Rama Navami, the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, is an important Hindu festival celebrated throughout India. It is the auspicious tithi of the advent of Sri Ramachandra, the seventh incarnation of Sri Mahavishnu.
Sri Rama Navami is a time when we can reflect on Lord Rama’s and Goddess Sita’s lives and learn from their example that selfless dedication to duty and Dharma has a more significant, lasting impact than living for selfish and immediate gain.
This tale of love and separation has moved the hearts of millions over the ages. Sri Rama is mentioned in the Mahabharata, corroborating Rama’s precedence over Krishna as an avatar of Vishnu. Rama lived during the Treta Yuga, several millennia before the Mahabharata war.
Swami Vivekananda regarded Rama and Sita as India’s ideals. According to him, Rama was the ancient idol of the heroic ages, the embodiment of truth and morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, the ideal father, and above all, the ideal King. Rama and Sita are deeply embedded in the lives and cultural psyches of Indians.
Sri Rama Navami Celebration
An image of Sri Rama accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman is beautifully decorated for the festival at home. Garlands of Tulasi are offered along with the neivedhya of panaka and diluted buttermilk.
Families read aloud verses of the epic tale Ramayana authored by the poet Valmiki. Valmiki, given to a life of dacoity, was motivated by rishis to reform and meditated upon Sri Rama by chanting ‘Ma-Ra’. Inspired by his acquired awareness, he immortalized Rama through the epic poem Ramayana.
Dance-drama troupes and folk storytellers recount the Ramayana as historical education and entertainment throughout Bharata on Sri Rama Navami.
Traditions
As Sri Rama Navami is the birth tithi of Sri Rama, we continue the ancient tradition of offering panaka and diluted buttermilk on this festival day, just as the citizens of Ayodhya did when Rama was born. They are both antidotes to dehydration and keep-at-bay heat strokes, everyday during the build-up to the tropical summer on Chaitra and after.
Devotees serve the cooling drinks from terracotta urns to the public for free as a gesture of community caring and goodwill at a time when temperatures all over Bharata are soaring. Some temples make a special sweet from thickened milk called khoa.
Varied Celebration
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Ramachandra, and North India, the event is marked with the chanting of Ramcharitmanas, with extensive puja, homa, bhajans, and arati in temples and homes.
The epic journey of Sri Rama from Ayodhya in north India to the island of Lanka, where Ravana held Sita hostage, is marked by several Shiva temples where Rama offered worship. Rama came to Rameshwaram and prayed to Shiva, seeking blessings and inspiration for the epic battle in Lanka.
The bridge built by Rama and his army led by Hanuman, called Rama’s Bridge and renamed unimaginatively Adam’s Bridge, is visible via satellite imagery as it still exists underwater between India and Sri Lanka. It stands the test of time, and the ocean waters make it the greatest engineering marvel in the world. Millions congregate at Ayodhya or go on yatras to kshetrams like Rameshwaram in April.
In South India, the event is marked with ‘Sri Rama Kalyanotsavam,’ the wedding of Sri Rama and Sita in temples. Priests perform marriage rituals, and Sri Rama and Sita deities are taken to colorful processions in the streets.
In Maharashtra, the day marks the end of a nine-day Utsav called ‘Chaitra Navaratri’ or ‘Rama Navaratri.’ During these nine days, the nine forms of Goddess Shakti are worshipped. Ramanavami is celebrated across all Ramakrishna Maths in India with puja, homa, and bhajans.
Conclusion
Sri Rama Navami reminds us that even divine incarnations, when born on earth, undergo many trials and tribulations inherent to human existence. Hardship, love, separation, emotional pain, rejection, failure, wrong decisions, doubt, and distress are all part of worldly existence, known as samsara sagara, which even Sri Rama encountered.
Experiencing these challenges is a shared aspect of human life. What sets individuals apart is how they navigate these trials, remaining steadfast on the path of Dharma, adhering diligently to their duties, and emerging from adversity stronger and victorious. Sri Rama’s life exemplifies the resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to righteousness that can inspire individuals to face their challenges with grace and grit.