Ram Navami
Let's learn why Lord Rama was born? Do you know the purpose behind Lord Vishnu taking a human form? What is its story? Let's find out why we celebrate Rama Navami in the end?
Writer: - Kuldeep Singh
Ram Navami
"Ram" is a mantra that is an omnipresent, all-encompassing, and supremely blissful entity. Lord Shiva and Goddess Adi Shakti Parvati continuously chant it. Its unparalleled, divine, and mind-enchanting effect is collected in the Ramayana by Valmiki.
The impact of the word "Ram" is so divine and luminous that by reciting the reverse of the words, "Mara- Mara," a huntsman in their next life became a sage and a great poet. We know this person today as the great sage Valmiki. His love for Lord Rama was so profound that he composed the epic Ramayana, describing the virtues of Lord Rama, to dispel the fears of devotees.
It was "Ram" himself who took birth in the holy city of Ayodhya for the salvation of his devotees, gods, humans, demons, and monsters. The same Purushottam celebrates the birthday of Shri Ram Ji as Ram Navami.
Let us know how Lord Shri Ram was born.
Story:
When Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana, three brothers, engaged in intense penance, their severe austerities were observed by Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. Both gods were pleased and spoke in a very sweet tone, "We are pleased with your penance. Ask for a boon."
Ravana, with humility, said, "O Creator! Give me this boon that we should not die from anyone except humans and monkeys. Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma granted his request. Ravana was very pleased and developed a sense of arrogance, believing that no one, whether human or monkey, could ever overpower him.
After this, all the demons started terrorizing the earth. All the demons were masters of deception, extremely cruel, and caused great suffering to humans. Compassion and righteousness were not even present in their dreams. Once, Ravana saw his countless family members, which made him very happy. He then declared that the gods were his enemies.
He said, "The gods do not engage in direct combat with us. They lack the strength we possess. Therefore, they flee from us. Their demise can be achieved through one means alone. The strength of the gods increases through religious rituals. Brahmin feasts, yagnas (sacrificial rituals), Havans, observances, and shraddha ceremonies, among others, all enhance their power. Go and disrupt all of these. When they are weakened due to hunger, I will either defeat them or make them my subordinates."
When Ravana set foot on Earth, it trembled, and his roar drove all the gods to take refuge in the caves of Mount Meru. Thus, he came to wield control over the entire universe. With his might, all the demons began to wreak havoc on Earth. All righteous actions ceased to exist. In places where Brahmins were found, the demons would set fire to towns and villages. At that time, gurus and Brahmins were not respected. There was no devotion, no yagnas (sacrifices), no penance, and no knowledge. Even the Vedas and Puranas were nowhere to be heard. The demons were causing immense suffering and cruelty.
Prithvi (Mother Earth) observed the deviation from righteousness and was deeply disturbed, but she couldn't speak out against Ravana out of fear. After much contemplation, she assumed the form of a cow and went to the place where the gods had sought shelter. She began to lament her misery. However, no one had the strength to confront Ravana in battle.
In desperation, all the gods went to Lord Brahma and informed him of the dire situation. Lord Brahma said, "I have no control over this. Now, only the eternal beings, those to whom you are devoted, can help you."
Then all the gods went with Brahma and the earth too, taking the form of a cow, went with the gods who were extremely distressed. Told the entire incident to Brahma ji. Then Brahma ji said to the earth, nothing is in my control, now only the imperishable one can be helpful to everyone whose maid you are. Then everyone praised Lord Shri Hari. Seeing the gods and the earth frightened, and hearing their loving words, a solemn voice came out, which was supposed to dispel sorrow and doubt - 'O gods! Do not fear. I will take human form to aid you. I will be born in the noble Solar Dynasty as the son of Kashyap and Aditi. I will manifest myself as a human, along with my brothers, to relieve the burden of the Earth. You need not worry."
Hearing these words of reassurance, the gods and Earth were comforted. A solemn divine proclamation rang out, dispelling sorrow and doubt: "O gods, fear not! For the welfare of all of you, I will take human form. I will incarnate as a human being with parts in the sacred Suryavansh. Due to the great penance performed by Kashyap and Aditi, I have already given them a boon. He himself has appeared in Shri Ayodhya Puri as the king of humans in the form of Dashrath and Kaushalya. Going to their house, I will incarnate in Raghukul in the form of four brothers and will take away all the burden of the earth. You people become fearless. Everyone's heart became cool after listening to Akashvani. Then all the gods went to their respective worlds.
King Dasharatha was a firm upholder of dharma, a reservoir of virtues, and a man of wisdom. His heart was always devoted to Lord Sri Hari. His queens, including Kausalya, were known for their virtuous conduct and were always in harmony with their husband's wishes. They also had profound love for the lotus feet of Lord Sri Hari.
Once, a great sorrow befell King Dasharatha as he had no son. He confided in his guru, Sage Vashistha, about this anguish. Sage Vashistha consoled him, assuring him that he would have four sons. Following this, Guru Vashistha organized a Putrakameshti Yagna, a ritual for obtaining offspring, with the participation of sages like Sage Shringi. When these devoted sages offered oblations with faith, Lord Agni (the Fire God) emerged with a bowl of divine kheer (rice pudding) in his hand.
King Dasharatha distributed this kheer to his three queens, and as a result, all of them became pregnant. When King Dasharatha received this news, he was overjoyed.
When the stars align with a favorable yoga, the planetary positions at an auspicious angle, the house placement of the celestial bodies is harmonious, the day is right, and the lunar phase is ideal, then the entire cosmos is filled with joy and anticipation. It is during such moments that the divine and imperishable Lord Sri Rama, who is omnipresent, the source of supreme bliss, transcendent of the senses, characterized by pure virtues, free from illusion, the bestower of liberation, and the destroyer of demons, takes birth. His divine incarnation occurred on the ninth day of the bright half of the holy Chaitra month.
On this day, we celebrate Rama Navami, the auspicious occasion of Lord Sri Rama's birth. This celebration takes various forms in different regions and communities.
On Rama Navami, people commemorate the life, stories, and teachings of Lord Rama. They engage in devotional songs and hymns, especially reciting chapters, and verses from the Ramayana. It is a day of reflection on the virtues and values demonstrated by Lord Rama, and it serves as a reminder of his divine presence and teachings in our lives.
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Kamada Ekadashi of Chaitra Shukla Paksha removes sins and grants blessings. Know its significance, fasting story, and worship method for divine benefits.
