Ram Navami 2023: A Complete Guide to the Birth Anniversary of Lord Rama

New Delhi: A spring festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasaratha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya in the Rama Navami Treta Yuga, it is celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra - the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that nine days after Chaitra Navratri, during which the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, Lord Rama and his three brothers - Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna - descended to earth. On this day, people visit temples dedicated to Lord Rama, also known as "Maryada Purushottam", and pray to him to show him the right path in life and conduct.

Lord Rama was born at midday in Chaitra on the ninth tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). Generally, this falls in March-April as per Gregorian calendar. This year Ram Navami falls on 30 march

Lord Rama was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He established a welfare state for his people and set an example for everyone to follow. He was free from greed, malice and vice, and for what was right, stood up to powerful opponents and protected the weak. This is the reason why even today “Rama Rajya” is used as a metaphor. On this day, devotees observe fast and take a holy bath in the river. They then visit temples to offer their prayers.

On this day devotees pray for peace, wealth and success and seek the blessings of Lord Rama. Many people also perform Kanya Puja on this day, in which nine girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.

Some devotees also bathe and wear small idols of Lord Rama, light a lamp in front and then place them in the cradle to commemorate his birth while kheer is prepared as an offering to the Lord.