Tomorrow, April 17, 2024, the festival of Ram Naumi will be celebrated by Hindu devotees the world over.
The preparation for this started much earlier when devotees went into fasting, praying, singing bhajans (hymns), reading excerpts from the Holy Ramayana: Ram Charitra Manas. Ram established dharma (religious principles) and ideals of character worth emulating by mankind.
Ram Naumi is celebrated to mark the birth (reincarnation) of Lord Rama, the 7th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
He was born on the 9th day of Chaitra Mas (first month of Hindu Lunar calendar) at midday when a cool breeze blew, and people were resting after the mid-day meal.
King Dasrath of Iksvaku dynasty ruled from the city of Ajodhya, in North India.
Queen Kausilya gave birth to Ram at noon and the news sent euphoria throughout the palace. King Dasrath was elated, and the people of Ajodhya started singing, and dancing in jubilation. Other queens also gave birth to sons: Sumintra to Laxmana and Satruhan and Kekai to Bharat.
Thus, Ram had three other brothers.
Ram is also known as Maryada Purushotam. His life exemplifies the ideal son, ideal husband (sworn to have only one wife) ideal ruler, ideal friend and an ideal enemy.
He was always pleasant-faced, never told lies, said things only once and never minced his words.
He dished out justice with fairness to all. Thus, the devotees venerated his charitra (character) and Ram Rajya … the reign of Lord Rama.
Ram used a bow and arrow to vanquish his enemies. He defeated Ravana (embodiment of evil) in the final battle to make Bibhisan (Rawn’s brother) the king of Lanka. And with his entourage returned to the capital city of Ajodhya.
On April 17, millions of Hindus will flock to temples to celebrate Ram Naumi with final havan pooja (fire sacrifice), followed by feasting.
May I wish all Hindu devotees a very happy Ram Naumi.
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