magnificent dedication are the major attractions of this festival.
To witness this fun-filled event of the year people around the globe love to explore various places to celebrate and enjoy.
There are several marvelous places in India where one can visit, enjoy and experience the best of this vibrant festival.
It is believed that devotees who fast on this occasion show a shower of eternal peace and great fortune.
Places To Visit In India During Ram Navami
Thinking where to go in India During Ram Navami? Explore these finest places of India where you can actually witness and celebrate this festival with much grandeur and fanfare.
At these destinations of India, you can experience the best of Ram Navami celebrations and can make your holiday outstanding.
Scroll down and simply enjoy the list of best places to celebrate Ram Navami in India.
- Ayodhya – For an Enthusiastic Festive Spirit
- Sitamarhi – Celebration with Zeal And Enthusiasm
- Bhadrachalam – Attend The Cultural Shows
- Rameswaram – Enjoy the Festive Ambiance
- Vontimitta – A Lit Site to Witness Ram Navami
- Shirdi – Experience the Joy and the Fervor
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Being the birthplace of Lord Rama, and recognized as one of the holiest towns in India, Ayodhya celebrates Ram Navami with great enthusiasm! During Ram Navami, a constant stream of music, and dhol set off to celebrate the festival.
The temples, houses, shops illuminate with a gorgeous line of diyas and candles, which is beautiful to behold.
Apart from that, the lavish pandals are also set up during Ram Navami.
Ayodhya hosts a fair, where a grand procession is organized, people carrying the colorful flag, roaring Jai Shree Ram, performing warlike arts along with music and dhol marks the joy of Rama Navi in Ayodha.
Ramleela is also exhibited, depicting Lord Rama’s life and fighting against Ravana.
Undoubtedly, Ayodhya is one of the best places to witness and celebrate Ram Navami celebrations in India.
Sitamarhi, Bihar
Sitamarhi, Bihar is another prime attraction to witness the celebration of Ram Navami.
Known as the birthplace of goddess Sita, Ram Navami can also be enjoyed in Sitamarhi with a great zeal, as Goddess Sita is honored as the patron deity of Sitamarhi.
A large number of devotees visit Sitamarhi, especially to admire the beauty of the Janki Mandir during Ram Navami.
In Sitamarhi, houses are lit up with lamps, chants of the sacred songs mark the highlight of the Ram Navami celebrations.
People from various states visit here to attend the rituals and enjoy Ram Navami with complete devotion.
The small fairs set up during the festival add more appeal to this beautiful place.
Bhadrachalam, Telangana
Located on the banks of the Godavari river, renowned for its 17th century-old Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Bhadrachalam is a small town in Telangana, and one of the best places to witness Ram Navami in India.
It is also called Dakshina Ayodhya.
In Bhadrachalam the zealous follower of Lord Rama celebrates this day as the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and goddess Sita as ‘Sitarama Kalyanam’.
Though the celebration lasts for nine days here, Navami as the last day accords with the marriage of Rama and Sita, which is very popular in Bhadrachalam.
The temple is illuminated during the celebration and it makes for a beautiful sight.
With an air of festive fervor, Bhadrachalam will take you to a sacred space.
A large number of devotees visit this place to witness the grand wedding ceremony performance of Ram and Sita dring Ram Navami.
Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
As one of India’s holy cities, Rameswaram, especially famous for its association with Ramayana, is known to ring in the Ram Navami celebration with utmost pompous.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Rameshwaram is the place where Vanarsena built the floating bridge – “Ram Setu”, Which helped Lord Ram to reach Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
During the eve of Ram Navami Sri KothandaramaSwamy Temple in Rameswaram becomes a beauty to behold.
The temple is well-decorated with lights and flowers, and the wedding ceremony of the Ram and Sita is presented here.
Several devotees join the wedding ceremony and get soaked up in spirituality with chanting the name of Lord Rama.
One can also visit the famous Rameshwaram Temple and seek the blessing of the almighty.
It is believed to be the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to wash away the sin of killing Ravana.
Vontimitta is a small town in Andhra Pradesh, which celebrates Ram Navi with a great heart.
Renowned for its 450 years old Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple, which was built by the two robbers Vontudu and Mittudu, who transformed into stone after constructing the temple.
They later become the followers of Lord Rama.
Sri Kondandarama Swamy temple is the official venue, where the celebration of Ram Navami can be witnessed.
Organized by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, the Rama Navami festival here is celebrated as part of 9 days annual Bramhotsavam.
With lots of cultural activity, the wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, attracts devotees from various states to enjoy and witness the grand celebration of Ram Navami.
Shirdi, Maharashtra
The festivals like Guru Purnima, Vijayadashami, and Ram Navami are the most popular festivals of Shirdi, which are celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
On the eve of Ram Navami, Shirdi turns refined. Right from palaces to markets, all the places in Shirdi are decked up with sparkling lights, colorful flags to enhance the essence of Ram Navami.
The celebrations of Ram Navami in Shirdi continue with various ceremonies, which include the change of flag at Dwarkamai, the change of new sack of wheat, and many more!
Ram Navami is being celebrated throughout India for Lord Rama’s birthday, while Shirdi is connected with Baba and his devotees for a different reason.
The celebration continues for 3 days, where Palki is a major attraction.
Stating with Abhishek of Sai Baba along with the many divine performances planned for the whole day and night attracts huge tourists from several regions of India.
Ram Navami is a beautiful festival that celebrates the birth of Maryada Purushottam Rama.
You should plan a visit to any of the above-mentioned places in India.
There are even more places in India to witness Ram Navami other than those mentioned above! So, choose your favorite destination and celebrate the dynamic festival and fill your soul with gladness.
No matter where you go, a unique experience is waiting for you to enhance your visit and make the celebration a wonderful picture.
Have you decided, where are you heading to for Ram Navami? Do let us know in the comments below.
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama, the Hindu god who is worshipped for being the seventh avatar of god Vishnu.
Hindus all over the world celebrate the birth of Lord Rama with special prayers, Kathas, and Kalyanams.
Key Facts & Information
DEFINITION
- Rama is the name of the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, and Navami is the ninth day (tithi) of the fortnight (paksha) based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
LORD RAMA
- Rama, also known as Ramachandra, is the epitome of perfection that fulfills all his duties towards both family and subjects.
- According to legend, Rama was born in Ayodhya at noon on the ninth day of Chaitra, the first month of the year in the Hindu calendar.
- Rama was born to Dasharatha, the Emperor from Ayodhya, and his wife, Kaushalya.
- His siblings are Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
- He married Sita, the daughter of King Janaka of Videha and Queen Sunaina.
- The entire story of Rama is depicted in the Ramayana, one of the two major ancient Indian Sanskrit epics that form part of the Hindu scripture.
- In this text, Rama starts a journey to rescue the princess Sita from the evil king of Lanka, Ravana, where Sita is exiled. Following a victorious conquest with the aid of an army of monkeys, Sita is restored to Rama, marking the start of a golden age for all mankind.
CELEBRATIONS
- Rama Navami celebrates the arrival of the seventh avatar of Vishnu, the god Rama.
- Devotees normally start their celebrations with fasting, which is broken at the end of daylight hours with a lavish feast in honor of Rama. The story of Ramayana is recited with Pujas (a prayer ritual of devotional worship) during the day.
- People also prepare and clean their homes, as well as place pictures of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman on a dais in preparation for the Puja.
- Flowers and incense are kept before the deities. There are two thalis kept available in the puja area.
- Special commemorative celebrations are held in those cities which are referenced in the Ramayana legends about Rama’s life, including Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Bhadrachalam (Telangana), and Sitamarhi (Bihar).
- Some areas organize Rath-yatra (chariot processions), while some observe it as the Kalyanotsavam of Rama and Sita.
- Rama Navami happens on the 9th day of Chaitra, the first month of the year in the Hindu calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually begins in March or April.
- In , Rama Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, April 10th.
- This day, marking the birthday of Lord Rama, is also celebrated as the wedding anniversary festival of Rama and Sita. Thus, it is also referred to as Kalyanotsavam.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Rama Navami indicates the significance of the arrival of divine power on the earth. It was when Lord Vishnu was born as Lord Rama, the elder son of Dasharath, the King of Ayodhya.
- The purpose of the Rama’s birth was to defeat the evil spirit of Ravana. Hence, the celebration of Rama Navami glorifies the power of religion. It also reflects the conflict between good and evil.
- The importance of the festival indicates the triumph of good over evil, as well as the establishment of the Dharma to defeat the Adharma.
- A celebration of the Rama Navami festival symbolizes the removal of negativity and the rise of divine power on the earth. To eliminate the Asura from the earth and to keep the Dharma, Lord Vishnu was born as Lord Rama.
TEACHINGS
- Lord Rama teaches that as a son, you should respectfully and lovingly obey the orders of your father, as well as sacrifice your own comfort for the dignity of your father.
- Lord Rama teaches that as a step-son, even if your stepmother (or mother-in-law) is not good to you, even if she obviously discriminates against you in favor of her own child, do not resent her or fight with her. Respect her and her wishes.
- Lord Rama teaches that as a brother, you should stay loyal to your brother and care for him.
- Lord Rama teaches that as a husband, you are to protect your wife. Fight for her, as well as for her purity. However, there are circumstances when one’s divine path must take priority over the path of being the householder. Do not keep the role of the householder as the greatest role.
- Lord Rama teaches that as a king, you should sacrifice everything for your people. Do not worry about your own comfort, your own convenience, or your own pleasure. Instead, be willing to put the kingdom ahead of your own needs.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a very special day for devout Hindus, and it is important to know the rituals that are prescribed and proscribed for this occasion.
Ram Navami is an auspicious Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
This year, Ram Navami falls on March 30th, , and it is an occasion of great significance and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world.
As we prepare to celebrate this holy festival, it is important to keep in mind certain dos and don’ts to ensure that we observe the occasion with respect and reverence.
As a professional Tarot Reader, Astrologer, Numerologist, and Vastu Consultant, Arti Aggarwal believes that observing Ram Navami with sincerity and devotion can bring blessings and positive energy to our lives.
Here are some do’s and don’ts that she recommends for this year’s Ram Navami celebrations.
Dos:
- Worship Lord Rama with devotion: Ram Navami is a day to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Rama. You can chant the Ramcharitmanas or other devotional hymns and perform aarti to show your devotion and respect for the lord.
- Observe fast: Fasting is an essential aspect of Ram Navami celebrations. It is believed that observing a fast on this day can calm mind, body, and soul. You can choose to abstain from food completely or follow a partial fast, as per your convenience.
- Donate needy: Charity and kindness are important virtues that we must cultivate in our lives. You can donate food, clothes, or money to needy on this auspicious day.
- Offer flowers and fruits: You can decorate the idol of Lord Rama with fresh flowers and offer fruits as prasad. This is a simple and effective way to show your devotion and reverence towards the deity.
- Seek blessings from elders: Seek the blessings of your elders, gurus, and spiritual leaders on this day. Their blessings can guide and inspire you on your spiritual journey.
Don’ts:
- Avoid non-vegetarian food: It is advisable to avoid non-vegetarian food on this holy day. Eating vegetarian food is considered to be auspicious and can bring positive energy into your life.
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: Consuming alcohol or smoking cigarettes is not recommended on Ramnavmi. These habits can create negative energy and distract you from the spiritual significance of the occasion.
- Avoid negative thoughts and emotions: Ram Navami is a day to cultivate positivity, love, and devotion. Avoid negative thoughts and emotions and focus on the goodness and blessings of Lord Rama.
- Avoid wearing black: Black is not considered to be an auspicious color on Ramnavmi. It is better to wear bright and vibrant colors that symbolize positivity and energy.
- Avoid wastage of food and resources: It is important to respect and value the resources we have. Avoid wastage of food and other resources on this day and make a conscious effort to conserve them.
As we celebrate Ram Navami, let us remember the teachings of Lord Rama and strive to cultivate positivity, kindness, and devotion in our lives. May this holy festival bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is an auspicious celebration of the Hindus and it is celebrated every year on the 9th day of Chaitra Navratri. It is believed that it was on this day that Lord Ram was born – the seventh avatar of Vishnu’s birth in the human form.
This year Rama Navami will be celebrated on 30 March , Thursday.
It is also believed that lord Vishnu took the avatar of Lord Rama for his for the devotees.
Let’s know all about Ram Navami, date, Tithi, shubh muhurat, puja Samagri, Puja Vidhi, and Puja Mantra according to the Hindu calendar.
Ram Navami will be celebrated on 30 March , Thursday and the preparations will begin from a day before itself, 29 March .
This day when Lord Vishnu was born as Ram is called Shukla Paksha of the lunar month in the month of Chaitra (March – April).
- Navami Tithi Starts : 09:07 PM on March 29,
- Navami Tithi Ends : 11:30 PM on March 30,
- Rama Navami Puja Muhurta = 11:12 AM to 01:41 PM
- Duration = 02 Hours 29 Mins
- Ram Navami Madhyanha moment- 12:27 PM
Ram Navami : Puja Samagri
- A wooden chowki
- A piece of fresh yellow cloth for covering the chowki
- An idol of photo frame of Shri Rama
- Haldi
- Chandan
- Kumkum
- Akshat
- Flowers
- Tulsi leaves
- Fruits
- Kalava and/or a fresh piece of cloth
- A janeu (sacred thread)
- A coconut
- Paan and supari
- Banana
- A brass lamp
- Oil or ghee and cotton wicks
- Dhoop (Incense sticks)
- Camphor (Kapur)
- Trays for arranging these items and a small plate for performing the aarti
- Dakshina
- For Panchamrit – Banana or mishri, ghee, curd, honey and raw milk
Ram Navami : Puja Vidhi & Rituals
- Firstly, few devotees observe fast on these nine days.
- On the day of Ram Navami, you can begin by offering your salutations to Lord Ganesh.
- Then begin Shri Rama’s puja
- Start the rituals by doing meditation.
- Seek Lord Rama’s blessings and offer him the prayers, offerings, etc
- After Dhyana, we do Avahanam, we need to pray to Lord Rama with folded hands and place the photo frame or idol of Lord Rama on a wooden platform covered with a yellow cloth, providing him an asana.
- Light an oil or ghee lamp.
- Offer water to the deity’s feet. Then offer kalava, janeu, haldi, chandan, kumkum, flowers, Tulsi leaves and Panchamrit.
- Chant the Vishnu Sahasranamam and offer incense sticks and the Tamboolam (coconut with its husk, paan, supari, fruits, bananas and dakshina).
- Then perform the aarti to conclude the puja.
Ram Navami : Puja Mantras
- “Raamaaya Raamabhadraaya Raamachandraaya Vedasey
Raghunaathaaya Naathaaya Seethaayaah Pathaye Namaha!!” - “Om Kleem Namo Bhagavathey Raamachandraaya sakalajana vashyakaraaya Swaaha!!”
- “Sri Rama Jayam”
- “Shri Ram Shri Ram”
- “Shri Ram Sharnam Mamah”
- “Shri Ram Jaya Ram Siva Ram”
Rama Navami
Ram Navami is a major Hindu spring festival ithat marks the celebrations of Lord Rama’s birthday.
Lord Rama is known as the seventh incarnation of Vishnu.
Ram Navami is a Hindu spring festival that marks the celebration of Lord Rama Birthday.
Rama devotees follow thousands of years old customs and traditions till today to celebrate their devotion towards their Lord Rama.
It is believed that celebrating Ram Navami on the 9th day of Chaitra month indicates the removal of negativity and the entrance of divine powers on earth.
History of Rama Navami
Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world.
Ram Navami is one of the oldest festivals of Hinduism, people from years celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and joy to attain salvation.
It is also one of the few festivals where people from the lower cast are allowed to celebrate.
It is believed that in the year 5411BC, there was a King of Ayodhya who had three wives but none of them gave him a son to take over his kingdom.
Even after several years of marriage, King was not able to be the father of a son.
Then the great sage Vasistha advised him to perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, the holy ritual carried out to obtain an offspring.
With King Dasharatha’s consent, the great sage Maharshi Rushya Shrunga performed the ritual in the most detailed manner possible.
The king was handed over a bowl of payasam (a preparation of milk and rice) and asked to distribute the food between his wives.
The king gave one-half of the payasam to his elder wife Kausalya, and another half to his younger wife Kaikeyi.
Both wives give half of their portions to Sumithra.
This unequal distribution of the holy food leads to both Kausalya and Kaikeyi gave birth to one son each while twin sons are born to Sumithra.
On that day, not only the King but the whole Ayodhya celebrated the birth of twin sons and thanked God for the miracle.
But no one knew that one son out of them is a god himself named Rama.
The great Hindu epic Ramayana (written by Sanskrit poet Valmiki) mentioned ram as the seventh incarnation of the supreme God Vishnu, who was said to be born to restore making to its previous glory, kill the evil and protect the innocent.
Rama killed Ravana in his own kingdom of Lanka and brought back his wife Sita. People celebrated Rama’s victory over Ravana with full enthusiasm and joy.
After Rama became the king of Ayodhya, people celebrated Rama’s birthday every year until now out of extreme faith and devotion.
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
It is very significant day and devotees of Lord Rama keep a day long fast and worship Him with all rituals. Lord Rama is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
At some places, mainly in North India, the day coincides with the last day of Chaitra Navratri.
Many people conduct Homa on Rama Navami and conclude nine days festivities of Chaitra Navratri.
Hence Navratri Puja during Chaitra month is also known as Rama Navratri.
Rama Navami Origin Significance
Rama Navami is observed since the Era of Lord Rama.
Hindus are celebrating Rama Navami since ages and no historic records are kept to count the exact years of the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
However, as per Vedic time keeping, Lord Rama was born about a million years ago during Treta Yuga.
Rama Navami Deity(s)
Lord Rama is the main deity who is worshipped during Rama Navami.
Along with Lord Rama, the mother of Lord Rama i.e. Mata Kaushalya, the father of Lord Rama i.e.
King Dasharatha, the wife of Lord Rama i.e. Devi Sita, three younger brothers of Lord Rama i.e. Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna and the ardent devotee of Lord Rama i.e. Bhakta Hanuman are also worshipped on the auspicious day of Rama Navami.
Rama Navami Date and Time
As per Amanta as well as Purnimanta Hindu Calendar –
Shukla Paksha Navami (9th day) of Chaitra (1st month)
Rama Navami Observance
- a day long fast
- worshipping Lord Rama
- listen or narrating the epic Ramayana or Nama Ramayanam
- performing ceremonial wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita
- conducting Rama Navami procession
- conducting Hawan i.e. Homa before breaking the fast on the next day
Rama Navami Regional Variance
Rama Navami is a very significant day and it is observed throughout India.
- Rama Navami in Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya is the most significant place to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
It is considered highly auspicious to take bath in sacred river Sarayu on Rama Navami. Thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the river of Sarayu before they visit famous Kanak Bhawan temple in Ayodhya. Being the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya during Rama Navami is similar to what Mathura is during Krishna Janmashtami.
- Rama Navami in Andhra Pradesh
Tirumala celebrates the Rama Navami with great fervor. The administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) observes religious event of Shri Rama Navami Asthanam on the significant day of Rama Navami. - Rama Navami in Telangana
Bhadrachalam Temple in Telangana is dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and His consort Sita is celebrated each year with much fanfare on the auspicious day of Rama Navami.
The event is popularly known as Shri Ramanavami Kalyanam Utsava. - Rama Navami in Tamil Nadu
In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, devotees of Lord Rama perform Kalyanotsavam. During Kalyanotsavam, the symbolic marriage ceremony of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is conducted and deities are taken to the streets through a ceremonial procession.
In South Indian temples, a special recipe named Panakam, is prepared on the auspicious day of Rama Navami. The Panakam is sweet liquid made of ginger powder, jaggery, peppercorns and cardamom. The Panakam is known as natural body coolant and served to devotees in palm similar to Gangajal in North Indian temples. - Rama Navami in ISKCON
The day of Rama Navami is also very significant for ISKCON temples and its followers. Most ISKCON temples celebrate Rama Navami by organizing special events. Procession of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, Abhishekam of Lord Rama and performing Homa are some of the rituals which are performed in most ISKCON temples.
Lord Rama, being the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is as important as Lord Krishna for the followers of ISKCON.
Rama Navami Public Life
Rama Navami is an optional gazetted holiday in India.
However, in North India government offices, schools and colleges might keep one day off during Rama Navami.
Rama Navami
Ram navami celebrates the birth of Rama or Ramachandra.
On the ninth day of the first fortnight of Chaitra the birth of Rama is commemorated.
The story of Rama was first written by Valmiki in the epic Ramayana.
In some parts of India, Ram navami is a nine-day festival, coinciding with the Vasanta Navaratri (see also Navaratri).
The public worship starts with morning oblations, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the god.
People keep a fast throughout the day, breaking it only at midnight with fruit.
In some parts of India, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, public gatherings called satsangs are organized to commemorate the birth of Rama.
Excerpts from the Ramacharitmanas, extolling the glory of Rama, are recited.
People of all castes and creeds participate in these gatherings to listen to the stories and their explanations offered by the learned.
Lord Rama Birth
The country of Kosal was situated on the banks of the river Sarayu. Ayodhya was the capital founded by the king rishi Manu.
During the reign of king Dasaratha, the City of Ayodhya reached a period of great prosperity.
But Dasaratha faced a big problem: he had no children.
Therefore he decided to perform a sacrifice known as “Ashwamedha”, or horse-sacrifice.
Elaborate and difficult rituals had to be observed.
A very holy man, rishi Rishyashring, was chosen to conduct the sacrifice with the utmost accuracy.
The performance of this sacrifice was a great event in Ayodhya.
At the end Rishyashring recited a mantra and made an offering to the fire.
Then the gods, Gandharvas, siddhas, and rishis present arid began to pray to Lord Brahma.
At that time Ravana, king of Lanka, was terrorizing the people, and all were longing for liberation from his menace.
Ravana had acquired great power because he had obtained from god Brahma the boon that he would never die at the hands of gods, or Gandharvas, or Yakshas (demigods) or demons.
As he was not afraid of men he did not care to include men in the list of his potential slayers.
So Brahmadev declared that Ravana would die at the hands of a man.
Then the gods went to Vishnu with the request, “Dasaratha is a glorious king.
Please, take birth in the wombs of his three queens in four different degrees of your divinity.”
When Dasarath’s sacrifice came to an end a shining figure appeared over the sacrificial Kund, and offered the king a divine beverage called “Payasam” to be given to his queens Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.
In due time Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikeyi to Bharat and Sumitra to Laxman and Shatrughnah.
Rama was born at noon of the bright ninth day of Chaitra.
He was believed to be the embodiment of half degree of Vishnu’s divinity, (ardha ounsh).
Legend of Lord Shri Rama
Four storey – even the original Ravana may not have been so tall.
But this is the Kali Yuga, when evil is supposed to assume an even more terrifying form. Ravana has his moments of glory, and that too, on Ram Navami, the birthday of Rama.
The effigy of the ten-headed Ravana swaggers through the town, wearing a gaudy crown and exaggerated moustache, with shouting hordes following.
But once Ravana reaches the open ground that is his final destination, he is suddenly deserted by most of his “followers” – because the noble Rama has made his appearance.
In the end, righteousness does triumph, even in Kali Yuga.
Rama engages him in battle, and finally pierces him with a potent arrow.
And the huge effigy of Ravana, filled to bursting with firecrackers, is set alight, and explodes into a thousand bits amid loud cheers from the crowd and shouts of Jai Shri Ram.
This ritual is an important part of the Ram Navami celebrations in most parts of North India.
Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha, or bright phase of the moon, in the lunar month of Chaitra (April-May).
The first day of Chaitra, or Ugadi, also marks the beginning of the Indian year.
Rama is one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, and one of the two most popular, along with Krishna.
Consequently, Ram Navami is widely celebrated, though not on the scale of festivals like Diwali or Dussera.
According to legend, Rama was born at noon.
Rama is the epitome of perfection, the uttama purusha, fulfilling all his duties towards both family and subjects.
Rama was the first of the four sons of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya.
When it was time for Rama to be made crown-prince, his stepmother, Kaikeyi, got Dasaratha to send him to the forest for 14 years.
His wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana also accompanied him.
In the forest, Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
Rama, together with Hanuman and the monkey army, built a bridge to Lanka, killed Ravana, and brought Sita back.
Significance of Ram Navami
Though Ram Navami is a major festival for Vaishnavites, it is widely celebrated by worshippers of Shiva, too.
It is considered auspicious to undertake a fast on the day in the name of Rama.
The more devout fast for nine days, from Ugadi to Ram Navami.
The objective of the fast is not to ask for special favor of the deity but to seek perfection as a human being.
Devotees perform elaborate pujas and chant the name of Rama.
Temples of Rama have special services and bhajan sessions through the day.
One significant and popular element of the celebration is the Ramayana parayana, a discourse on the Ramayana, by a pundit or a professional story-teller.
It usually lasts nine days, beginning on Ugadi and ending on Ram Navami.
A skilled story-teller who can liven up the event by weaving in contemporary events attracts massive crowds.
Since Rama is also one of the most sung-about deities in Indian classical music and literature, week-long (and sometimes, month-long) musical programs are organized.
Shri Rama Avatar
Bhaye pragat Krupala Deendayala Kaushalya hitkari |
Harshit Mahatari muni man haari adbhut roop vichari ||
Lochan abhirama tanu dhanshyama nij aayudh bhuj chaari |
Bhushan gal mala nayan vishala Shobhasindhu kharari ||
Kah dui kar jori astuti tori kehi bhidhi karu Ananta |
Maya Gun Gyanatit Amana Ved Puran Bhananta ||
Karuna Sukhsagar sub gun aagar jehi gavhai shruti santa |
So mum hit laagi jan anuragi bhayau pragat Shreekanta ||
Bhrahamand nikaya nirmit maya rom rom prati ved kahe |
Mum ur so baasi yeh uphaasi sunat dheer mati thir na rahe |
Upjaa jub gyana Prabhu muskana charit bahut bidhi keenh chahe|
Kahi katha suhai matu bujhai jehi prakar sut prem lahe ||
Mata puni boli so matai doli tajahu tat yeh roopa |
Keejae shishu leela ati priysheela yeh sukh param anoopa ||
Suni Vachan sujana rodan thana hoi balak surbhoopa |
Yeh charit je gaavahi haripad paavahi te naa parahi bhavkoopa ||
Meaning
Shri Ram took birth as the friend of the poor and benefactor of his mother Kaushalya.
Seeing his indescribable beauty, charming even to the minds of sages, filled Kaushalya with joy.
His body was cloud-like blue and the delight of all eyes. He held a conch, discus, club, and lotus in his four hands.
The enemy of demons, adorned with jewels and a garland of white flowers, he was an ocean of beauty.
Kaushalya, folding her hands in prayer, said, “O Eternal God, how can I sing your praise?
The Vedas and Puranas say that you are beyond knowledge, illusion, and attributes [sat, raj, tam].”
“He who the Vedas and saints enroll as an ocean of compassion and bliss and the repository of virtues, the same Lord of Lakshmi, the lover of his devotees, has revealed himself for my good.”
“The Vedas proclaim that every pore of your body contains multitudes of universes brought forth by maya.
That such a Lord stayed in my womb – this amusing story staggers the mind of even the wise.”
When this revelation came upon Mother Kaushalya, the Lord smiled; he would perform many a sportive act.
He reassured her by telling her the charming account of her previous birth so that she might love him as her own child.
Mother Kaushalya’s mind was changed. She said, “O Venerable One, give up this superhuman form and indulge in childish sports which are so dear to a mother’s heart.
The joy that comes from such sports is unequalled in every way.”
Hearing these words the all-wise king of gods became an infant and began to cry.
Whosoever sings these verses attains the abode of Sri Hari and never falls into the pit of mundane existence.
For the sake of Brahmins, cows, gods, and saints, the Lord, who transcends ignorance and is beyond the reach of the senses, took birth as a man by his own will.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami : The nine-day of Chaitra Navratri is coming to end with the celebration of Ram Navami on March 30.
It marks the birth of Lord Shri Ram, who is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Also known as Shri Ram Janmotsav, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by the Hindu population all over the world.
Ram Navami : Date and Time
This festival occurs on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of the Hindi month Chaitra and is the last day of Chaitra Navaratri.
Also, it generally falls in the months of March or April as per the Gregorian calendar.
Ram Navami City-Wise Puja Muhurat
New Delhi: 11:11 am to 1:40 pm
Pune: 11:26 am to 1:53 pm
Chennai: 11:00 am to 1:27 pm
Kolkata: 10:27 am to 12:55 pm
Hyderabad: 11:07 am to 1:34 pm
Ahmedabad: 11:30 am to 1:58 pm
Noida: 11:11 am to 1:40 pm
Jaipur: 11:17 am to 1:46 pm
Mumbai: 11:29 am to 1:57 pm
Gurgaon: 11:12 am to 1:41 pm
Bengaluru: 11:11 am to 1:38 pm
Chandigarh: 11:13 am to 1:42 pm
Why is Ram Navami celebrated?
According to the Hindu scriptures, King Dasharatha had three wives but he had no child, so they performed Putra Kamesti Yagna on the advice of Rishi Vashishth.
The queens conceived soon after having the kheer serve as Prasad.
And on the ninth day of Chaitra month, Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Rama, Sumitra gave birth to Lord Shatrughan and Lord Lakshaman, and Kaikeyi gave birth to Lord Bharat.
Hindu followers have since commemorated Lord Shri Ram’s birth anniversary with amazing splendour and fervour.
As Lord Vishnu’s seventh incarnation, Lord Rama created a welfare state for his people and served as an example for everyone else.
He was free from greed, hatred, and vices; he defended the vulnerable and stood up for what was right against all odds.
It was his holistic behaviour and great values that made him popular as ‘Maryada Purushottam.’
What is the significance of Ram Navami in India?
Ram Navami holds great significance among Hindus living in the country or abroad as Shri Ram was born on this auspicious day.
One of the two major Sanskrit Hindu epics, the Ramayana, has a description of the festival.
Lord Rama was a man of great values and this day encourages people to follow his path and come out as an ideal man full of courage, enthusiasm, righteousness and truth.
How is Ram Navami celebrated?
According to Drik Panchang, devotees should observe a one-day fast, thank Lord Ram, recite and listen to the epic Ramayana, celebrate the union of Lord Shri Ram and Lady Sita, organise Ram Navami processions, and perform a havan.
Other than worshipping lord Rama, Rathayatras, or chariot processions are held at various locations in the country.
Along with the boundaries of India, the festival is also celebrated in parts of South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, other Caribbean countries, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji and many other countries by the Hindu populations.
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a public holiday.
It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Significance of Ramnavami: Why Do We Celebrate Ram Navami
Ramnavami is a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Hindu Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
This festival marks the end of the spring festival Vasanta Navratri.
The festival is a part of the Spring Navratri and falls on the ninth day of the bright half in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra.
This occurs in the Gregorian months of March or April every year.
Why Is Ram Navami Celebrated?
Ram Navami is considered one of the five most important Hindu Festivals as it marks the birth anniversary of Hindu God, Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.
Lord Rama is considered as the seventh avatar of Hindu Lord Vishnu.
On this auspicious day, the devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu celebrate the day by doing the Rama Katha recital as well as reciting the verses from the Holy Hindu Scriptures like Shrimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana.
It is a popular belief amongst the devotees that celebrating and reciting prayers on the festival of Ramnavami, the person brings divine power in their life as well as removes bad influences or negative energy from the earth.
People celebrate Rama Navami in different ways, some devotees like to visit the temples, yet some just pray from their own homes, Bhajans and Kirtans are sung, religious offering like sweets and fruits are given in temples even elaborate Pujas are done in the name of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu but the intent is same, to celebrate and show devotion to Lord Rama, to welcome positive energy in their lives.
Ramnavami Rituals
Devotees hold a day-long fasts on the occasion of Ram Navami.
The fast often begins before sunrise or at sunrise and stretches till the sunrise of the following day.
Recitals of Rama Katha and holy Hindu Scriptures like Shrimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana are done.
Bhajans, Kirtan are played in temples and the homes of the devotees followed by holy rituals.
Some devotees mark the event by taking miniature statues of the infant Lord Rama, washing it, clothing it, and then placing it in a cradle, followed by Aartis and offerings, and the ceremonial wedding of Lord Rama and the Goddess Sita.
Community meals are also organized at particular places but that depends on the community itself.
Significance of Ramnavami
Ramnavami represents the victory of goodness over evil and it signifies the establishment that Dharma beats Adharma.
The day is often started by offering Jal (water) to the Hindu God Suraj Devta (The Sun) at sunrise, who is often a time in Hindu Mythology considered as an ancestor to Lord Rama.
The significance of Ramnavami is to bring positive energy to your lives and to diminish the negative vibrations from the earth.
Recitals of Rama Katha and Shrimad Bhagavatam are done to channel and remember the meaning of this auspicious occasion.
Ram Navami Shubh Muhurat
How to perform Sri Ram Navami Puja?
Thank you for purchasing the Vedic Parampara Sri Ram Navami Puja Kit.
While Sri Rama Puja can be performed on any day, Sri Rama Navami Puja is celebrated yearly on Chitra Shuddha Navami.
The Puja Vidhanam for Sri Rama Navami Puja is available here in 3 parts:
Step 1: Introduction to the Puja
Here, we give
• A small introduction to Lord Sri Ramachandra along with auspicious to perform the Puja.
• A list of all the necessary Puja samagri (material) required to perform the Puja with a list of products included in the Puja kit and a list of products that we would require to be kept ready by the devotee before the Puja.
• Step 2: Puja Preparations
• This video provides the suggested Placement of all the Puja Samagri (material) as per the template provided.
Step 3: Sri Ramanavami Puja Vidhana
we provide a step-by-step guide to perform the Puja.
• When mantras are being chanted, the AV has been slowed so that you may choose to recite it along with the video.
• Naivedya and traditional offerings are to be kept handy and ready.
• The Puja area and the idol is to be kept undisturbed until the end of the Puja.
Pooja Samagri for Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam, list of Items –
1. Agarbatti (Incense Sticks)
2. Metal Bell
3. Camphor one small packet of 8 small tablets
4. Kumkum: sindhoor 1 Spoon
5. Turmeric powder: 8 spoons
6. Lamps – 2 and a small ball of cotton, matches & GHEE for lamps
7. Kalas – Copper or silver or brass, enough to hold half litter water
8. New cloth for Kalas – Blouse bit size, any color but not black
9. Plates 2: 6 inches in diameter, brass, steel or silver
10. Thread (White or Yellow for rakshA-banDhan and Mangalyam )
11. Betel nuts and betel leaves – 6 to 10 leaves
12. Coconuts – 2 minimum
13. Mango Leaves – a bunch, if you can get them or 4 Betel Leaves
14. Dry Coconut – 2 half coconuts for Talambralu and MangalAkshatas
15. Dry Fruits – Almonds, Cashew & Raisins for distribution
16. Flowers and Flower Garlands – 4 small flower garlands (length 12 inches each side)
17. Fruits – All varieties (One fruit for each devotee attending the Kalyanam)
18. Ghee: Boil 1 pound of sweet butter, for lighting lamps
19. Honey: 1 cup
20. Milk – 1 Cup
21. Yogurt 1-cup
22. Rice about 4 pounds for TalambrAlu MangaLAkshatas
23. Sugar candy (Sugar crystals for distribution after Kalyanam)
24. Laddu – If you can, small size to distribute 1 for each devotee
25. Prasad – Home made sweets or Sweet-Rice to offer
Optional Items, based on Devotee’s preferences:
A) New Clothes (Cotton or silk saree, dhoti etc.. )
B) Gold Mangalyam (1 to 100 grams, Gold chain – optional)
C) 3 Pearls (About 3 cups, Pure white or pinkish for Thalambralu)
D) Yajnopavitam (Cotton-Thread, Silver Chain or Gold Chain)
The Madhyahna Muhurat for Ram Navami starts at 10:19 AM and ends at 12:52 PM.
The Ram Navami Tithi began at 12:43 AM and will end on 12:35 AM on April 22.
Ram Navami. On this day, Lord Ram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu descended on earth to kill the demon king Ravana.
The auspicious day of Ram Navami is observed with great reverence in most households in the country.
Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri in the Shukla Paksha or the New Moon phase in April.
Lord Ram or Lord Rama – revered for his prosperous and righteous reign during the Treta Yuga – is also known as Maryada Purusottama.
Many devotees do yagya or homa on Rama Navami to conclude the nine-day Chaitra Navratri.
Since Ram Navami is the biggest day during Chaitra Navaratri, the festival is also known as Rama Navratri.
Ram Navami puja mantra
Ram Navami Moola Mantra
Om Shri Ramaya Namah
Ram Navami Taraka Mantra
Ram Navami Shubh Muhurat
The Madhyahna Muhurat for Ram Navami starts at 10:19 AM and ends at 12:52 PM. The Ram Navami Tithi began at 12:43 AM and will end on 12:35 AM on April 22.
Ram Navami puja mantra
Ram Navami Moola Mantra
Om Shri Ramaya Namah
Ram Navami Taraka Mantra
Shri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama
Ram Navami Gayatri Mantra
Om Dasharathaye Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi,
Tanno Rama Prachodayat
Ram Navami Meditation Mantra
Om Apadamapahartaram Dataram Sarvasampadam
Lokabhiramam Shriramam Bhuyo-Bhuyo Namamyaham
Ram Navami puja sagagri or items you need
- A photo of Shri Rama
- Red or yellow cloth for covering the place where you place the photo
- Haldi, Chandan, Kumkum and Akshat
- Fresh lowers and tulsi leaves
- Ganga jal or clean water with tulsi leaves
- Coconut, fruits and sweets
- Betel nut
- Lamp or candles
- Ghee and cotton wicks for aarti
- Incense sticks
- Camphor
- Curd, honey, milk, ghee
- A clean plate or tray for aarti
Ram Navami puja vidhi
- Clean a nice place or the mandir at home and decorate with flowers
- Lord Rama is the main deity worshipped during Rama Navami, so place a photo or an idol of Lord Ram
- Along with Lord Rama, Mata Kaushalya, King Dasharatha, Sita and the three younger brothers of Lord Rama – Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna are also worshipped.
- Hanuman Ji, the biggest devotees of Lord Ram must be worshipped on is auspicious day
- Involve all members of the family in the Ram Navami puja.
Traditionally young girls in the family put teeka on the forehead of all in the family
- Ganga jal, roli and aipun are sprinkled on the gods, and then rice grains are showered on the deities or photos of Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman Ji.
- After prayers, aarti is performed and bhajans are sung. Finally, prasad is distributed among all family members.
Significance of Ram Navami
Ram Navami is celebrated to mark the descent of Vishnu avatar of Lord Ram on earth.
He was born in Ayodhya to Queen Kausalya and King Dasharatha, in the Treta Yuga. Mention of Lord Ram is not only found in the ancient Hindu texts, but also in Jain and Buddhist scriptures.
Lord Rama is the central figure in the Hindu epic – Ramayana – a text that not only has great significance in India but throughout Southeast Asia.
Ram Navami: Significance & Auspicious Dates
Lord Rama, who is also regarded as Lord Vishnu’s seventh avatar, was born on the day of Ram Navami, which is celebrated on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year, generally in March or April.
This year, Ram Navami is favored by three planetary conjunctions in Pisces: Sun, Jupiter & Mercury and also the beneficial Chandra Mangal Yoga in Gemini.
Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.
During the reign of King Dasharatha, Ayodhya reached a period of unparalleled prosperity.
Dasharatha, however, had a big problem: he had no children.
He then decided to carry out a sacred sacrifice, which was performed with utmost accuracy by a very holy man.
At the time, Ravan, the ruler of Lanka, was tormenting the general public and everyone yearned to be freed from his terror.
Being granted the boon by God Brahma that he would never die at the hands of gods, demigods or demons allowed Ravan to amass enormous power.
As he had no fear of others, he did not bother to add humans to his list of possible sufferers.
Brahma thus predicted that Ravan would die at the hands of a human.
The gods then went to Vishnu and requested that he be born in the wombs of King Dasharatha’s three queens in four distinct degrees of divinity.
As a result, when King Dasharatha had made his sacrifice, a shining figure emerged above the sacrifice kund and presented the king with a divine drink known as ‘payasam,’ which he was to give to his queens Kausalya, Kaikayi and Sumitra.
In due course, Sumitra gave birth to Laxman and Shatrugna, Kaikayi to Bharat and Kaushalya to Rama.
Because Rama was born around noon on the bright ninth day of Chaitra, he is regarded as ‘the light of the self’ and is said to be Lord Vishnu’s seventh incarnation.
By putting ‘Dharma’ (appropriate conduct) above ‘Adharma’ (inappropriate conduct), this event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
This festival, which takes place on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra’s bright half (Shukla Paksha), falls within the spring festival of Chaitra Navaratri.
According to the Gregorian calendar, it always occurs in March or April.
Note: Valmiki, the father of Sanskrit classical poetry, wrote Rama’s legend during the fourth century B.C.
The epic, known as the Ramayana, is attributed to Rama, who is said to have lived in the seventh or eighth century B.C.
Puja Vidhan (Process)
- Clean your house.
- Set up a new Lord Rama idol or a picture of Ram Darbar, and purify them with holy water from River Ganga.
- Use flowers, rangoli and other decorations to spruce up your home.
- Apply sandalwood, kumkum paste and tilak.
- Light an incense stick and pure ghee lamp in front of the idol.
- Worship Lord Ganesha.
- Perform Puja by reciting the Ramayan Path, Shri Ramcharitramanas and Shri Ram Raksha Stotram in addition to Sthapana.
- Fast according to your own choice and desire.
- A satvik dinner can be eaten at night while keeping a full-day fast.
- After Arti and the distribution of food, Puja will be over.
How is Ram Navami celebrated arcoss the Subcontinent?
It is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra (Vasanta) Navaratri, which should not be confused with the more known autumn Navaratri.
This festival is celebrated with devotional songs (bhajan), puja, fasting, and reading stories of Rama’s life.
It’s a significant festival in specific places like Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Bhadrachalam, and Sitamarhi.
They organize chariot parades called Rath-yatras and some people mark it as the wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita.
In Rama’s life story, Lord Hanuman, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita are given prominence.
Lord Surya is also revered in some places since it is said that Lord Rama is descended from Surya (Suryavansham).
Some Vaishnavite groups commemorate Rama and read the Ramayana on the complete nine days of Chaitra (vasanta) Navaratri, with temples hosting special Ramayana discourses.
The devotees get meals and enjoy the gatherings and for many Hindus, it is a time to reflect on ‘dharma’.
This is the day when preparations for the annual Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Odisha and Jharkhand begin.
What is the astrological significance of Ram Navami?
- During Ram Navami, the Moon is in Punarvasu (Jupiter’s Nakshatra) and the Sun is in Pisces (Jupiter’s sign), both of which are associated with the pious planet Jupiter.
- Moon in Punarvasu Nakshatra signifies regeneration and the repeating of patterns, so make good decisions and show kindness to everyone you come in contact with.
- Choose pleasure over sadness, compassion over rudeness and positivity over negativity.
- This year’s Ram Navami festival is favored by three planetary conjunctions in Pisces: the Sun, Jupiter and Mercury.
- This year, Chandra Mangal yoga forms in Gemini, which is a beneficial yoga, therefore be compassionate and adhere to the path of truth and righteousness.
What is the spiritual essence of Ram Navami?
Lord Rama, the eternal light, dawns within you when you turn your senses inward when your mind is tranquil and free from conflict and that is when you may access the essence of his name.
Our five senses — ears, eyes, skin, tongue, and nose — are how we perceive things. We use these five elements, which are intended for our enjoyment.
However, when we become hooked on worldly pleasures, we attract sorrow and suffering, whereas when we let go and remain positive, we may embrace it and find happiness and freedom.
What is the mythological significance of Ram Navami?
- King Dasharath’s three queens, Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi gave birth to Lord Rama, Lakshman, Shatrugna, and Bharat after performing the sacred ritual known as Putra Kameshti Yagna, as instructed by the great Sage Vashisth.
- According to legend, Rama and Kama don’t go together because where Rama resides, Kama, the desire, is supposed to be nonexistent.
- Rama’s brothers and associates are examples of persons who led dharmic lives. Dasharatha represents the physical body, the three queens – the three tatwas; Satvik, Rajsik and Tamasik, and the four sons the four life objectives Dharma (Right conduct), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desire), and Moksha (liberation).
- Sugriva is the discrimination, Vali is despair and Hanuman is the epitome of courage.
- Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana symbolize passion, laziness and serenity respectively.
- Goddess Sita represents universal consciousness.
What are some of the most important life lessons taught by Lord Rama?
Lord Ram is also known as Maryada Purushottam, the personification of the ideal man, and devotees pray to him to show them the right path in life and conduct.
Let’s look at some life lessons that we can all take away from Lord Rama’s life on this auspicious occasion of Rama Navami:
- Uphold our parents’ honor by acting accordingly.
- Maintain unwavering love and respect for our mother.
- Representation of the ideal brother, one who supports his siblings in all circumstances.
- An example for upholding ‘dharma’.
SRI RAMA NAVAMI KALYANAM PUJA
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Ram Navami festival
The significance of this holiday is immense among the followers of Hinduism.
The auspicious day is celebrated with grandeur every year on the last day of the famous Chaitra Navaratri.
On this day, Lord Vishnu incarnated in his human form on earth as Lord Rama.
He was born in the Suryavanshi Kingdom of Ayodhya on Navami Tithi in Shukla Paksha, which is the full moon phase of the moon during the month of Chaitra, according to the Hindu Panchang.
This day is consider extremely pious and hence is celebrate with increased fervour across the country.
Ram Navami Puja Vidhi
Lord Rama’s birthday is celebrate with great love and gratitude.
People looked up to Rama as a fair and just king who taught them to live an ideal life according to the principles of Ramraiya.
For this reason to this day, Hindus across the earth pay homage to God on his birthday.
Here is a detailed puja vidhi to help you reap the benefits of this auspicious day.
- Assemble the puja samagri and start the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha
- Start the puja of Lord Rama after saluting Vighnaharta
- Begin the puja by observing dhyana or meditation
- Join both hands to seek the blessings of Lord Rama and offer him your most sincere prayers
- Do avahanam to Lord Rama with folded hands and respectfully place his idol or photograph on a wooden platform or chowki. Cover the chowki with a clean yellow cloth before placing the idol on the asana.
- Light a ghee or oil lamp to the right of the chowki
- Offer Gangajal to the feet of the idol
- Follow this by doing arghya
- Offer kalava, janeu, fresh clothes, haldi, kumkum, Chandan, fruits and flowers to the Lord.
- Lord Rama is say to love tulsi and panchamrit. So offer a generous amount to the deity.
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranamam with devotion.
- Light incense sticks and camphor
- Light a tamboolam made of coconut husks, supari, paan, banana and Dakshina.
- Perform aarti using these to end the puja.
Astrological Significance of Ram Navami
In some parts of the country, this festival marks the end of Chaitra Navratri.
So it is celebrate for ten days starting from Chaitra Saptami till Bahula Padyami which comes in the months of March or April according to the Gregorian calendar.
Chaitra Navratri ends with celebrations of Lord Rama’s birth and the day coincides with the beginning of Gudi padwa.
As it is called in Maharashtra, Vasanthothsava, a spring festival celebrate in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra. Pradesh.
Significances of Rama Navami
In all the traditional scriptures and recitals enumerating the mighty personality of Lord Rama, this festival takes place. special meaning.
Even in one of the most revered books of the Hindus, namely the Ramayana.
The story of Rama’s birth moves towards the events that led to the victory of good over evil.
The incident of Rama’s birth story is know as Vratha Katha among scholars.
It was after many charitable and religious deeds performed by King Dashratha and his three queens that Lord Rama was born as the heir to the Suryavanshi kingdom of Ayodhya.
He is believe to be an Avatar or incarnation of Vishnu and is the seventh incarnation of the creator among the trinity of gods.
For this reason, his birth is valid great importance among believers.
Rituals associated with Ram Navmi
This festival holds great significance for Hindus as it celebrates the righteous nature of Lord Rama and his teachings on justice.
Many different rituals are perform on this day across the country and we have listed some of the most important ones:
- Devotees across the country observe a day-long fast that begins in the morning after sunrise and ends the following day.
- Most people observe this strict fast without consuming food or water, while others eat fruit during the day.
Throughout the day of Ram Navami , devotees honour Lord Rama by telling his stories or listening to the Ramayana.
- In some places, people pay their respects to Lord Rama by arranging a wedding ceremony between him and Goddess Sita.
This ritual is called Sitaram Kalyanam.
- In other parts of the country, a large procession takes to the streets to celebrate this day.
- Bhajans and Kirtans are also sing throughout the day.
The ritual of singing bhajans actually starts from the first day of Navratra till the last day of Ram Navmi.
- Lord Rama was born in the holy city of Ayodhya and hence the celebrations of this day are grand in that city.
On this day, devotees from far and wide come to the city to take a sacred dip in the sacred waters of Sarayu and later visit the Rama temple to celebrate the birth of Shree Ram.
The ghats in Ayodhya are decorating with thousands of diyas, lighting up the city like no other, and fairs or melas fill people with excitement.
Regional Ram Navami celebrations
Celebrations of this day vary from country to country, but people celebrate it with equal vigour and enthusiasm.
Here are the celebrations of this day in different parts of India:
- Rath Yatra or Shobha Yatra with people dressed as Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Hanumana and Lord Lakshman takes place in many parts of North India on this day.
- On this sacred day, devotees take a dip in the sea and worship the deities at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram.
- The wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is organize in many temples of South India and is called the Sitarama Kalyanam ceremony.
- Apart from this, special celebrations are held in the following cities of the country – Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Sita Samahit Sthal in Bihar and Bhadrachalam in Telangana.
Legends associated with Ram Navami
According to the scriptures, the royal king Dashratha of Ayodhya and his three queens, Kaikeyi, Kaushalya and Sumitra, wanted children.
When they could not have any children, Rishi Vshishth, the royal sage, advised them to perform the auspicious Putra Kamesti Yaina to get an heir to the kingdom.
After the yajna was successfully complete, the three queens were given Kheer as prasad.
All three queens soon became pregnant after a yajna on the ninth day of the auspicious month of Chaitra.
Soon after, Queen Kaushalya, the eldest queen, gave birth to Lord Rama, while Bharat gave birth to Kalkeyi and Sumitra gave birth to Lakshman and Shatrughan.
Every individual should emulate the virtues demonstrated by Lord Rama and honestly strive to lead a virtuous life.
The purity of his heart teaches us the true meaning of being divine and encourages us to connect our human existence with his Highest self by following in his footsteps.