Ram Navami is a Hindu festival that is celebrated as the birthday anniversary of Lord Rama. Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. Lord Rama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who came on earth to defeat the invincible Ravana in human form. The story of Rama was penned by Vaalmeeki in the 14th century B.C. The story is been known as Ramayana.

The birth story of Lord Rama

A country name Kosal is situated on the banks of river Sharayu.The capital know as Ayodhya was founded by king Rishi Manu. During the reign of Raja Dasarath, Ayodhya reached a period of great prosperity. On the contrary, Raja Dasarath was facing a huge problem. He had no children. Therefore he decided to perform a sacrifice known as “ashvamedh”.

Rishyashring recited a mantra and made an offering to the fire. Then the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and rishis present arid began to pray to Brahma. The gods went to Vishnu with the request, “Dasarath is a glorious king. Please, take birth in the wombs of his three queens in four different degrees of your divinity.”

When Dasarath’s sacrifice came to an end a shining figure appeared over the sacrificial kund and offered the king a divine beverage called “payasam” to be given to his queens Kausalya, Kaikayi, and Sumitra. In due time Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikayi to Bharat, and Sumitra to Laxman and Shatrugna. Rama was born at noon on the bright ninth day of Chaitra. He was believed to be the avatar of Vishnu’s divinity, (Ardha ounsh).

Celebration of Ram Navami

The festival is celebrated with great devotion across the nation .

Every region has its regional significance behind it. On this day Ayodhya is covered with diyas and lights.

Rath yatras or ‘chariot processions’ of Rama and Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman, are taken out from many temples.

Excerpts from the Ramacharitamanas, extolling the glory of Rama, are recited. People keep a fast throughout the day and break it only at midnight with fruits.

In the south region of India the “Sri Ramnavami Utsavam” is celebrated for nine days with great fervor and devotion.