Introduction
Sri Rama Navami or Rama Navami is a popular Hindu Festival, celebrated in the month of March or April. According to Hindu mythological books it is believed that lord Sri Rama was born on this day. Hence, forth people started celebrating as Sri Rama Navami or Rama Navami. Particularly, The Sri Vaishnavas of the Hindu Community celebrate in high.
Place of origin of the festival
The Vedas or the Upanishads narrated that Lord Rama is the 7th avatar of Sri Vishnu. Rama was born in Ayodhya. Hence, Ayodhya is a place to witness Sri Rama Navami Celebrations. This year Sri Rama Navami is on 2nd April. The Hindu Mythological books say that Lord Rama is born on similar day in 5114 B.C.
History Behind Sri Rama Navami
There lived a king Dasharatha in the Ancient city, Ayodhya. It is in the state of Uttar Pradesh. He had had three wives Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. But, none of them had male child in order to succeed the throne.
The great sage Vasishtha advised Dasharatha to perform Putrakameshti Yajna. The King asked Maharshi Rishyasringa to perform it. During this ritual, Payasam was offered to God. It was then served to king Dasharatha. He, then distributed to all his wives. One half was offered to his elder wife Kausalya, one fourth to Sumitra and one eighth to Kaikeyi.
However, the left over Payasam was given to Sumitra again. Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana, Shatrughna and Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharatha. People of Ayodhya and the king’s family rejoiced on this day. From then they started celebrating the birthday of Sri Rama as Sri Rama Navami.
Belief of the Sages
Thus, the Sages believed that God himself was born on this day. Valmiki in his famous Epic Ramayana mentioned Rama as the Seventh Avatar to Lord Vishnu. Rama’s amazing activities proved his Godly position. The way he killed the awful king Ravana. Hence forth Rama became the king of Ayodhya.
Conclusion
With much pomp and happiness, the festival is celebrated in Ayodhya of Uttar Pradesh, Bhadrachalam of Telangana, Sitamarhi of Bihar, Rameswaram of Tamil Nadu, Vontimitta of Andhra Pradesh. Hindus Believe that by celebrating Rama Navami, Lord Rama’s Blessings are always with them.
