Dr.ANSHUL MAHAJAN

 

Ramnavami is celebrated to proclaim the birth of Lord Sriram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The 9th day (Navami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Ram Navami. On this day, when the five planets and the sun, etc. were in the first house of cancer at noon along with the lunar asterism Pushya, Ramachandra was born in Ayodhya. Several temples of Shriram celebrate this festival for nine days beginning from the first day (pratipada) of Chaitra. It is celebrated by periodic readings (parayans) of the Ramayan, organising spiritual discourses (kirtans) and beautifully embellishing Shriram’s idol. On the ninth day, in the afternoon, a spiritual discourse on Shriram’s birth is held. At noon, a coconut draped in a hooded cloak is placed in a cradle and the cradle is rocked. Devotees shower a red, fragrant powder (gulal) and flowers onto it.

Ramnavami Celebrations start on Gudi padwa, the first day of Chaitra; and continue for 9 days. During this period, devotees do parayans of Ramayan, recite the Ramaraksha stotra, sing bhajans-kirtans in His praise and chant His name.

Shriram: An Ideal

The Ideal son : He always obeyed His parents; at times even advised the elders.

The Ideal brother : Rama-Lakshman’s love is cited as the ideal of brotherly love.

The Ideal husband : He was devoted to His one and only wife. Kings, then, use to have many wives.

The Ideal friend : He helped Sugreev, Bibhishan and many others during their difficult times.

The Ideal King : He followed all codes of conduct for Kings as laid down in our scriptures.

The Ideal Enemy : Bibhishan refused to perform the last rites of Ravan, his brother. Shriram said to him, ”If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!”

Maryadapurushottam : He represents the Supreme extent of Righteousness.