Sri Rama Navami
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of shukla paksha, or bright phase of the moon, in the Chaitra Month.It is also known
as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami It is Celebrated as Birthday of
Lord Rama.Lord Rama is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.This festival marks
the end of chaitra navratri celebrations.
Legends :
According to the great epic Ramayana, once upon a time there lived
a King named Dasarath, then king of Ayodhya, who had three wives named
Kaushalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi. As even long after his marriages, Dasarath was
not blessed with a child.At this stage, Rishi Vasistha suggests Dasarath to
perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, through which he can have a desired
child. After Performing Puthra Kamesti Yagna as days are going on
three queens gave birth to four childs.On the ninth day (Navami) of Chaithra
Masa (first month in Hindu calendar), at noon Kaushlya gave birth to Lord Sri
Ram, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharath, and Sumithra gave birth to twins, Lakshman
and Shatrughan.
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,. His birth
is celebrated as Ram Navami, with pomp and geity.
History :
Ram Navami is one of the most ancient festivals celebrated in
India. It is said that the date of Ram Navami can be traced back to the
pre-christian era, as Hinduism is the oldest religion of the world. The
reference of Ramnavami can also be found in the Kalika puran. It is said in the
earlier times, when caste system was prevalent in India; Ramnavami was one of
the few festivals that the lower castes (shudras) were allowed to
celebrate.
Customs And Traditions :
Pooja :
The Pooja begins with the establishment of the idols or pictures
of Lord Rama, Laxmana, Sita and Hanuman. All of these Gods and Goddess are then
welcomed by lighting diyas and incense sticks. Then they are worshipped with
the auspicious pooja materials like roli, aipun, rice, water, flowers, bell and
conch and are also offered scrumptious sweets.After pooja is completed aarti is
given to the deites and Prasadam is distributed.
Fast :
Many
devotees observe fast on this day.Many of the
devotees go for a fast on satvik food i.e. holy food without salt and other
adulterated materials. However many of them also observe a waterless fast
(nirjal vrat). Those who prefer to have satvik food can have potatoes made in
any form without haldi (turmeric), garlic, ginger or onion. Sendha namak (rock
salt) is allowed for usage in fast. While on a fast, the person can also eat
curd, milk, tea, coffee, fruits and root vegetables. The Ram Navami fast is
opened on midnight if one has observed a waterless fast (nirjal vrat).
Bhajans :
Many temples organise Bhajans on this day.It is an
important ritual of Ram Navami Pooja. The devotees of Lord Rama make the entire
atmosphere pious by singing the bhajans and choupais of Ramcharit Manas. A holy
priest narrates the story of Ran Janama (Lord Rama's birth) to all the devotees
who observe fast on this day. Continuous chanting of holy mantras and Ramnam
(Ram's name) makes the occasion highly religious as well as spiritual.
Celebrations :
The
celebrations of Rama Navami start with the worship of Sun God. On the day,
people wake up early in the morning, take bath and pay honors to Sun God.
Thereafter, they would chant mantras of Lord Rama and offers fruits and flowers
to the deity.
In many
parts of India, satsangs are organized by cultural committees to commemorate
the birth of Lord Rama.In temples Kalyanam'
(a ceremonial wedding) is performed by the temple priests. Panakam, a sweet
drink prepared by mixing jaggery with ginger and pepper, is a specialty of Ram
Navami in southern parts of India. The dish is prepared as a prasad. It is
first offered to the deity, and then distributed amongst the devotees.
The Kalyanam performed in the Bhadrachalam
Temple, in Andhra Pradesh (Telangana
State at present) is very famous.Special
prayers are held in ISCKON temples.
On the
occasion of Ram Navami, a Rath Yatra or a chariot procession is also taken out
in Ayodhya, the birth place of Ram. The Ram Rath Yatra also consists of idols
of Sita, Laxman and Hanuman. The Rath Yatra is taken out by many of the temples
in the city and is followed with the chanting of Ram Nama ( Rama's holy name)
by the devotees.
2016 Date : 15th April.
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