Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama and is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. It is a spring festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Ram Navami signifies the victory of good over evil and the establishment of dharma (righteousness). It marks the end of the spring festival of Vasanta Navratri. Navratri represents the three gunas, tamas, rajas and sattva. The three gunas are fundamental qualities that govern the universe and human nature. Tamas represents inertia and ignorance. Rajas represents passion and activity. Sattva represents purity and balance. The first three days are associated with tamas, the next three days with rajas and the last three days with sattva. The nine days are a process of self-purification.
Why is it called Ram Navami?
Kaushalya gave birth to Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar cycle of Chaitra (March—April) as also known as Rama Navami.
Why was Rama born?
He was born as Vishnu’s avatar to Dasharatha ruler of Ayodhya. The earth was in turmoil because Ravan the demon king, was ruling. The Gods were desperate. Ravana had demeaned the Gods; Agni was treated like a servant being made to tend the kitchen fires and Vayu was asked to sweep the kingdom floors. The reason why Rama came to the earth as a mortal was because he had to liberate the world from Ravana, who had been granted a boon that made him invincible to the Gods.
This is a time of grand celebration and spiritual reflection, deeply embedded in the Hindu culture. The further significance is because it heralds the end of Chaitra Navratri and enables one to seek divine blessings after spiritual renewal. It is also the eternal message of Dharma prevailing over Adharma.
It is a coincidence Ram Navami is on April 6th, which marks the fifth Sunday of Lent, also known as Passion Sunday, and the final Sunday of Lent before Holy Week. The dates of both festivals are determined by different calendars (Hindu lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar).
Let us be aware, reflective and compassionate to all around us.
Aim Hrim Klim