Ram Navami, a significant Hindu festival, is being celebrated today amid religious fervour across the country. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Observed on the ninth day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, Ram Navami is a joyous occasion for devotees to honour the life and teachings of Lord Rama, who epitomized virtues such as duty, loyalty, and righteousness.
The festival is marked by elaborate processions, recitations of the Ramayana, and worship services in temples dedicated to Lord Rama. Devotees often fast, sing devotional songs, and engage in charitable acts to seek the blessings of Lord Rama and to celebrate the ideals he represents.
Ram Navami is a time for spiritual reflection, community gatherings, and the reaffirmation of the values that Lord Rama embodied.
Religious procession is being organised in several towns of Odisha including Cuttack, Sambalpur, Bhadrak. Ram Temples across the State are decked up and witnessed a beeline of devotees since early morning.
Some Lesser-Know Facts About Lord Rama
- According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is the preserver while Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe and Lord Shiva is the destroyer.
- Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month in Treta Yoga which was mentioned in Maharshi Valmiki’s Ramayana. Rama is the only Hindu God who is worshiped in temples in the human form as a king.
- As per Ramayana, Lord Rama ruled the kingdom for 11000 years. This period is known as Rama Rajya. Lord Rama went into exile at the age of 25 for fourteen years. He returned from exile after defeating Ravana.
- Lord Rama invited Ravana to perform puja as priest before going to conquer Lanka and fight against him. Ravana is considered a great Hindu pandit and mahabrahman.
- Lord Rama rescued Ahalya who had turned a rock for years. She got back her normal life after Lord Rama touched his feet against the rock.
- Lord Hanuman who is considered as the greatest devotee of Bhagban Rama had a pivotal role in Lanka expedition.
- In the Ramayana, a small squirrel plays a significant role in the construction of the Ram Setu. The Ram Setu is a bridge built by Lord Rama and his army of monkeys (Vanaras) to cross over to Lanka and rescue his wife Devi Sita. The squirrel, who was very devoted to Lord Rama, contributed to the construction of the bridge. Lord Rama was pleased with the squirrel’s dedication and devotion.
The life of Lord Rama has a significant impact on the life of every Hindu and Ramayana is an integral part of our culture and tradition. Rama is also worshiped in several Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Burma, Pillippines, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
