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Salutations to Lord Rama, an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who
is measureless, who is of the nature of pure Consciousness and bliss, who
is the consort of Sita, Master of Sri Hanuman, and the Lord of the three
worlds, who took His birth at His own will in order to establish
righteousness, destroy the wicked and protect his devotees. Ram Navmi or
the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of
the month of 'Chaitra' (March-April).
Rama was the Lord Hari Himself incarnate on earth for the destruction of
Ravana. He was well accomplished, beautiful and endowed with royal marks.
His glory and prowess were unlimited. He was peerless on earth, free from
malice, gentle, and the protector of all His people. He always addressed
them in gentle words and never used any harsh words even when somebody
provoked Him. He held sway over the whole world.
Ideals are remembered and adored for the purpose of adopting
them in your own life. The Ramnavmi celebration or the Vasanta Navaratri
every year is an opportune period for us to saturate ourselves with the
spirit of Lord Rama. One cannot be a real worshipper of Lord Rama unless
one makes an honest attempt to grow in the virtues that the Lord
represents. On the other hand, worship of Lord Rama is itself the surest
means to develop such virtues. One who approaches Sri Rama with love and
devotion becomes large-hearted, pure in spirit good-natured and
dispassionate in thought word and deed. A true devotee of Lord Rama is His
representative, with His power and His knowledge. Lord Rama was the prince
of the Ikshvaku race. He was virtuous and of manly strength.
The noblest lesson embodied in the Ramayana is the supreme importance of
righteousness in the life of every human being. Righteousness is the
spiritual spark of life. Cultivation of righteousness is the process of
unfolding of the latent divinity in man. The glorious incarnation of the
Supreme Being in the form of Lord Rama has exemplified the path of
righteousness. Let mankind follow His footsteps and practise the ideals
cherished by Him, for it is only thus that there can be everlasting peace,
prosperity and welfare in this world
Ramnavmi is one of the most important festivals of the
Vaishnava sect of the Hindus. However, even those who adore Lord Shiva
celebrate the occasion. Some observe a strict fast on the day. Temples are
decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy Ramayana
is read in the temples. At Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, a big fair
is held on this day.
In South India the 'Sri Ram Navmi Utsavam' is celebrated for nine days
with great fervour and devotion. Those talented in the art of story
telling narrate the thrilling episodes of the Ramayana. The Kirtanists
chant the holy Name of Rama and celebrate the wedding of Rama with Sita on
this great day. It is an extremely colourful ceremony, highly inspiring
and instructive, too.
Lord Rama's birthday is celebrated with great happiness and is believed
to bring peace of mind and happiness to the people. In Maharashtra, this
festival is celebrated on a grand scale at Shirdi, Nashik and Ramtek.
Ramtek is well known for its annual Ramnavmi festival and it is believed
that Rama along with Sita and Laxman visited this place.