Mentor

Significance of Rama Navami

Profound and Fathomless like the skies and oceans, Unyielding and Loyal like the Himalayan ranges, Rama is an ideal in all aspects. Calm yet ferocious, Rama was the people's king in the true sense.

Rama took birth in human form to end the perils and sins on the earth. Rama Navami is a Hindu festival celebrated across India to mark the birth of Lord Rama. The Hindu population of Durban, Trinidad, Fiji, and Nepal also celebrate Rama Navami. Lord Rama is considered to be the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Rama was the firstborn of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. There was anarchy in Tretha Yug, and to bring back peace and order, Lord Rama was born. This day is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra month, according to the Hindu calendar.

People from all around the world celebrate Rama Navami in a variety of ways. Many people observe a fast on this day, while others dress up and visit the temples to seek blessings. Some people build miniature idols that are bathed, dressed, and placed in cradle. This ritual is followed by reciting Ramayana, one of the two great Sanskrit epics in the Hindu religion. In Ayodhya especially, Rama Navami is celebrated with great devotion and zest. Several devotees take a dip in the sacred river of Sharayu and visit the Rama temple. The most extravagant and stunning celebrations take place in the Kanak Bhawan temple of Ayodhya. Kanak Bhawan was a palace carved in gold, gifted by Lord Rama's stepmother Kaikeyi to Sita. Various processions that are also known as "Ratha Yatras or Shobha Yatras" are carried out. These processions depict the story of Ramayana, the life of Rama, Sita, Lakshamana, and Hanumana. Charity events and meals are also organized in temples as a part of the celebration.

To a devotee, Sri Rama is not only an ideal but a God himself. The destruction of the ten-headed demon Ravana symbolizes the destruction of the mind or the ten senses. The most worthy and upstanding lesson of life expressed in the Ramayana is Righteousness. No one but only a righteous person can lead a truly happy and fulfilling life. Righteousness is the only purpose of life. It is the only way to self-realization.

The word "Rama" means bliss and signifies the happiness that Lord Ram bestows on his devotees. Lord Sri Ram was born on earth to instill the lost glory in humanity and bring back peace. Let us follow the principles put forth by Lord Rama on this auspicious day.

On this coming holy occasion of Rama Navami, I wish that Lord Ram shower his divine blessings on you and your family. May Your heart and home be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity. May the glimmer of lights and the echo of the chants fill your life with prosperity and contentment.

May the divine grace of Lord Rama always be with you. Happy Rama Navami!

Happy Ram Navami.

By: Shruti Srivastava | Life Within