Historical Significance of Ram Navami – Dr. Srinivas Mahawar

Udaipur: A talk on the historical significance of Ram Navami was organized under the aegis of Janmat Manch.

On the occasion, the founder president of Janmat Manch, Dr. Srinivas Mahawar, explained that according to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Ram Navami is celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm on the ninth day (Navami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. This year, on March 26, Ram Navami will coincide with Durga Ashtami. While special पूजा (worship) of Goddess Durga will be performed, the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ram will also be celebrated with great fervor.

As per scriptures, Lord Shri Ram was born on this day, which is why it is celebrated as Ram Janmotsav. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu took birth in the form of Shri Ram during the Treta Yuga to destroy evil forces on earth. Lord Ram is known as Maryada Purushottam because he set the highest example of an ideal life, maintaining dignity and righteousness even in the face of hardships.

On this day, special पूजा and various religious events are organized. Although Ram Navami is celebrated across India, it is observed with exceptional grandeur in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. A grand fair is held there, attracting devotees and saints from far and wide to celebrate the occasion.

Shirish Nath Mathur, Secretary of the Manch, stated that Hindu families typically observe fasts, perform rituals, and organize religious ceremonies on Ram Navami. At the believed time of Lord Ram’s birth, celebrations are held, homes are purified, and Kalash Sthapana (installation of a sacred pot) is performed, followed by prayers and devotional singing (bhajans and kirtans). Along with Lord Ram, Goddess Sita (Mata Janaki) and Lord Lakshman are also worshipped on this day. The Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya is beautifully decorated, and a large number of devotees visit for darshan.

Dr. Priyadarshi Ojha, Co-Secretary of the Manch, added that when Queen Kaikeyi asked for boons from King Dasharatha, Lord Ram willingly accepted 14 years of exile, giving up his kingdom. During this period, he defeated many demons, including the arrogant Ravana, and achieved victory over Lanka. Mata Sita and his brother Lakshman accompanied him into exile, which is why they are also worshipped along with Lord Ram on Ram Navami.

Assistant Secretary Vinod Kumar Chaudhary highlighted that Lord Ram, who later became the king of Ayodhya, is remembered for his exemplary qualities such as bravery, compassion, justice, wisdom, patience, love, obedience, and dedication to duty. He is worshipped along with his wife Sita, brother Lakshman, and devotee Hanuman. Devotees also worship the Sun God, as Lord Ram belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, also known as the Suryavansha (Solar dynasty).

Treasurer Vishal Mathur stated that this festival marks the birth of Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The celebrations also include recitations of the great epic Ramayana and enactments of Ram Leela, depicting the life and deeds of Lord Ram.

The program was conducted by Dr. Poonam Pathak.