The King Dasharatha of Ayodhya had three wives, namely Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. However, none of them could give birth to the male child. The King desired such a male child who could be an heir to his throne and take care of the empire. So Many years of marriage passed by with no luck of being a father.
Later, the renowned Sage Vashistha suggested King to conduct Putra Kameshti Yagna, the sacred ritual that can bless one with offspring. King Dasharatha granted Maharshi Rushya Shrunga to perform the Yagna in the most right way possible. The King was given bowl of Payasam (a sweet made of milk and rice) and requested to share it among his all wives. The King handed out half of the sweet in bowl to his wife Kaushalya and the other half to the wife Kaikeyi. Both these wives distributed half of their food to the Sumitra. This uneven share of the holy Payasam resulted in one son being born to both the Kaushalya and the Kaikeyi each. Sumitra, however, gave birth to the twin sons.
The glory of this day led to a pinnacle of celebrations in Ayodhya, India. Everyone residing there, along with the royal family, peoples, breathed a sigh of relief and expressed gratitude to God Ram for the miracle. Little did they know that God himself was being gifted to them in the form of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram, the newly born son of Kaushalya.
Ram Navami Significance
As you may have known, Lord Ram is said to be the 7th avatar of The Lord Vishnu. He was born during a period when vile King Ravan was tormenting his people and spreading Adharma (evil) over Dharma (righteousness). Lord Ram destroyed Ravan in a battle and restored peace on the day of Dussehra.
In North India, devotees carry out the Ram Navami Rath Yatra parade that draws a massive rally and crowd. One can see the statues of Lord Ram in Chariot, along with Devi Sita, brother Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman. Many people and childerns participate in the parade by dressing up in ancient costumes.
Ram Navami Celebrations in India
In many regions of All India, people arrange events where in they do bhajans and kirtans, along with distributing Prasad after Puja rituals. One can see decked up temples across the country embellished in beautiful flowers, creackers and lights. Devotees pay their homage to the Divine and chant like aarti mantras during the day. Special Havans are also organised at temple, during which they offer food, snakes, flowers and fruits while continuing the Vedic chants.
May the Lord bless everyone with his Divine grace. Happy Ram Navami!
