Ram Navami

Ram Navami is a Hindu Vaishnava holiday which falls on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year (thus named Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami). Ram Navami is the celebration of the birthday of Rama, a divine figure in Hinduism.

History behind Ram Navami

In the Ramayana, Dasarath, then king of Ayodhya, had three wives named Kaushalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi. Their greatest worry was that they had no male children, and so they had no heir to the throne. Rishi Vasistha suggests him to perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, through which he can have a desired child. He also tells him to bring Maharshi Rushya Shrunga to perform this Yagna for him. Immediately King Dasharath gives his consent, and heads to Maharshi Rushya Shrunga’s ashram, to get him. Maharshi agrees and will accompany Dasharath to Ayodhya (Capital of Avadha) and performs the yagna. As the result of yagna, Yagneshwar appears and hands Dasarath a bowl of Payasam and asks him to give it to his wives. Dasharath gives one half of the payasam to his elder wife Kausalya, and another half to his younger wife Kaikeyi. They both give half of their portions to Sumithra. After few days all three Queens conceive. On the ninth day (Navami) of Chaithra Masa (first month in Hindu calendar), at noon Kaushlya gives birth to Lord Sri Ram, Kaikeyi gives birth to Bharath, and Sumithra to twin boys, Lakshman and Shatrughan.

Lord Ram is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who takes birth on earth when Adharma over rules Dharma. He protects all his devotees by vanquishing the roots of Adharma. Lord Ram was born on earth to destroy the demon named Ravan.

Celebration of Ram Navami

For the occasion, Hindus fast, or restrict themselves to a specific diet. Temples are decorated and readings of the Ramayana take place. Along with Shri Ram, people also worship Sita, Rama’s wife; Lakshman, Rama’s brother; and Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Ram and the leader of Rama’s army in battle.