Ramnavami 2023: Understanding the Importance of Celebrating the Birth of Lord Rama

Ramayana, as we all know, is one of the great Sanskrit epics of Hindu mythology. Lord Rama himself is considered the supreme Hindu God and holds a very special place in the hearts of people all over the world. Rama Navami, is seen as an important Hindu festival, and is celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Why is this auspicious day considered so important?

• The three queens of King Dasharatha, Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi could not inherit the kingdom of Ayodhya for long. The sacred ceremony called Putra Kamesti Yajna was thus performed by the queens, as prescribed by the great sage Vashishtha. At the ceremony, King Dasaratha saw his three wives sharing payasam (a preparation of milk and rice). And, then on the ninth of the Hindu month, Chitra, Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Lord Rama, and the other queens gave birth to Lakshmana and Bharata. In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama incarnates in many forms such as Matsya, a fish; Varaha, Boar; Narasimha, the half-man half lion protects his devotees. Even today, Sri Ram's heroic sagas of love, respect, kindness are loved by people all over the world.
  

How can you honor Shri Ram with your loved ones on this auspicious day?

• You can bathe and wear miniature idols of Lord Rama and place them in the cradle to mark his birth.
• You can light a lamp in front of the idol
• Cook Payasam and offer it to God
• You can also celebrate this day by donating food to the needy.
• If you want to delve deeper into this ritual, you can also invite the nine girls at home, shower them with reverence and offer them prasad in the form of halwa and puri. This is known as Kanya Puja Vidhi, where girls are considered to be the embodiment of Indian goddesses.
  

Tips to keep in mind if you are thinking of fasting on this day:

• Eating fruits can help you stay healthy and hydrated; They can be eaten raw or as juice or as a shake
• Avoid using turmeric, red chilli powder and salt in any kind of preparation

A starchy and energetic meal can be made from sabudana, otherwise known as sabudana. Who doesn't love a bowl full of khichdi, vado or payasam?
 

Why is Ram Navami considered an important festival?

It is one of the five major sacred festivals

• Initially, this was one of the few festivals that the lower castes were allowed to celebrate
• It is believed that fasting on this day leads to salvation
• Finally, Rama means 'bliss' indicating the happiness that Lord Rama bestows on all who remember him and worship him. Lord Sri Rama is said to have taken birth on earth to restore the lost dignity in humanity, destroy evil and protect the innocent. Let us also learn more from history, about humanity, apply it in real life, try to follow the footsteps of Rama.