The Divine Birth of Lord Rama – Significance and Celebrations of Sri Rama Navami

What is the significance of Lord Rama being born on Navami?

Lord Rama, known as ‘Maryada Purushottama,’ was a man of great honor and a divine being in human form. His birth was remarkable, influenced by extraordinary circumstances. In the Ramayana’s Bala Kanda, describes King Dasaratha performing the Aswamedha Yagna, praying for a son. The sage Rishyasringa blesses him, predicting that four sons would be born to him.

While the sage performed prayers, the gods turned to Lord Brahma to address Ravana, who was troubling the three worlds with the boon he had received. Lord Brahma realized Ravana hadn’t included humans in his list of those who couldn’t kill him. He saw a solution and requested Lord Vishnu to take human form, be born to King Dasaratha, and defeat Ravana. Lord Vishnu agreed, divided himself into four forms, and choose Dasaratha to be his earthly father. This led to the birth of Lord Rama and his three brothers.

Lord Rama, the eldest of the four brothers and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on the ninth lunar day of Chaitra under the star Punarvasu. This day, known as Rama Navami, symbolizes hope and the triumph of righteousness over evil.

Lord Rama’s life was devoted to righteousness and safeguarding the innocent. Interestingly, he was born on Navami, a day usually seen as inauspicious. This was because Lord Vishnu responded to the pleas of Ashtami and Navami, who felt abandoned and disregarded. To honor them, he choose Navami for his Rama Avatar and Ashtami for his Krishna Avatar, ensuring that justice and virtue triumphed over evil.

Rama born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya, Rama grew up alongside his three brothers—Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna—and shared a special bond with Lakshmana, who would later accompany him during his exile and battles. As a child, Rama displayed extraordinary intelligence and wisdom, mastering various arts, scriptures and weaponry under the guidance of sage Vashistha and Guru Vishwamitra. One notable event from his youth was his journey with Vishwamitra, where he demonstrated his courage and prowess by slaying demons like Tataka and Subahu and protecting sacred rituals.

Why is it significant to celebrate Sri Rama Navami?

Lord Rama’s qualities of humility, compassion, and justice have made him an ideal figure and a source of inspiration for millions. His name is also chanted in spiritual practices, and festivals like Rama Navami celebrate his birth.

Lord Rama’s virtues inspire us all. He showed unquestioning obedience to his parents, compassion for everyone—including animals, and courage in following his guru’s guidance without hesitation.

A story says he rescued a squirrel trapped under a boulder, and the three stripes on Indian squirrels are believed to be marks of his fingers. Known for his loyalty to his father, wife and people, he always prioritized helping others over his own needs. His reign, called Rama Rajya, is remembered as the ideal rule. These values remain meaningful for humanity even today, as poet Tyagaraja beautifully captured in his song ‘Elavatara’ in Mukhari ragam.

How do we celebrate Sri Rama Navami?

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with devotion and simplicity. People honor Lord Rama by reading or listening to the Ramayana and its teachings, aiming to follow the values he lived by. Traditional foods like buttermilk, panakam (sweetened jaggery water), and kosumalli (moong dal with cucumber or mango bits) are prepared, reflecting the practicality and simplicity of the forest life that Lord Rama embraced. These dishes are refreshing and ideal for the summer season.

This special day reminds us of Lord Rama’s inspiring virtues like compassion, courage and righteousness, which serve as a guiding light for millions. It’s a time to pray and strive to incorporate his ethical values into our lives, creating a positive and harmonious world.