Lord Rama, who is regarded as Lord Vishnu’s 7th avatar, was born on the day of Ram Navami, celebrated on the 9th day of the Hindu lunar year, generally in March or April. By putting ‘Dharma’ (appropriate conduct) above ‘Adharma’ (inappropriate conduct), this event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.This festival is celebrated with devotional songs (bhajan), puja, fasting, and reading stories of Rama’s life.

 It’s a significant festival in specific places like Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Bhadrachalam, and Sitamarhi. They organize chariot parades called Rath-yatras.In Rama’s life story, Lord Hanuman, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita are given prominence. Lord Surya is also revered in some places since it is said that Lord Rama is descended from Surya (Suryavansham).Some Vaishnavite groups commemorate Rama and read the Ramayana on the complete nine days of Chaitra (vasanta) Navaratri, with temples hosting special Ramayana discourses. The devotees get meals and enjoy the gatherings and for many Hindus, it is a time to reflect on ‘dharma’.This is the day when preparations for the annual Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Odisha and Jharkhand begin.

Lord Rama, the eternal light, dawns within you when you turn your senses inward when your mind is tranquil and free from conflict and that is when you may access the essence of his name.Our five senses — ears, eyes, skin, tongue, and nose — are how we perceive things. We use these five elements, which are intended for our enjoyment. However, when we become hooked on worldly pleasures, we attract sorrow and suffering, whereas when we let go and remain positive, we may embrace it and find happiness and freedom.

It is believed, King Dasharath’s had three queens, Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi who gave birth to Lord Rama, Lakshman, Shatrugna, and Bharat after performing the sacred ritual known as Putra Kameshti Yagna, as instructed by the great Sage Vashisth.According to legend, Rama and Kama don’t go together because where Rama resides, Kama, the desire, is supposed to be nonexistent.Rama’s brothers and associates are examples of persons who led dharmic lives. Dasharatha represents the physical body, the three queens – the three tatwas; Satvik, Rajsik and Tamasik, and the four sons the four life objectives Dharma (Right conduct), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desire), and Moksha (liberation).

Sugriva is the discrimination, Vali is despair and Hanuman is the epitome of courage. Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana symbolize passion, laziness and serenity respectively. Goddess Sita represents universal consciousness.

Lord Ram is also known as Maryada Purushottam, the personification of the ideal man, and devotees pray to him to show them the right path in life and conduct.

Let’s look at some life lessons that we can all take away from Lord Rama’s life on this auspicious occasion of Rama Navami:

• Uphold our parents honor by acting accordingly.
• Maintain unwavering love and respect for our mother.
• Representation of the ideal brother, one who supports his siblings in all circumstances.
• An example for upholding ‘dharma’.

By: Ms. Gunjan Oli (Executive – ATF & Insurance)