Ram Navami || Shri Ram Janmotsava

myNachiketa

Mar 33 min read

Shloka

ॐ श्री रामाय नमः

Om Shri Ramaya Namah

I bow to Bhagwan Ram, the divine and righteous one who symbolises truth, virtue, and dharma. May His blessings bring peace, prosperity, and wisdom.

Ram Navami: A Festival of Devotion and Celebration

Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Ram, the seventh incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu. It falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, in March or April. Bhagwan Ram is most respected for his dharma (righteousness), goodness, and ideal living. He was born in Ayodhya; his father was King Dasharatha, and his mother was Queen Kaushalya. Ram Navami is the day that talks about Bhagwan Ram's glory and how he brought peace and harmony to the world by defeating the demon king Ravana. Therefore, Ram Navami is a day of celebration and showing our love and devotion to Bhagwan Ram.

Bhagwan Ram's Birth

King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was married to three queens—Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. They were not blessed with a child and wanted to have one. King Dasharatha went to Rishi Vashishtha, who told him to perform the Putrakameshti Yajna (a sacrificial ritual for children). He received divine blessings while performing the Yajna.

Then, Bhagwan Vishnu incarnated as Shri Ram and was born to Queen Kaushalya, while his brothers Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughn were born to the other queens.

Why is Ram Navami celebrated?

The day Prabhu Shri Ram was born, the entire kingdom of Ayodhya was filled with joy and celebration. King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya were overjoyed as their prayers for a child were finally answered. The streets of Ayodhya were decorated with colourful flowers, and people lit lamps and distributed sweets to share the joyous occasion. It was a day of divine blessings, and everyone in Ayodhya was hopeful and grateful for the arrival of their beloved prince, Bhagwan Ram.

Even today, Ram Navami is celebrated with full enthusiasm and happiness. For devotees, along with the time of celebration, Ram Navami is also an opportunity to reflect on and follow Bhagwan Ram's ideals and apply them in their lives.

How is Ram Navami Celebrated?

Ram Navami is celebrated with full energy, devotion, and enthusiasm in India and across the world. This festival brings people together to honour the birth of Prabhu Ram.

Idols or pictures of Bhagwan Ram, along with Devi Sita, Lakshman, and Hanumanji, are worshipped with offerings like fruits, flowers, and sweets.
Devotees wake up early, bathe, and perform prayers. Homes and temples are decorated with flowers and rangoli.
Shloka and verses from the Ramayana and the Ramcharitmanas which narrate the story of Bhagwan Ram are read and sung. Akhand Ramayana Path, the continuous recitation of Ramayana, is held in communities, societies, homes, or temples, making the environment divine and blissful.
Many devotees observe a day-long fast and eat only fruits and milk; they break the fast after sunset.
Temples and communities often organize Shobha Yatras (processions) carrying idols of Bhagwan Ram. These yatras also depict scenes from his life. People chant along "Jai Shri Ram” and sing bhajans of Shri Ram.
In Ayodhya, the celebrations are grand, and thousands of devotees visit Ram temples. The Kanak Bhavan Temple in Ayodhya and the Ram Temples in South India hold long rituals and grand celebrations.

Ram Navami emphasizes living a life of goodness, humility, and devotion. Devotees are inspired by Maryada Purshottam Ram's ideal qualities as a son, husband, brother, and king. The festival reminds us to follow dharma and bring inner peace and harmony.

Conclusion

Ram Navami is a festival that celebrates Bhagwan Ram’s birth. It is a day to think and include his teachings in our lives. The festival inspires us to work with dedication and to live a life of truth and goodness. By celebrating Ram Navami, devotees honour Prabhu Ram and seek his blessings to lead a life of morality and inner peace.