Sree Ram Navami - the birth celebration of an ideal incarnation

1. Introduction

Sree Ram Navami is celebrated to proclaim the birth of Sree Rama, the seventh incarnation of Sree Vishnu. The ninth day (navami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Sree Ram Navami. On this day, when the five planets and the sun were in the first house of cancer at noon along with the lunar asterism Pushya, Sree Ram was born in Ayodhya (a city in North India).

Celebrations of Sree Ram Navami start on Gudhi Padwa, the first day of Chaitra and continue for 9 days. During this period, devotees do parayans (periodic readings) of Ramayan, recite the Ramraksha Stotra (hymns glorifying Sree Ram), sing bhajans-kirtans (holy devotional songs) in His praise and chant His name.

2. Attributes of Ram

Name: Sree Ram's Name was prevalent even before His birth. After His victory at Lanka, that is, upon demonstrating His Godhood, everyone started addressing Him as Sree Ram (Lord Ram).

Ideal in all respects: Sree Ram is the example of an ideal son, brother, husband, king, friend and enemy.

Follower of righteousness (Dharma): Sree Ram observed all codes of conduct prescribed by Dharma; that is why He is referred to as 'Maryada Purushottam.' Also, honoring His word (ekvachani), needing just one arrow or shot to find the mark (ekbaani) and having only one wife (ekpatni) are His well-known attributes.

Sree Ram's kingdom (Ramrajya): During Sree Ram's rule, in the Tretayug (the 2nd era of existence) it was not Lord Ram alone who was wise. His subjects too, were prudent. Hence, during His reign not a single complaint was brought to His court.
The real kingdom of Lord Ram dwells within oneself. The implied meaning of this is absolute control over the five sense organs, five motor organs, mind, subconscious mind, intellect and ego by the Ram principle (Atmaram - the soul principle).

3. Sree Ram: an ideal

The ideal son: Always obeyed His parents; at times even advised the elders.

The ideal brother: Ram-Lakshman's love is cited as the ideal of brotherly love.

The ideal husband: Devoted to His one and only wife. In those times kings used to have many wives.

The ideal friend: He helped Sugreev, Vibhishan and many others during their difficult times.

The ideal king: Followed all the codes of conduct for kings as laid down in our scriptures.

The ideal enemy: Vibhishan refused to perform the last rites of Ravan, his brother. Sree Ram said to him, 'If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!'