What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is an auspicious day to observe the birthday of Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, the Supreme Protector and Sustainer of the Universe. Sri Ram was believed to be the Poorna Avatar (Full Incarnation) of Vishnu who descended on earth to defeat evil and restore peace and order.
Auspicious Muhurat for Ram Navami 2024
The ninth Day (Navami) of the Shukla Paksha (Bright Lunar Fortnight) in the month of Chaitra is celebrated as Ram Navami, which coincides with the Gregorian calendar (Mar-Apr). This Year, Ram Navami falls on Apr. 17, 2024.
The Navami Tithi starts at 09:07 PM on Apr.16, 2024, and ends at 11:30 PM on Apr. 17, 2024. The Madhyahna Muhurta occurs between 11:08 AM and 01:36 PM on Apr. 17, 2024.
Origin of Sri Ram
Vishnu as Sri Ram was born as the son of the King of the Suryavanshi dynasty, King Dasharatha, who performed the Putrakameshti Yajna (Sacrificial Fire for Begetting Children) on the advice of the revered Sage Vashishta to fulfil his wish to beget children. Sri Ram was born to the eldest Queen Kausalya. He was born in the Treta Yuga.
Sri Ram is also revered as Raghava (Descendent of the Raghu Dynasty), Dhanurdhara (One with a Bow in the Hand), and Ramachandra (One who is as Gentle as the Moon). He is Pure Consciousness and bliss, and his glory and prowess are unparalleled. He embodies strength, courage and skills. He is a defender of the weak and a protector of the righteous. He is a symbol of the highest ideals of man. He is the noblest and the most virtuous.
What is the Significance of Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is celebrated based on the belief that on this Day, Vishnu appeared on earth, and it is a joyous occasion to celebrate the appearance of Vishnu in his all-Divine human form. Ram Navami celebrates Sri Ram's birth and the victory of good over evil forces.
Sri Ram's name denotes Divinity. 'Ra' means Divine, and 'Ma' means within. He is the Divine Light within you. When you recognize this light within you, you attain wholeness and purity, and on this auspicious occasion, it removes all negative energies and bad influences from your life. It signifies how Dharma prevails over evil.
Sacred texts like the Rama Katha and Srimad Bhagavatam are read to remember the meaning of this auspicious day.
Spiritual Significance
The Sanskrit word Ram means 'Light of the Self'. His father, Dasharatha (Dasa & Ratha). 'Dasa' means ten, and 'Ratha' means chariot. Ten chariots mean Panch Jnanendriya (Five Organs of Knowledge) and Panch Karmendriya (Five Organs of Action).
His mother, Kaushalya, means skill. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Ram, means a place without war. 'Yodhya' means war, and "A' prefixed to Yodhya means Ayodhya, where there is no war or violence.
Sri Ram: Maryada Purushottam & Supreme Being
As he upheld dignity everywhere, Sri Ram is the Maryada Purushottam (Most Honoured, Righteous and Supreme Man). Sri Ram is known for his virtuousness, fearless nature, pure spirit, and his strong sense of righteousness. He personifies principles, morality, justice, ethics, good governance, humility and renunciation
Sri Ram is widely worshipped as the ideal King, son, brother and husband. Although he was born as the prince of Ayodhya, he faced many challenges and issues. He is known for his moral and social behaviour and gave up a material life to live in the forest in exile for fourteen years.
Sri Ram carried out his duties and social responsibilities through hardships he had to endure. He symbolized profound wisdom and experience. He established Dharma (Righteousness) as the Supreme Force against Adharma (Injustice).
Legend of Sri Ram
As the seventh avatar of Vishnu, in his human form, Sri Ram embraced the noblest of virtues and qualities to wage war against evil forces and defeat Adharma (Injustice) on earth. Although born into the noble Ikshvaku dynasty, he underwent all the sufferings and yet, his sterling qualities and
unwavering devotion towards his duty, his love for the people, and his commitment towards his family, held firm.
Sri Ram's timeless legend imparts valuable lessons of life, teaches what is right and wrong, and upholds his responsibilities with a sense of righteousness. His heroic and brave deeds are legendary. He faces several adversaries and overcomes all forms of evil.
Growing up as a prince of Ayodhya and mastering all the knowledge and skills of warfare, he marries Sita. He later leaves for fourteen years of exile with his wife, Sita and brother Lakshmana, obeying the wishes of his stepmother, Kaikeyi, with respect. He gives up his material life readily and endures several hardships, including the abduction of Sita Devi and, finally, the war against Lanka King Ravana, annihilating him.
Later, Sri Ram ruled Ayodhya with justice and peace, based on pure moral authority, a time coined as 'Ram Rajya'.
Significance of ‘Rama Nama’
The Rama Nama is the only Mantra revered as the Taraka Mantra. 'Taraka' means the one who helps us cross the ocean of Samsara (A concept linked to Karma & the Cycles of Birth and Death). The Rama Nama holds the same significance in the Saguna Upasana (Worshipping the Absolute Truth as a Being with a Form) as does the Pranava (Om) Mantra in Nirguna Upasana (Worshipping the Absolute Truth as Formless).
In Syavana Smriti (Sayavana is the name of a Rishi), the sage states that the Rama Nama is the essence of all the Vedas, Shastras, Itihasas and Puranas. According to the Sthala Purana, in Varanasi, Shiva, as Kashi Vishwanatha, initiates the 'Rama Nama' to every being in their right ear at the time of their passing away. Sri Ram’s name is the most excellent purifier of the heart.
How to Celebrate Ram Navami
Ram Navami is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion. Some people observe a fast and refrain from taking food and water. Some people perform the Vishnu Pooja to receive blessings for health, wealth, peace, and prosperity.
∙ Take an early bath & offer Jal (water) to Surya Deva at sunrise.
∙ Arrange the Pooja Samagri (Items for Pooja)
∙ Place the idol of Ram Lalla (Child Form) in the crib.
∙ Perform the Shodashopachara Pooja (16 Steps) as the first ritual of worship for Sri Ram and offer Tulsi (Basil) & Lotus flowers on this auspicious Day.
∙ Offer Kheer (Sweet Pudding) & fruits as Prasad to the deity.
∙ Read the sacred epic the Ramayana, recite the Sundarakand Paath & chant the Ramna Raksha Stotra (Hymn for Protection)
Ram Navami brings Divine power into your life, diminishing negative vibrations and bringing positive energies to earth.
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