Sri Rama Navami

SRi Rama Navami-3rd april 2009

Sri Rama Navami is the birth anniversary of Sri Rama celebrated

by devotees all over the world. It falls on the ninth day of the

bright fortnight when the asterism Punavasu(Geminorum) is in the

ascendancy. The observance of this Vrata is said to absolve one

from all sins. Men of all grades and ranks observe this Vrata for

obtaining prosperity, longevity, happiness and wisdom. The Lord

Mahavishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity, representing the preservative

aspect of the universe as in his previous incarnations (avatars),

descended into the world to kill the ten-headed Asura named

Ravana who was an epitome of the ten ahamkaras (egoism) of men.

When one is under the sway of the ahamkaras, the power of

discrimination between right and wrong is destroyed.

Consequently the Lord's light has to descend on him to

destroy these ahamkaras. During Rama Navami Hanuman is

worshipped for his unflinching devotion to Rama, and his

worship forms an important part of the Rama Navami celebrations.
Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, son of King

Dasharatha of Ayodhya.
Rama was the hero of the Ramayana, the Sanskrit epic of

24,000 stanzas.
A continuous recital of the book takes place for about a

week prior to the celebration and on the day itself, the

highlights of the story are read in the temple.
Rituals and ceremonies
The house is thoroughly cleaned on Rama Navami and is also

decorated. Offerings of fruit and flowers are placed on the family

shrine and after an early bath, prayers are recited.
The youngest female member of the household leads the puja

(prayers) by applying a red tilak (mark) to all the other members

of the family before everyone joins together in worship.
An image or picture of baby Rama is placed in a covered cradle

and at noon, the covering is removed and Prasad (special sacred food)

is offered to Rama, which may then be shared amongst the congregation.
There is an element of fasting. Some people don't eat certain foods,

particularly things like onions, garlic, some spices and wheat products.
The festival is a focal point for moral reflection and being especially

charitable to others.
Celebrations at places associated with Sri Rama, like Ayodhya in

Uttar Pradesh and Ramesvaram in Tamil Nadu attract thousands

of devotees.It is celebrated At shiridi and Mantralayam

(Sree Raghavendhra Mutt) in Grand manner.