Rama Navami is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India and other parts of the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, who is considered as the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, and people offer prayers and perform puja to seek blessings from Lord Rama. In this article, we will delve deeper into the religious significance of Rama Navami, the celebration, traditions, and mythology associated with it.
Religious Significance of Rama Navami
Rama Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in March or April. It is believed that Lord Rama was born on this day in Ayodhya, the ancient capital of the Kosala kingdom. Lord Rama is considered as the epitome of righteousness, courage, and wisdom, and his life story is narrated in the epic Ramayana.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama to defeat the demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita. Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman, fought against Ravana and his army for ten days and ultimately emerged victorious on the day of Vijayadashami. Thus, Rama Navami is also celebrated as the victory of good over evil.
Celebration of Rama Navami
Rama Navami is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and other parts of the world. People decorate their houses and temples with flowers and lights, and offer special prayers to Lord Rama. They also observe fast and perform puja to seek blessings from Lord Rama.
One of the most significant traditions of Rama Navami is the Rathyatra or chariot procession, in which an idol of Lord Rama is taken out in a procession on a chariot, accompanied by devotees singing bhajans and hymns. The procession usually starts from the temple and goes around the city, with people showering flowers and offering prayers.
Another important tradition of Rama Navami is the distribution of prasadam, which is considered as a divine offering from Lord Rama. People prepare and distribute various delicacies, such as panakam (a sweet drink made of jaggery and spices), neer mor (buttermilk), and kosambari (a salad made of lentils and vegetables) among the devotees.
Mythology and Legends of Rama Navami
Rama Navami is associated with various myths and legends from Hindu mythology. One of the most popular stories is that of Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana visiting the hermitage of sage Vishwamitra, where they encounter a demoness named Tadaka. Lord Rama, with his divine arrow, kills Tadaka and frees the hermitage from her curse. This event is celebrated as the beginning of Lord Rama's heroic journey.
Another significant legend is that of Lord Rama breaking the bow of Lord Shiva to win the hand of Sita in marriage. The bow was considered as a symbol of power and was believed to be impossible to break. However, Lord Rama, with his immense strength and devotion, was able to break the bow and win the hand of Sita.