Exploring the Rituals of Ram Navami

Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindu communities throughout India and worldwide. It is marked on the ninth day (Navami) of the Hindu lunar calendar’s first month, Chaitra, during the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha). 

 

This festival celebrates the birth of Maryada Purshottam Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s main deities. Lord Rama is revered as a god and an ideal figure of pure consciousness and bliss, embodying virtues such as a perfect son, devoted husband, just king, loving brother, and caring father. 

 

During Ram Navami, people across India and the world come together to celebrate this special day with joy, devotion, and traditional rituals.

 

Significance of Ram Navami

The Hindu epic, Ramayana, recounts the story of King Dasharatha and his son, Rama, of Ayodhya. The king, searching for a future emperor for Ayodhya, was advised by Rishi Vasistha to perform a Puthra Kameshti Yagna, inviting Rishi Rishyasringa to complete it. 

 

The Yagna resulted in King Dasharatha receiving a bowl of divine Kheer, which he offered to his three wives; Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. After consuming the Kheer, they all conceived, and on the 9th day of the Chaitra month, Kausalya gave birth to Rama, considered the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu. 

 

Rama’s birthday is celebrated annually as Ram Navami. It is believed that worshipping Lord Rama and Goddess Sita on this day frees one from past sins and brings peace, prosperity, and harmony to one’s life. The celebration symbolises freeing oneself of negative actions and inviting divine power into the world.

 

Rituals of Ram Navami

Ram Navami Pooja: During Ram Navami, followers of Lord Rama pay homage by performing a pooja together as a family. The pooja starts with the idols of Lord Rama, Laxmana, Sita, and Hanuman and welcoming them with lit diyas and incense sticks. 

 

Before the pooja, it is important to bathe and sit at the designated Puja area. Tulsi leaves, or lotus flowers, hold significance in the worship of Lord Ram. The Shodashopachar Puja, a sequence of 16 steps, commences the worship. Offerings of Kheer and fruits are made as Prashad. 

 

After the aarti is done, the holy water is sprinkled and given as a prasad to everyone as a blessing from the divine. The youngest female member of the family applies tika to all the male members, and the prasad is distributed to all.

 

Bhajan Ceremony: A significant aspect of the Ram Navami Pooja is the Bhajan ceremony, where devotees sing devotional songs and chalupas of Ramcharit Manas. A priest narrates the story of Lord Rama’s birth, and those observing fast listen intently. The chanting of mantras and Ramnam creates a spiritual atmosphere during the celebration.

 

Fast: During Ram Navami, many followers of Lord Rama observe a fast, either with satvik food or a dry fast (nirjala vrat). Satvik food includes potatoes without turmeric, garlic, ginger, or onion and can be consumed with rock salt. Those observing a fast may also have curd, milk, tea, coffee, fruits, and root vegetables. The fast is broken at midnight.

 

Rath Yatra: The festival of Ram Navami also involves a Rath Yatra or chariot procession in Ayodhya, Lord Rama’s birthplace. The march includes idols of Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman and is led by local temples while participants chant Ram Nama. Many foreigners attend the procession, which is said to bring spiritual enlightenment and good luck.

 

Must visit places during the Ram Navami

 

You can celebrate the festivities of Ram Navami at these must-visit destinations. 

 

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: As Lord Rama’s birthplace, Ayodhya is a hub of religious fervour during Ram Navami. People visit the city to fast, perform religious rituals, and witness stunning fairs and chariot processions. The most captivating celebrations can be found at Kanak Bhawan, where people stay at family hotels in the area to be mesmerised by the devotion.

 

Bhadrachalam, Telangana: Also known as Southern Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam is a famous destination for Ram Navami celebrations, marking the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and goddess Sita. Devotees travel from nearby cities and stay at family hotels in nearby places to attend pooja at the Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple.

 

Sitamarhi, Bihar: This city is significant for Hindu pilgrims as it is the birthplace of the goddess Sita. The Janki Mandir in Sitamarhi is a top sightseeing in Bihar during Ram Navami, attracting large crowds of devotees to celebrate the festival. This city can be combined with a religious tour of Ayodhya and Uttar Pradesh.

 

Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. The celebration is not just limited to religious rituals; it is also an occasion to reflect on the life of Lord Rama and learn from his teachings. Lord Rama’s life reminds us of values such as humility, honesty, and righteousness, which we should adopt in our lives.