Lord Ramachandra – the worshipable Deity of millions, the ideal son, husband, brother, master, king, administrator and above everything, the direct incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared on the ninth day (Navami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) of Chaitra masa in Treta yuga. The appearance day of Lord Rama, Sri Rama Navami will be celebrated in many parts of the world as SRI RAMA NAVAMI
The Srimad Bhagavatam and the Ramayana give us vivid portrayals of the state of affairs during Lord Rama’s reign that they can make us hanker for such a situation just by hearing those narrations. The following description of the rule of Lord Rama from the Srimad Bhagavatam can fill anyone with wonder and delight.
“jugopa pitrvad ramo
menire pitaram ca tam”
“After accepting the throne of the state, Lord Rämachandra cared for the citizens exactly like a loving father, and the citizens, being fully satisfied and pleased, accepted Him as their father. When Lord Ramachandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was the King of this world, all bodily and mental suffering, disease, old age, bereavement, lamentation, distress, fear and fatigue were completely absent. There was even no death for those who did not want it. During the reign of Lord Ramachandra the forests, the rivers, the hills and mountains, the states, the seven islands and the seven seas were all favorable in supplying the necessities of life for all living beings.” (Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 9 chapter 10)
The main significance behind the celebration of this festival is that the character of Lord Rama signifies someone who follow the right path against all odds in life. He was also the true embodiment of humanity. So celebration of Ram Navami is a special way to remember all the noble deeds performed by Lord Rama.
At ISKCON, Mysuru on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami, the Deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama are decorated as Rama and Lakshmana. The evening program begins from 6 pm onwards with Sri Rama Taraka Homa, followed by a special Video presentation on the pastimes of Lord Ramachandra. A special song which narrates the entire Ramayana “NAMA RAMAYANA” is also sung. The program ends with the chanting of Sri Rama ashtottara shata namavali, arati with sankirtan and prasadam.