Ram Navami 2023: Date, Puja Timing, Fast
Sri Rama Navami (Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the appearance day of Lord Ramachandra on the holy land of Ayodhya in Treta Yuga. All the Vedic scriptures confirm that Lord Krishna or Vishnu descended in the most beautiful incarnation endearingly known as Ramachandra and performed various pastimes setting the parameters of culture, heroism, principles, morality, good governance, humility, and renunciation.
The ancient scriptures of India have always stressed that the Lord descends in His various incarnations to attract the devotees and annihilate the evil-minded. The activities performed by the Lord are all worshipped, celebrated, and meditated on by His dearest devotees. These activities are called Lila (pastimes). Such pastimes were performed by Lord Vishnu in His Rama incarnation or Avatar.
Book Now Ram Navami Puja
Why do we celebrate Ram Navami?
Rama Navami marks the birthday of Lord Rama as He appeared on this day in His all-auspicious, divine-human avatar. Descending from the solar dynasty that entitled Him as Suryavamsi, Lord Ramachandra was the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. He had three younger brothers, Bharata of Kaikeyi (Rama's stepmother) and Lakshman and Shatrughna of Sumitra (Rama’s other stepmother). Trained by His guru Vishvamitra, Lord Rama studied and practiced martial arts and it was all executed against the demonic forces that attempted to disrupt Vedic Yajna and ceremonies.
On this day, people, especially devotees of the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism engage in reading or reciting the Ramayana, offering pujas, and performing Havans at Rama temples. People take out the deity idols of baby Rama for a sacred bath and bedeck it with fresh clothes before putting it into a cradle. Some local groups or mandals organize charitable events and community meals. People also fast on this day. However, the most important spiritual activity on this day is bhajan or bhakti songs dedicated to Lord Ramachandra. The central part of Ramayana is performing one’s occupational duties with a complete detachment from worldly affairs and cultivating an attachment to the Supreme Lord.
Rama Navmi 2023: Description in the scriptures
Lord Brahma in his scriptural treatise Brahma Samhita prays to the Lord reciting:
ramadi-murtishu kala-niyamena tishthan
nanavataram akarod bhuvaneshu kintu
krishnah svayam samabhavat paramaha puman yo
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
Meaning: “I offer prayers to Lord Govinda, the Primeval Lord, Who personally appeared as al-divine Krishna and the different incarnations in the world such as Rama, Narsimha, Vamana and others as His subjective portions.”
The prayers by Lord Brahma confirm the fact that the Lord appears in His various incarnations. Out of which, the Rama incarnation personifies justice, ethics, and victory over vices. As a part of the spring Navratri, Rama Navami is marked on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) in the Vedic/Hindu calendar month of Chaitra (March or April).
Spiritual Significance of Rama Navami
- Rama (ra and ma): ‘Ra’ means light. ‘Ma’ means within. The divine light within you is Rama.
- Dasharatha (dasa and ratha): Rama’s father. ‘Dasa’ means ten. ‘Ratha’ means chariot. Ten chariots mean five working senses or active senses (Karmendriya) and knowledge acquiring senses (Gyanendria). The active senses include the ability to talk, the hands, the legs, the evacuating part, and the genitals. The knowledge-acquiring senses include eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and sense of touch.
- Kaushalya: Rama’s mother. It means ‘skill’. A skilled charioteer rides the ten chariots and generates the strength that is contained in Rama.
- Ayodhya: Birthplace and capital city of Lord Rama. ‘A’ is the negative prefix to ‘Yodhya’ which means ‘war’. So, a place where there is no war but prosperity and justice is called Ayodhya.
It is said that in the Satya Yuga, there were wars between Gods and demons from different planets. In the Treta Yuga, there were wars between Gods and demons that lived in different places but on the same planet (Rama from Ayodhya and Ravana from Lanka). In the Dwapara Yuga, there were wars between people living in the same families (Pandava and Kaurava).
In the Kali Yuga, the wars are within us wherein Rama is our Soul, Sita is our Mind, Hanuman (son of the Wind God) is our life force (prana) and Ravan is our ego.
Ravana (Ego) takes over Sita (Mind) which makes Rama (Soul) restless. To harmonize Mind and Soul, one needs to meditate and breathe (Hanuman) in complete awareness. Once the harmony is established, Rama and Sita reunite and ego is destroyed.
Ram Navami Celebration: Why and Where is Ram Navami celebrated?
Particular | Date & Day | Time starts | Time ends |
Pratipada Tithi Begins | Mar 21, 2023 | 10:52 PM | |
Pratipada Tithi Ends | Mar 22, 2023 | | 08:20 PM |
- The reason why we celebrate Ram Navmi is that it is celebrated in the social spirit. People engage in reciting Ramayana or reading the scriptures like Ramayana, Srimad Bhagavatam, and the like.
- Since the Lord is Absolute Truth, prayers offered in any form are absolute themselves. One can simply listen to the recitals or take part in Ram Navami Aarti, bhajans, kirtans (devotional songs) at temples or home.
- Listening to the divine qualities mentioned in the scriptures is the best of all devotions. One can also take part in the Abhishek (coronation) ceremony of Lord Rama on this day.
- One can wear a Ten Mukhi Rudraksha bead ruled by Lord Krishna, an Eighteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead ruled by Bhumidevi (wife of Vishnu), and a Nineteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead ruled by Lord Narayan. All these beads are connected with Lord Vishnu or Rama Himself.
- You can also observe vrata (fast) and engage in services at the temples of Rama. This is considered a service equal to that offered by Hanuman for engaging in the temple service with a devotional mood is also serving the lotus feet of Rama. Such a devotee is rare.
Rama Navami 2023: Performing Rama Navami Puja Vidhi And Mantra Japa
A Puja Vidhi performed as per the scriptures during Rama Navami is highly auspicious. A Rama Navami Puja includes: Kalash Sthapana, Panchang Sthapana (Gauri Ganesh, Punyavachan, Shodash Matrika, Navgraha, Sarvotabhadra), 64 yogini Pujan, Shetrapal Pujan, Swasti Vachan, and Sankalpa.
Also, it includes Ganesh Pujan and Abhishek, Navgraha Pujan and 108 chants of each planetary mantra, Invocation of major Gods and Goddesses in Kalash, Ram Sita Pujan, Recitation of Sunderkand Paath, 108 Patha of Ram Raksha Stotra, Ram Raksha Stotra Japa (5100 chants), Yagna, Aarti and Pushpaanjali.
If you wish to have a Rama Navami Puja and Mantra Japa performed under the experienced Karmakandi Pundits, you can book the puja online here. The entire puja will be performed as instructed in the scriptures.
Scroll Down to read moreShop Now for Energized Products
-
Ramayana by Kamala Subramaniam
INR 500 | USD 6.25
Product Code : B64
Add To Cart
-
Durga Power
INR 6,400 | USD 80.00
Product Code : RST142
Add To Cart
-
Jai Shri Ram Shawl
INR 150 | USD 1.88
Product Code : MSW09
Add To Cart
-
Ram Locket in Pure Silver
INR 265 | USD 3.31
Product Code : PL33
Add To Cart
-
Ram Kada
INR 425 | USD 5.31
Product Code : CK06
Add To Cart
-
Sanjeevani Power Bracelet - J
INR 47,670 | USD 595.88
Product Code : RST129
Add To Cart
-
Healing Bracelet - J
INR 3,825 | USD 47.81
Product Code : RST130
Add To Cart
-
OM Sai Ram Kada in Silver
INR 6,135 | USD 76.69
Product Code : NSB07
Add To Cart
-
Sairam Mantra Kada
INR 425 | USD 5.31
Product Code : CK10
Add To Cart
-
Puja for Success in Business
INR 16,101 | USD 201.26
Product Code : PY169
Add To Cart
-
Shree Ram Locket in Pure Gold - Design I
INR 25,200 | USD 315.00
Product Code : RLG01
Add To Cart
-
Ram Darbar Puja and Yajna
INR 9,501 | USD 118.76
Product Code : PY200
Add To Cart
-
Puja for peace of mind - Moola Mantra Japa
INR 16,301 | USD 203.76
Product Code : PY233
Add To Cart
-
Puja for Happy Family - Married Life
INR 16,101 | USD 201.26
Product Code : PY249
Add To Cart
-
Ganesh Puja for Health of Children
INR 25,601 | USD 320.01
Product Code : PY253
Add To Cart
-
Self Confidence
INR 15,330 | USD 191.63
Product Code : RST172
Add To Cart
-
Ram Darbar - Wall Artifact
INR 5,120 | USD 64.00
Product Code : PDM28
Add To Cart
-
Shree Ram Crystal Locket
INR 280 | USD 3.50
Product Code : RCL01
Add To Cart
-
Ram Bracelet
INR 2,700 | USD 33.75
Product Code : CK26
Add To Cart
-
Ram Darbar - I
INR 8,870 | USD 110.88
Product Code : PDM43
Add To Cart
-
Creativity Intellect Bracelet - J
INR 1,490 | USD 18.63
Product Code : RST44
Add To Cart
-
Ram Parivar in white marble idol
INR 68,410 | USD 855.13
Product Code : MIC09
Add To Cart
-
Shree yantra Pendant on White Agate
INR 1,100 | USD 13.75
Product Code : GYP09
Add To Cart
-
Shree Yantra on Rose Quartz
INR 2,675 | USD 33.44
Product Code : GPY14
Add To Cart
-
ShreeYantra on silk with frame
INR 425 | USD 5.31
Product Code : YSF18
Add To Cart
-
Shree Ratna Shakti yantra - I
INR 6,500 | USD 81.25
Product Code : MRY02
Add To Cart
-
Siddh Meru Dhanvantri Yantra
INR 7,100 | USD 88.75
Product Code : CEY20
Add To Cart
-
Shree Ramraksha Yantra - Gold - 6 inches
INR 3,200 | USD 40.00
Product Code : MYH18
Add To Cart
-
Wisdom - J
INR 2,190 | USD 27.38
Product Code : RST45
Add To Cart
-
Shree Ramraksha Yantra - 6 inches
INR 2,000 | USD 25.00
Product Code : MY20
Add To Cart
-
Astrological Bangle
INR 1,08,100 | USD 1,351.25
Product Code : ABK01
Add To Cart
Rudra Centre Puja Services performed Akhand Ramayan Path on the occasion of Ram Navami
on 2nd April 2020
Rudra Centre Puja Services performed Akhand Ramayan Path on the occasion of Ram Navami (2nd April 2020). The Path featured 24 hrs Nonstop recital of Ramayana accompanied with bhajans and music. Several Yajamans all across the world participated in this. Prayers were also offered unto the Lord for giving the world strength and protection amid these trying times of Coronavirus Pandemic.
Ram Navami History | Legends of Lord Rama | Ramayana Story in brief
Written by Sage Valmiki, the Ramayana
comprises 24000 verses and seven
sections. The entire story revolves
around Lord Rama’s journey to bring
back His consort Sita, who is abducted
by Ravana, the demonic king Ravana.
Ramayana was written by sage Valmiki composing 24,000 verses splitting it into seven kandas or chapters. The entire story revolves around Lord Rama’s journey to bring back His consort Sita, who is abducted by Ravana, the demonic king Ravana. Although Lord Rama was Himself the divine incarnation, He performed all of His prescribed duties with perfection. Life and activities of Rama is called Ramayana. It is one of the greatest ancient epics that teach justice and morality. His father King Dasharatha who wanted to enthrone Rama was forced by his youngest queen to exile Him and enthrone her son Bharata.
As a result, Lord Rama just like an obedient son obliged and lived in exile with His consort Sita and brother Lakshmana. The Lankan King Ravana besotted with the beautiful Sita abducted Her causing ire in the mind, body, heart and soul of Rama. Assisted by His eternal servitor Hanuman and with the blessing of Lord Shiva, Rama engaged in one of the ghastly wars against the evil army of Ravana. The war witnessed the death of many. Ravana who was considered the mightiest among the evil-minded succumbed unto the feet of Rama and died. Legends of Rama feature His serving as the King, husband, son, brother, master and nemesis (Ravana's). He played as the most perfected being in these roles.
King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, who retires, decides to choose his son Lord Rama as the next he. However, one of his queens Kaikeyi forces him to appoint her own son, Bharata saying that he owes her two favors. One that her own son becomes the king and Rama must be exiled for fourteen years.
Pained by the harsh promise, King Dasharatha gives in to her demand. As a result, Lord Rama leaves for the forest, accompanied by His chaste wife Sita and brother Lakshmana leaving the Raghu kingdom.
During exile, a lady named Surpanakha besotted with Rama asks Him for marrying her. But Rama introduces her to Sita. Envying Sita’s beauty, she tries to harm Her but Lakshman quickly cuts her nose.
She describes to her brother Ravana the unmatched beauty of Sita. Hearing it, Ravana is not able to check his urge to see and enjoy Her. Soon he decides to get her to Lanka.
Because Sita is guarded by Ramchandra and Lakshman, Ravana sends Maricha disguised as a golden deer to make Rama and Lakshmana go away from Sita. She wishes to have the deer. Rama follows the deer.
Rama takes too long. Sita asks Lakshman to help Him. Lakshman secures the woodshed with a mantra-charged line drawn around it and leaves. Ravana then disguised as a mendicant comes and asks for alms.
Crossing over the line, She offers alms but Ravana grabs Her hand and carries Her off in his pushpaka (airplane). Jatayu fights with Ravana to save Her but dies. Before breathing his last, he tells everything to Rama.
During Her captivity at Ashok Vatika, Sita mourns and anxiously awaits Rama to save Her. During this time, She is watched over by Dasis (demoniac servants) of Ravana who often visits Her to check on Her.
Lord Rama gathers a sufficient army with the help of Hanuman, and Sugriva against the army of Ravana. Hanuman determines to help Rama rescue Sita from Ravana and takes a giant leap to Lanka.
Using his mystic powers, Hanuman becomes as small as an ant and secretly enters Lanka at dead night. He meets Sita and gives Her a ring sent by Rama. She states that Rama should save Her quickly.
Before leaving, Hanuman wants to check strength of Ravana’s men. He allows himself to be captivated and Ravana orders his men to set his tail on fire. Hanuman enjoys seeing their desperation and deep fear.
With the burning tail, Hanuman escapes and sets the city on fire. As a result, the whole Lanka is devoured by the rising flames of fire. When Ravana finds this out, he commands for war preparation.
Hanuman returns and informs Rama about the grave situation ahead. Rama orders them to start war preparations. He invokes the grace of Varuna, the sea-god with Nala and Nila helping build a bridge to Lanka.
Soon a great battle begins. Both sides attack with each other Ravana's son Indrajit badly wounds Lakshmana. To heal Lakshmana, Hanuman in a gigantic form and brings a mountain full of herbs to Lanka.
Soon, Rama and Ravana battle but Rama finds it difficult to kill him. Informed by Vibhishana, Rama shoots hid abdomen of with an arrow and he dies. Rama installs Vibhishana as the king of Lanka.
Seeing that Sita was in captivity of another man, Rama asks Her to undergo agni-pariksha the test to prove Her chastity. However, the Fire god is unable to touch her and She proves Her chastity.
Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya with Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. People become overjoyed to see their king return after fourteen years. Bharata and Shatugna fall at Their feet, asking Rama to take over the throne.
When Rama overhears a man talking to his wife about Sita’s chastity, He abandons Sita and arranges for Her stay at sage Valmiki’s ashram. She learns about Bhakti and soon gives birth to Luv and Kusha.
Both grow up under Valmiki who recites the glory of Rama and Sita. He asks them to narrate it to the world as hearing Ramayana will be a great yajna in Dwarpa and Kali Yugas.