What is the history of Ram Navami

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

The Ramayana, a great Hindu epic, tells the story of Lord Rama who is a much-venerated Hindu god and has a very important place in the minds of Hindus all over the world. Rama Navami is an important Hindu Festival, as it celebrates the birth of Rama, who was the seventh avatar of Vishnu.

Rama Navami honors the memory of Rama, who was born on earth as the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. He is also called 'Maryada Purushottama' and is a symbol of righteousness. The festival is held on the ninth day after the new moon in Shukla Paksha (the waxing moon), which falls in the month of April.

What is the Legend behind Rama Navami?

King Dasharatha’s three queens, Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi were unable to have any children for a long period of time. This was because of a curse Dasharatha had incurred. Finally, a ritual called Putra Kameshti Yagna was performed as suggested by Sage Vashishtha. After the ceremony, King Dasharatha offered kheer (a sweet dish made using milk and rice) to his three wives. On the 9th day of Chaitra month (March-April), Kaushalya gave birth to Ram, while Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana and Shatrugna, and Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata.

During Rama’s reign, prosperity and righteousness prevailed in Ayodhya. Rama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who descended to earth in human form to slay the invincible Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Ram Rajya, or the reign of Rama, is synonymous with a period when peace and prosperity reigned supreme.

On the day of Rama Navami 2021, devotees visit temples and sing bhajans praising Rama. They also rock his images, placed in cradles. Many recite the Tulsi Ramayan. On this day, Ayodhya, Rama’s birthplace witnesses great celebrations for the Ram Navami festival. In many temples, there will be Ratha yatras (chariot processions) of Rama, his wife Sita, Lakshmana, and his ardent devotee, Hanuman.

In Hindu households, people do Pooja (prayer), using rice, water, roli, aipun, flowers, a bell, and a conch. Later, the youngest female member of the family applies teeka to all the other members. Everyone takes part in the Pooja by first sprinkling the water, roli, and aipun on the idols. Then they shower handfuls of rice on the gods. Then the aarti is performed, and at the end of it, ganga jal or plain water is sprinkled over the people. The singing of bhajans continues during the entire Pooja. Lastly, the prasad is distributed to everyone.

This festival, in all its glory, can be seen in places like Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Nepal.

But the grandest Sri Rama Navami celebrations are in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Devotees dress up as Rama for the occasion. Streets and homes will be well-lit, and nine-day-long fairs are held. One can also bathe and dress up small idols of Rama and place them in a cradle.

Some of the things you can do on Rama Navami are:

Light a lamp in front of the idol.
Prepare payasam and offer it to God.
Offer food to the needy.
Invite nine girls to your home, give them due respect and offer them prasad like halwa and puri. This is called the Kanya Pooja ritual, and the girls are considered as the manifestation of Indian Goddesses.

Rama means ‘bliss’, and it signifies the joy that he bestows on all those who worship him. Rama was born on earth to bring back the lost glory in humanity, vanquish evil, and protect the innocent. Hence, Rama Navami is a major festival for Hindus. This was one of the few festivals that the lower castes were allowed to celebrate initially. Devotees believe that observing vrat or fast on this day could bring salvation.