Ram Navami festival is one of the auspicious festivals celebrated in India by the Hindus. It marks the birth of the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Lord Rama, the eldest son of the king of Ayodhya, Dashrath. Various ceremonies are performed on this day by the worshipers of Lord Rama to commemorate his birth and highlight the positive aspects of religion as per the Ram Navami meaning. Lord Rama was born to eliminate the negativity in the world. Ram Navami 2024 depicts the continuing fight between good and evil, reminding us of the need to uphold Dharma and eradicate Adharma.

Why is Ram Navami celebrated?

King Dasharath had three wives but no children. Thus, he sought advice from Sage Vasistha for the same, who asked him to undergo the Puthra Kameshti Yagna to satisfy his urge for a child, as per the Ramayana. The King shared the bowl of holy Kheer given to him after the yajna with all his wives. All three of them subsequently had children.

Then, the avatar of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, was born to Kausalya on the ninth day of the Chaitra month. 

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Lord Rama was born to eradicate Adharma and uphold Dharma on Earth while defending his followers from devilish charges. The great victory of Lord Rama against Ravana and the other Asuras established his position as a symbol of divine power and justice. 

To showcase their happiness at having Lord Rama as their new King, the people of Ayodhya celebrate his birthday as Ram Navami every year with tremendous zeal and delight. The celebration commemorates the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith and dedication to overcome challenges in life. 

Ram Navami 2024 Date

Shri Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri every year. This year, the Ram Navami date shall be April 17, 2024. 

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Ram Navami Puja Vidhi

The rituals to be performed on Ram Navami 2024 are:

• First greet and worship Lord Ganesha on Ram Navami 2024 date.
• Perform Dhyanam (meditation), ask Lord Rama to accept the offerings, and provide his blessings.
• Observe Avahanam by putting an image or idol of Lord Rama on a wooden base coated with yellow and praying to him (Asanam).
• Light a Diya with oil or ghee.
• Water, Haldi, Arghya, Janeu, Chandan, Kalava, Kumkum, Tulsi leaves, flowers, and Panchamrit should be offered at the feet of Lord Rama (Padya) while chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Offer incense and Thambaolam (coconut with husk, fruits, supari, paan, bananas, and Dakshina).
• Do the aarti to conclude the Ram Navami Puja Vidhi. 

Aspects for Chanting Mantras on Shri Ram Navami

Reciting mantras is an integral part of performing the Ram Navami Pooja Vidhi. Mantras and japas are chanted for attaining spiritual growth, as well as seeking blessings from God. 

• Om Sri Ramaya Namah - Chanting of this mantra helps to summon the blessings of the Lord as well as attain spiritual growth.
• In Hinduism, 108 is considered one of the most auspicious numbers. The heart chakra is formed by the convergence of the 108 energy lines. Thus, reciting the mantra 108 times can aid in opening this chakra and enhancing the spiritual state of being of an individual. Furthermore, it represents many aspects of devotion, such as Mantra Japa. 
• Japa Mala, the mala containing 108 beads, is used while performing the Mantra Japa. Worshipers chant the mantra on each bead while performing the japa.
• Many psychological benefits are also attached to reciting the mantras and japas, such as -

               -    Mantra chanting correctly helps reduce stammering and increase speech clarity.

               -    Japa helps improve attention and concentration. 

               -    It also has the ability to relax the mind.

               -    The vibrations produced by mantra tones cause the body to vibrate, stimulating the Hypothalamus gland.

               -    Regulating breathing, maintaining a normal heartbeat, stimulating blood circulation, and cleaning toxins, mantra recitation has heart-healthy effects.

               -    The balancing and arousing feelings are some of the emotional advantages of chanting the mantras.

               -    Without our knowledge, our subconscious responds to mantras.

               -    Chanting mantras on Ram Navami has spiritual significance and advantages that take devotees to new heights.

               -    Mantras and Japas have enormous strength and power.

Celebrating Ram Navami 2024

The meaning of Ram Navami relates to the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and falls on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. They participate in Bhajans, Aartis, Kirtans, and social events to celebrate Sri Rama Navratri, also known as Navratri, for all nine days.

At homes and temples, devotees recite prayers and mantras in the daytime as they believe Lord Rama was born at noon. They participate in Havana and Vedic mantras to worship God. Groups of worshippers recite the name of Lord Rama all night long.

The festival is widely observed by devotees at large all over India, particularly at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Sita Samahit Sthal (also known as Sitamarhi) in Bihar, as well as Bhadrachalam in Telangana. Devotees sing the name of Lord Rama and participate in the Yatras of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita Mata, and Hanuman. Several individuals bathe in the holy river in Ayodhya to purify themselves from their sins. These celebrations show how Indians have tremendous respect and affection for Lord Rama.

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Observing Vrat on Ram Navami 2024

On the auspicious Ram Navami festival, for the whole day, fast is observed by the devotees of Lord Rama. Worshipers can observe a rigorous fast like Nirjal Vrat, in which they give up drinking even a single drop of water until they do the parna at midnight. Some devotees observe the fast by consuming specific food items such as falahar. They consume food made using potatoes, kattu ka aata, moriya, sabudana without adding garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, or onion. Instead of salt, rock salt is used for cooking. Devotees observing fast can consume milk, tea, coffee, curd, fruits as well as root vegetables. 

Spiritual Significance of Ram Navami 

The spiritual significance of Ram Navami Vrat is considerable. It is healthy for the mind, body, and soul as it aids the body in self-cleansing as well as detoxification. Further, it promotes the development of self-control and discipline, the two attributes essential for spiritual growth.

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Astrological Significance of Ram Navami

As per Vedic astrology, the celebration of the Ram Navami festival holds much significance, considering the position of the planets on this day. In the first month of the lunar calendar - Chaitra, Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of the waxing phase of the moon, or Shukla Paksha. The day of the Ram Navami festival is governed by the Sun, which symbolizes the soul and vital energy and is connected to majesty, leadership, and power. The birth of Lord Rama is said to have brought his kingdom good fortune.

The astrological significance of Ram Navami makes it an auspicious day for beginning anything new. Hence, any devotees wishing to mark the new beginnings on Ram Navami date 2024 should talk to expert astrologer on call and seek guidance. On this day, worshiping Lord Rama is considered to get the devotees sound health, plentiful wealth, and happiness.

Endnote

As mentioned, the astrological and spiritual significance of Ram Navami is much. Devotees observing fasts should perform the Ram Navami Pooja Vidhi to seek blessings from the divine as well as mark the birth of Shri Ram on Navami.

Happy Ram Navami 2024!