Significance of Ram Navami
Lord Ram is
the ultimate man, i.e. Purshottam. Ram Navami is a festival dedicated to lord
Ram who was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took the form of a human
and took birth as King Dasharath’s first son in Ayodhya. Ram Navami is
celebrated as Lord Ram’s birthday. In 2016, Ram Navami falls on 15th April.
Ram - Vishnu's Avatar
Lord Ram is
known as Ardha-ansh of Vishnu, i.e. possessing half the divine qualities of
Vishnu himself and his very name, Ram, means that is blissful, divine, spreads
joy and in whose presence everyone rejoices.
Beginning of festivities
Ram Navami
falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra which according to the
English calendar falls in April or May, eight days post Ugadi or Gudi Padwa.
Ram Navami falls on the last day of Vasant Navratri or Chaitra Navratri. To
celebrate this festival, people often follow up with celebrations and pujas for
nine days. It is also known as Kalyanostsavam which is celebrated as the
wedding day of Lord Ram and Sita Ma.
Fulfill your heart's desire this Navratri
Did you know - Navratri - the nine-day festival to honor Maa
Durga is also a festival to honor womanhood? And this is why people observe
Kanya Pujan? It helps to eradicate all bad luck & seek to fulfill desires
as well as revel in Maa's divine energy. spiritual sadhana can help you with Kanya
Pujan.
Why do we celebrate Ram Navami?
Lord Ram is portrayed as the perfect person or maryada
purshottam as he was the perfect embodiment of gentleness, integrity, loyalty,
compassion and righteousness. He could have been arrogant as he had all the
powers in the world as a human but he chose to remain humble and peaceful.
But why did Lord Vishnu take birth as Lord Ram?
The Kingdom of Ayodhya was founded by Rishi king Manu and
under the reign of King Dasharath, the kingdom prospered and the people were
happy. However, King Dasharath had no children. Therefore, under the guidance
of his council, he performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice. Renowned sage, Rishi
Rishyashring performed the Yagya for the sacrifice and it was held as a great
event. An offering was made to the fire and then all the great scholars and
pundits prayed to Lord Brahma. It was also during this time that King Ravan of
Lanka reigned and he was known to terrorize his people.
The beauty of Ramrajya
When Lord Ram reigned over Ayodhya, it was the most fruitful
period for the Kingdom. Under his reign, the Kingdom enjoyed perfect
governance.
Why Lord Vishnu chose King Dasharath?
Because of Ravana’s terror, Brahma dev who had granted him
boons decided that the demon king would die at the hands of a human being.
Therefore, Lord Brahma asked Lord Vishnu for help and because King Dasharath
was a good king to his people, he would be born to one of his queens. Once the
Yagya was over, an image stood in the fire who offered Dasharath kheer. This
Kheer was offered to his three queens. In due time, Kausalya, the first queen
gave birth to Ram, Kaikeyi to Bharat and Sumitra gave birth to Lakshman and
Shatrugan.
Significance of Lord Surya in Ram Navami
Did you know, Lord Surya or Sun god is known as the
progenitor of Lord Ram’s dynasty? Ram rajya was also known as the Solar
dynasty. This kingdom was known as Raghukul or Raghuvamsa. The term Raghu means
the Sun and Lord Ram was often known as Raghunath, Raghupati or Raghavendra.
Therefore, they are directly related to the Sun god. It is said that the best
time to propitiate Lord Ram on Ram Navami is when the Sun is overhead and
shines through ultimate brilliance.
