Rama Navami, one of the most important Hindu festivals, which celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. This auspicious occasion coincides with the last day of Chaitra Navratri festival every year. On the 9th day of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Durga and her incarnation Maa Siddhidatri are worshipped.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and Queen Kaushalya, Ram was their eldest son. Lord Rama is worshiped as the embodiment of truth, duty, righteousness and compassion. Having all the characteristics of an ideal person, he was also called Maryada Purushottam. This festival celebrates the life and times of Lord Rama and the victory of good over evil. (Also read: 1,11,111 kg laddus will be sent to Ram temple in Ayodhya on Ram Navami)
When is Ram Navami in 2024?
This year Chaitra Navratri started on Tuesday, April 9 and will end with the festival of Ram Navami on April 17.
History of Ram Navami: Story of the birth of Lord Ram
The story of Lord Rama is depicted in Valmiki’s Ramayana, one of the most important epics of Hinduism and its history dates back to the 8th or 7th century BC. Ayodhya was at the peak of prosperity during the reign of King Dasharatha, but moving forward There were no children or heirs. As per his legacy, he organized a yagya, where many sages and gods prayed to Lord Brahma to fulfill Dasharatha’s wish.
On the other hand, Ravana, the ruler of Lanka, was wreaking havoc by misusing the boon given by Lord Brahma, according to which he could never die at the hands of gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas or demons except humans. Ravana was invincible with formidable weapons, chariots as well as the ability to change shape. This happened when all the gods went to Lord Vishnu and requested him to incarnate on earth and kill the demon king Ravana.
After the conclusion of the yagya, a divine figure appeared over the yagya kunda, and handed over a divine ‘payasam’ to Dasharatha to distribute among his queens Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. While Rama was born from Kaushalya, Bharat was born from Kaikeyi while Lakshman and Shatrughan were born from Sumitra.
Ram Navami auspicious time
Ram Navami on Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Rama Navami Madhyahna Muhurat – 11:03 am to 01:38 pm
Duration – 02 hours 35 minutes
Ram Navami Rituals/Festivals
Ram Navami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement throughout the country. In his birth city Ayodhya, Lord Ram’s birth anniversary is celebrated with much pomp and show – there are grand aartis, processions and bhandaras for the devotees. People come to Ayodhya from different parts of the country to participate in Ram Navami rituals and seek blessings of Lord Rama.
Many people keep fast for the whole day on this day. Devotees of Lord Rama read excerpts from scriptures like Ramayana and Srimad Bhagavatam. On this day, along with Lord Ram, Sita Mata, Lakshman and Hanuman are also worshipped. It is usually celebrated in the months of March–April as per the Gregorian calendar.
