Describing the glory of Lord Shri Ram is like describing the light of the sun. His story itself is a unique saga of religion, devotion, compassion, and dignity. Ram Navami has a special place in Indian culture because this day is the auspicious occasion of the incarnation of Lord Shri Ram. When Dasharatha Nandan Ram was born in the Suryavansh on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, a wave of joy ran across the entire universe. Devotees celebrate this divine festival with immense reverence and devotion.
When is Ram Navami 2025?
This year, the holy festival of Ram Navami will be celebrated on 6 April. According to the Hindu calendar, the Navami date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month will start on 5 April at 7:26 pm and end on 6 April at 7:22 pm. For this reason, according to the Panchang, Ram Navami will be celebrated on 6 April. Special worship will also be done in temples across the country on this day.
Religious significance of Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a festival that gives the message of establishing truth. Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya, which itself is called Saketdham. Shri Hari showed the path of ideal life to all human beings by incarnating as the son of Dasharath and Kaushalya. It is described in the scriptures that when the earth was afflicted by unrighteousness and demonic powers, then Lord Vishnu incarnated as Ram and purified this earth.
Life of Lord Shri Ram
Lord Shri Ram is called ‘Maryada Purushottam’ because he worked for the welfare of the people by walking on the path of truth and religion throughout his life. The ideals he established as a son, a king, a husband, a brother, and a friend will remain exemplary for ages. Be it the difficulties of exile or the great battle with Ravana, he followed religion and restraint in every situation.
Mythological story of Ram Navami
According to the Valmiki Ramayana and other texts, King Dasharath of Ayodhya had no children. Then, as per the instructions of Maharishi Vashishtha, he performed Putrayeshti Yagya. The kheer obtained from the yagya kund was distributed to the three queens – Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra—as a result of which Shri Ram, Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrughan were born. As soon as Shri Ram was born, the city of Ayodhya was filled with joy and celebration.
How is the festival of Ram Navami celebrated?
Special worship is done on the day of Ram Navami. Lord Ram is offered food by reciting Shri Ramcharitmanas, Ramayana Paath, Hanuman Chalisa, and Sunderkand. Tableaus of Shri Ram are decorated in temples, in which scenes from Ram’s birth to Ram’s coronation are shown. Shobha Yatras are also taken out at many places on this day. Devotees keep fast and purify their lives by meditating on Lord Ram.
Importance of devotion to Shri Ram
Devotion to Lord Shri Ram is a means of establishing discipline, dignity, and duty-boundness in life. Goswami Tulsidasji has written in ‘Ramcharitmanas’ –
रामहि केवल प्रेमु पियारा। जानि लेहु जो जान निहारा।।
(Ramahi keval premu piyaara. Jani lehu jo jaan nihara.)
That is, Lord Ram loves only love. He fulfills all the wishes of the one who calls him with love and devotion. This is the reason why Shri Ram still resides in the hearts of crores of devotees.
Inspiration of Ramrajya
Ram Navami is not only the joy of Lord Ram’s birth but also an opportunity to adopt his ideals in life. His life teaches us that following truth, justice, compassion, and religion is the real victory.
The holy festival of Ram Navami inspires every devotee to follow the ideals of Shri Ram. This festival is not only an opportunity for devotion but also for self-improvement. Whoever remembers Shri Ram with devotion and love gets success, peace, and salvation in life. Therefore, on this auspicious occasion, let us adopt the ideals of Shri Ram in our lives and establish religion, truth, and justice in the society.
Lokabhiram Ranrangadheeram Rajeevnetram Raghuvanshnatham.
(लोकाभिरामं रणरंगधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम्।)
Karunyarupam Karunakaram Tan Shriramchandram Sharanam Prapadye.
(कारुण्यरूपं करुणाकरं तं श्रीरामचन्द्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥)
Jai Shri Ram!
