The Legend of Ram Navami

The reign of Ravana was severely affecting life on Earth in the Treta Yug. Since Ravana couldn’t be killed by the hands of any God, Lord Vishnu was inspired to take birth on Earth in human form to kill Ravana. His human form is the most respected king of Ayodhya, Rama. Also known as Maryada Purushottam, Sri Ram took birth on the 9th day of the most important Navratri of the Hindu culture, the Chaitra Navratri. It is believed that King Dashrat, who was childless, performed the Putra Kameshti Yagna. Rishi Vashishth carried out the Yagya in the presence of King Dashrat and his queens, Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. After the Holy ritual, King Dashrat was blessed with 4 sons, Ram being the eldest. Sri Ram was the rightful heir to the throne of Ayodhya. But he was exiled from the kingdom on the demand of queen Kaikeyi since she wanted her son, Bharat to be the king. King Dashrat had to agree to the demands of his queen because she had once saved his life and he had promised to grant her one wish she would ever want in life. And, thus, Lord Ram, along with his wife, Devi Sita, and brother, Lakshman, left Ayodhya for 14 years. It was during the exile that Ravana abducted Devi Sita. The entire war that Lord Ram fought to get his wife back is known by the name of Ramayana. In the end, Lord Ram killed Ravana and freed Devi Sita.

                         

Ram Navami is a very special festival for Hindus. It is, however, celebrated with indescribable enthusiasm in Ayodhya, the Janam Bhumi (place of birth) of Lord Ram. The festival is also observed in Sri Lanka (Ravana was the king of Lanka) and Nepal. People wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath. The festival commences as the first ray of the Sun hits the ground. Lord Sun is worshiped and offered water. Surya Vandana (worshipping the Sun) is followed by making small idols of baby Rama with clay or cow dung. The idol is dressed in new clothes and kept in a cradle. The devotees keep a fast, recite Ram Katha (the story of the birth of Rama, his exile, and the war of Ramayana), and sing many songs in praise of Lord Rama. Following the puja (prayer), 9 small girls are invited into the house where they are fed with special Hindu dishes and are offered money and gifts. Navami, the birth of Rama, is the last day of the Navratri Parv (festival). The devotees visit a Ram temple after Kanya Pujan (the ceremony of inviting 9 small girls and worshiping them) and offer food and clothes to poor people.

                         

Ram Navami is the celebration of the victory of good over evil and truth over lies. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself blesses the people who observe a fast on the day of Navami and perform Kanya Pujan. In the end, Lord Ram killed Ravana and freed Devi Sita.