Sri Rama Navami (April 10, 2022) is a Hindu festival commemorating Lord Ramachandra’s arrival in the sacred region of Ayodhya during the Treta Yuga. All Vedic writings reveal that Lord Krishna or Vishnu descended in the most charming incarnation known as Ramachandra and conducted different pastimes that established the standards for culture, heroism, ideals, morality, good governance, humility, and renunciation.
The ancient Indian scriptures have always emphasised that the Lord descends in numerous incarnations in order to gain believers and destroy the evil-minded. All of the Lord’s deeds are worshipped, praised, and dwelt upon by His most devoted disciples. These actions are referred as as Lila (pastimes). Lord Vishnu accomplished these pastimes in His Rama avatar or Avatar.
Why Do We Celebrate Ram Navami?
Rama Navami marks the conception of Lord Rama in His all-auspicious, divine-human incarnation on this day. Lord Ramachandra was known as the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. He was descended from the solar dynasty and was known as Suryavamsi.
Bharata of Kaikeyi (Rama’s stepmother) and Lakshman and Shatrughna of Sumitra (Rama’s other stepmother) were his three younger brothers. Lord Rama learned and performed martial arts under the supervision of His instructor Vishvamitra, and it was all directed against evil powers that sought to disturb Vedic Yajna and rites.
On this day, individuals, particularly believers of Hinduism’s Vaishnava sect, read or recite the Ramayana, do pujas, and perform Havans at Rama temples. The god statues of newborn Rama are taken out for a ritual wash and dressed in new clothing before being placed in a cradle.
Several local organisations, or mandals, provide philanthropic activities and communal dinners. Additionally, many fast on this day. The primary spiritual practise on this day, however, is bhajan or devotional songs devoted to Lord Ramachandra. The major theme of Ramayana is distancing oneself from earthly matters and building an attachment to the Supreme Lord while executing one’s vocational tasks.
Rama Navami’s Spiritual Significance
- Rama (ra and ma): ‘Ra’ refers to light, while ‘Ma’ refers to inside. Rama is the heavenly light that is inside you.
- Rama’s father, Dasharatha (Dasa and Ratha): ‘Dasa’ is Sanskrit for 10. ‘Ratha’ is a Sanskrit word for chariot. Ten chariots represent the five active or functioning senses (Karmendriya) and the knowledge gathering senses (Gyanendria). The capacity to speak, the hands, the legs, the evacuation portion, and the genitals are all considered active senses. The senses responsible for obtaining information include the eye, ear, nose, tongue, as well as sense of touch.
- Rama’s mother is called Kaushalya: It is a term that refers to ‘ability. The 10 chariots are driven by a talented charioteer, who creates the power inherent in Rama.
- Ayodhya: Lord Rama’s birthplace and capital city. The prefix ‘A’ is a dissolution of the word ‘Yodhya,’ which means’ war. As a result, Ayodhya is a location where there is no conflict but just wealth and fairness.
According to legend, there were conflicts among Gods and demons from several planets throughout the Satya Yuga. There were conflicts throughout the Treta Yuga between Gods and devils who resided in various locations but on the same globe (Rama from Ayodhya and Ravana from Lanka). There were battles in the Dwapara Yuga amongst members of the same family (Pandava and Kaurava).
In the Kali Yuga, the conflicts are fought inside ourselves, with Rama representing our Soul, Sita representing our Mind, Hanuman representing our life energy (prana), and Ravan representing our ego.
Ravana (Ego) seizes control of Sita (Mind), causing Rama (Soul) to become restless. To balance the Mind and Soul, one must concentrate and breathe (Hanuman) deeply. After establishing harmony, Rama and Sita reconcile and the ego is dissolved.
How To Celebrate Ram Navami
- The reason we celebrate Ram Navmi is because it is a social holiday. Individuals participate in recitation of the Ramayana or reading of texts such as the Ramayana, Srimad Bhagavatam, and many others.
- Because the Lord is Ultimate Truth, all prayers are absolute. At temples or at home, one might merely listen to the recitals or participate in Ram Navami Aarti, bhajans, and kirtans (devotional songs).
- The finest kind of devotion is to listen to the heavenly attributes stated in the scriptures. On this day, one may also participate in Lord Rama’s Abhishek (coronation) ritual.
- One may wear a 10 Mukhi Rudraksha bead in honor of Lord Krishna, a 18 Mukhi Rudraksha bead in honor of Bhumidevi (Vishnu’s wife), or a 19 Mukhi Rudraksha bead in honour of Lord Narayan. All of these beads have a connection to Lord Vishnu or Rama.
- Additionally, you may practice vrata (fast) and perform worship in Rama temples. This is regarded an equivalent service to Hanuman, since partaking in temple duty with a devotional attitude also serves Rama’s lotus feet. Such a fanatic is very unusual.
FAQs About Ram Navami
Ram Navami commemorates the arrival of Lord Ram’s Vishnu incarnation on earth. He was raised in Ayodhya in the Treta Yuga to Queen Kausalya & King Dasharatha. Not only are references to Lord Ram found in ancient Hindu literature, as well as in Jain and Buddhist traditions.
Ram Navami is a major Hindu festival that is observed in a variety of ways. Certain devotees wash and clothe small statues of Rama, light a lamp in front of their statue, and then place them in a cradle to celebrate his birth whilst kheer is cooked as a gift to God.
– Panakam recipe – This is a refreshing drink from South Indian cuisine that is produced especially for Ram Navami.
– Kosambari – A basic and straightforward South Indian salad.
– Neer mor recipe – also known as neer majjige and neer moru – is a spicy buttermilk dish popular in South Indian cuisine.
Panakam, Sooji Halwa, Kale Channe, with Coconut Barfi are often included in Ram Navami Prasad.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about Ram Navami, it’s time to get ready to celebrate this festival with a lot of pomp and love! For more blogs about popular Indian festivals, keep reading Seema!
