Telangana News

Sri Rama Navami Festival Story And Its Significance

Sri Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th-ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month of Hindu lunar year in ‘Shukla paksha’ or waxing moon..

In Honor of Lord Rama

Ram Navami is a popular Hindu festival. The festival of Ram Navami is held in high regard not only by the people in India but also by the Hindu community living in the other parts of the world. The festival is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. Many devotees also fast on this occasion. It is believed that all the devotees who fast on this day are showered with immense happiness and good luck by Lord Rama.

History Of Rama Navami

According to the great epic Ramayana, once upon a time there lived a King named Dasarath, then king of Ayodhya, who had three wives named Kaushalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi. As even long after his marriages, Dasarath was not blessed with a child, this has become a question of worry for him. Even the people of Ayodhya were disheartened because they had not heir to their kingdom. At this stage, Rishi Vasistha suggests Dasarath to perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, through which he can have a desired child.

Soon King Dasharath agreed to do the Yagya and headed to Maharshi Rushya Shrunga’s ashram, to get him for performing the yagya. Maharshi agreed and accompanied Dasharath to Ayodhya to solemnize the perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna. As the result of yagna, Yagneshwar appeared and hands Dasarath a bowl of kheer and asked him to feed this to his three wives. Dasarath did the same. He gave one half of the kheer to his elder wife Kausalya, and another half to his younger wife Kaikeyi. These two gave one half each of their kheer to Sumithra.

After few days all the three Queens conceived Dasratha’s child. On the ninth day (Navami) of Chaithra Masa (first month in Hindu calendar), at noon Kaushlya gave birth to Lord Sri Ram, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharath, and Sumithra gave birth to twins, Lakshman and Shatrughan. It was the day of joyous celebrations in Ayodhya. This day since then is celebrated as an auspicious occasion by the devotees.

Dasavatara Jayantulu:

1. Matsya Jayanti: Chaitra Bahula Panchami
2. Kurma Jayanti: Vaisakha Sudda Poornima
3. Varaha Jayanti: Chaitra Bahula Trayodasi
4. Narasimha Jayanti: Vaisakha sudda Dwadasi
5. Vamana Jayanti: Bhadrapada Sudda Chaturdasi
6. Parusurama Jayanti: Vaisakha sudda Dwadasi
7. Rama Jayanti: Chaitra sudda Navami
8. Krishna Jayanti: Sravana Sudda Astami
9. Buddha Jayanti: Vaisakha sudda Poornima
10. Kalki Jayanti: Bhadrapada sudda Vidiya

Garbhavanavartrulu:

This festival is celebrated for nine days starting from Chaitra sudda Padyami and ends with Navami day, the Jayanti of Lord Rama. During these nine days, Sri Rama Parayanam is recited and Rama Nama is recited in temples and Sri Rama mandirs. According to ancient texts, Sri Rama Navami is celebrated at noon. This festival is being celebrated in different ways across the country. In Maharastra, the celebrate begin right from the morning 9 AM and proceed till 12 noon.

Sri Rama Kalyanam

In Andhra Pradesh, Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated on Navami day. Devotees witness the wedding celebrations of Lord Rama with Sita. According to ancient texts, Sri Rama Vanavasam was done in this State. The Kalyanotsavam is being celebrated with utmost glory and pomp at Sri Bhadrachalam temple. Devotees from various parts of the country will throng the temple to witness the Kalyanotsavam. The Government of Andhra Pradesh will present pearls and wedding dress material to Lord Rama and Sita. In this temple, the festival is celebrated for five days ie., Navami, Dasami, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, and Trayodasi. During these days, devotees chant Sri Rama Nama.

How to prepare Panakam in Sri Rama Navami :

Panakam is considered the preferred food item on the Sri Rama Navami day.

Ingredients prepare Panakam in Sri Rama Navami :

• Jaggery
• Water
• Lemon
• Dried ginger
• Cardamom
• Pepper and Salt

Procedure to prepare Panakam in Sri Rama Navami:

Mix the jaggery in water and dissolve it well. Filter the ingredients in a cloth. Add lemon juice, dried ginger powder, Cardamom, Pepper and Salt. Mix this well and serve chilled. This can be served as a welcome drink to quench the thirst the devotees who visit the temple in hot summer.

Sri Rama Kalyanotsavam:

When we come to discuss about Sri Rama Kalyanotsavam, according to purans, Sri Rama was born in Tretayuga with Punarvasu star in Karkataka lagna Navami day. He was born as the avatara of Lord Vishnu to Kausalya Devi. The Kalyanam was celebrated in the place of Janaka Maharaju on Phalguna sudda Poornima day. As per Panchratragama custom, the Kalyanam of God has to be celebrated on the day he was born. Accordingly, Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated on Navami day itself.