SRI RAM NAVAMI 2014

SRI RAMA NAVAMI 2014
CELEBRATIONS ON APRIL 8

www.indiaonlinepages.com - Ram Navami is one of the most significant days observed by the Hindus, especially the followers of Vishnu. Ram Navami is the day etched out in the Hindu calendar as the auspicious occasion that consecrates the birth of Lord Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh human incarnation on earth. Born to King Dasarath and his wife Kaushalya on the 'navami' or the 'ninth day' of Chaitra month, Ram Navami is celebrated in the spirit of a festival in March/April. 
According to Hindu belief, Lord Rama came on earth invested with the divine qualities of Lord Vishnu, associated with purity of soul, beneficence and humility. From the mythological perspective, Lord Rama is seen as eternally blissful and in his earthly form came to exemplify the perfect man, referred to as 'Maryada Purushottam'. It is this aspect that is recalled during the Ram Navami festival.

Lord Rama's dutifulness, integrity and magnanimity are detailed out through the various episodes of the epic 'Ramayana'. Recitations and discourses from the Ramayana help us to take cues from Lord Rama's demonstration of integrity and courage in order to triumph over evil motives and selfish desires. Thus, Ram Navami festival is for all those who want to imbibe these qualities in thought and action. 
It is with this spirit that Ram Navami is celebrated in all parts of the country, with instances of full nine-day celebration and fasting rituals to seek Lord Rama's grace throughout the crest and troughs of life. Since the day coincides with the wedding of Rama and Sita, the mood on this day is extremely jubilant. In Andhra Pradesh, temples re-enact the marriage of Lord Rama and Sita on the final day of Ram Navami. 

This year 2014, Sri Ram Navami falls on 8th April and it is celebrated with elaborate preparation and fervor. The rituals in the observance of Ram Navami include recitations from 'Ramayana' or Tulsidas's 'Ramacharitmanas', long renditions of bhajans and kirtans and awe-inspiring puja and arti. The bhajans are very uplifting as they eulogize the virtues of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman. Hanuman is known for is his devotion to Rama, and a lot of devotees recite 'Sunderkand' that strengthen qualities of courage and dedication. Ayodhya, Lord Rama's holy birth place witnesses a huge congregation of devotees who come to take a holy dip in river Saryu on the pious occasion of Ram Navami. In South India, the Ram Navami festival carries on for nine days consisting of several elements of ceremony and rituals. In Rishikesh, which is an important seat of Ram worship, special prayers dedicated to Lord Rama, japas and constant chantings invoking Lord Rama's name is a common practice. Mantras like 'Om Sri Ram', 'Jai Sri Ram' raise the higher energies around the place. Our spiritual teachers have taught us that if we hear about the life of Ramachandra, His activities and pastimes, we will be associating directly with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for there is no difference between His form, His name, His pastimes, and Himself. With his exemplary behavior, Lord Rama achieved unity in thought, word and deed, for that reason, far from celebrating Ramanavami as a mere celebration, this occasion is an invitation to elevate our emotions, our feelings and our understanding of spiritual contemplation and self-control, with which we come into harmony with the forces of the world. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Dasharatha was the king of Kosala, an ancient kingdom that was located in present day Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya was its capital.  The childless Dasharatha was advised by his family priest Vashishtha to perform a fire sacrifice ceremony to seek the blessings of God for children.  While performing the fire worship ceremony, a majestic figure rose from the sacrificial fire and handed to Dasharatha a bowl of rice pudding, saying, “God is pleased with you and has asked you to distribute this rice pudding (payasa) to your wives - they will soon bear your children.”  The king received the gift joyfully and distributed the payasa to his three queens, Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kausalya, the eldest queen, gave birth to the eldest son Rama.  Bharata, the second son was born to Kaikeyi and Sumitra gave birth to the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna.  Rama’s birthday is celebrated now as “Ramanavami”.

Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
“The Ramayana Summarized”
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/ramayana_summarized.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com  -  http://www.stephenknapp.info/

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

INDIAN AUTHORITIES GREET NATION ON RAM NAVAMI

INDIA PRESIDENT, VICE, MINISTER AND
GOVERNORS GREET PEOPLE ON RAM NAVAMI

India Blooms / ANI - Tomorrow is Ram Navami, which falls on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year (thus named Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami). President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has greeted the citizens on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Rama. 
In his message, Mukherjee said: “On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens. Let us strive to emulate Bhagwan Shri Ram’s ideals of rectitude, compassion and forbearance. May Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram’s noble example remain an eternal beacon inspiring us to tread the path of righteous conduct at all times."
Whereas Vice President Ansari said in his message: "I extend my greetings and best wishes to all our citizens on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Rama. May the eternal message of Lord Rama guide us all on the righteous path."

Meanwhile, Punjab Governor, Shivraj Patil and Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, have conveyed their greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion. In his message, Mr Patil said "Lord Rama is the embodiment of righteousness and high moral values. His philosophy and teachings inspire all of us to rededicate ourselves to cause of the underprivileged with service and sacrifice". 
The Governor appealed to the people to celebrate this festival collectively, in a spirit of traditional gaiety, amity and devotion, rising above considerations of caste, creed and religion and share joy and happiness with each other.
Deputy Chief Minister Badal in his message, said Lord Ram epitomised high values of righteous conduct and selfless services. "He continues to be a beacon of light to mankind with his message that the good and the righteous always emerge victorious", Badal added.

Tomorrow is Lord Ramachandra’s appearance day. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari on Thursday greeted the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami - the birth of Lord Rama - to be celebrated on Friday. President Mukherjee in his message said: "May the celebration of this joyous festival unite our people and inspire us to build a glorious future for our nation,” and Vice President Ansari mentioned the event saying: "On this joyous occasion, let us resolve to dedicate ourselves towards building a peaceful, just and harmonious society." Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister, said "May the celebrations of this joyous festival bring all our people together and inspire us to follow the highest moral and ethical values of Lord Ram and rededicate ourselves to build a glorious nation." Rama Navami ki jaya!

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

On Rama Navami we celebrate the appearance of Lord Rama. And most important for all of us to understand about the appearance of the Lord, is how to cultivate the appearance of the Lord within our own hearts. ... In other words until our hearts are restored to their natural state - full of devotion - there will always be the difficulties of corruption, and quarrel. The Lord descended to this world as Lord Ram to show us how to fulfill this most important mission in all of our life, to realize that the kingdom of the God is within our own heart. This is the universal principle. In Bible it is also said, “The kingdom of God is within.” ... Wherever the Lord is, that is the kingdom of God. Rama is dwelling within us. But why don’t we feel Him? Why don’t we love Him? Why don’t we see Him? How to revive that original consciousness that is within the soul? This is the subject of all great sacred texts.

Śrīla Radhanath Swami Mahārāja :
"Establishing the Kingdom of Rama Within"
"Thoughts for Rama Navami"
http://www.radhanathswami.com/2012/03/establishing-the-kingdom-of-rama-within-thoughts-for-rama-navami/
http://www.radhanath-swami.net/ -  http://radhanathswami.info

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/