Sri Rama Navami - 24th March 2010
Sri Rama Navami, a very important Hindu festival celebrated all over India irrespective of cast and creed. It celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival occurs on the ninth day (navami) of shukla paksha ( the period between new moon day and full moon day) in chaitra masa as per Hindu calender.
Here are a few details about Rama
Significance of the word Rama : Divided in 3 syllables : Ra + Aa + Ma
Ra = Rudra, Aa = Brahma, Ma= Vishnu. Hence Brahma . vishnu maheshwara is Lord Rama. If chanted as Rama , it is a name and if chanted as Ram, it is a Mantra and if chanted as Sri Rama , Power of Goddess Sita is added to it.
Date of Birth : Chaitra Masa,shukla paksha, Navami thithi
Birth star ( karnataka Raasi ) : Punarvasu ( 4th charanam)
Place of birth : Ayodhya
Parents : King Dasaratha and Kauslya Devi
Step Mothers : Kaikeyi and Sumithra
Brothers : Bharatha ( born to kaikeyi) , Lakshmana and Shatrugna ( twins born to Sumithra)
Wife : Sita ( Eka Pathni Vratha)
Sons : Lava and Kusha ( twins)
Power of the word Rama ( Info given by my friend Raji Nallan) :
1.The name "Rama" in telugu consists of 2 letters "Ra" and "ma".
2.The first letter "Ra" is taken from the ASTAKSHARI that is "Namo Narayanaya".In this astakshari "ra" is called Pranabeejam. Without this letter "ra" astakshari's meaning changes to "a shubham"(in telugu).
4.The second letter "ma" is taken from PANCHAKSHARI that is "Namah sivaya".In this "ma" is the Pranabeejam.without this letter panchakshari's meaning changes to "a mangalam"(in telugu).
5.So the name "RAMA" is the combination of 2 pranabeejam's and thus its found to be very powerful.
1.The name "Rama" in telugu consists of 2 letters "Ra" and "ma".
2.The first letter "Ra" is taken from the ASTAKSHARI that is "Namo Narayanaya".In this astakshari "ra" is called Pranabeejam. Without this letter "ra" astakshari's meaning changes to "a shubham"(in telugu).
4.The second letter "ma" is taken from PANCHAKSHARI that is "Namah sivaya".In this "ma" is the Pranabeejam.without this letter panchakshari's meaning changes to "a mangalam"(in telugu).
5.So the name "RAMA" is the combination of 2 pranabeejam's and thus its found to be very powerful.
In many parts of south India , it is also celebrated as the wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita, hence referred as Sri SitaRama Kalyanum which is performed very grandly at Bhadrachalum temple in Andhra Pradesh. Temples of Rama are decorated with flowers and lights, vedic chants and mantras and special pujas are performed.
Procedure :
On this auspicious day, devotees observe fasting till noon .The idol or picture of Rama Sita is decorated with flowers and fruits placed in front of it. A special prasadam is prepared for this festival known as Panakum (telugu) / panaka (kannada), which is a mixture of jaggery, dry ginger, crushed black pepper and cardamom. Also Kosambri (in kannada)/ vada pappu , i.e., Moong dal (soaked) + grated coconut + grated mango+ chopped green chillies is offered as neivedyam .An aarthi is performed at noon and special slokas of Rama are chanted on this day.
Navami celebrations in south India is the narration of stories from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that listening to the stories of Rama and chanting His name cleanses the soul. One is advised to Read/listen Vishnu Saharanamam (1000 Names of Lord Vishnu ) or Sri Rama Rakshaka Sthothrams (audio attached below) this day in praise of Lord Rama.
Slokas that are generally recited on this day: -
Sri Rama Mantram :
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Rama Slokam :
Rama Rama Namoustute
Jaya Ramachandra Namoustute
Ramachandra Namoustute
Jaya Raaghavaaya Namoustute
Deva Deva Namoustute
Jaya Devaraaja Namoustute
Vaasudeva Namoustute
Jaya Varadaraaja Namoustute
Taraka Mantram :( Sthotra from vishnu Sahasranamam ) - Taraka mantra means the one that helps to cross the ocean of samsara and free us from the bondage cycle of birth and death. This is the family mantra of Lord Shiva.
Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasranama Tat Thul-yam Rama Nama Varanane
Meaning : It is only Rama Naamam which is equal to thousand names of vishnu.
( Prayer sloka of Hanuma) :
Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keerthanam
Tatra Tatra Kruthamasthakanjalim
Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam
Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam
Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam
Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam
Meaning : Hanuma says that wherever rama Naama is sung, He is present though not visible, with eyes full of tears and hands folded in prayers to His Lord.
Attached below are some links related to Rama bhajans, songs and slokas
Posts
good one.
ReplyDeletewith eyes full of tears and hands folded in prayers to His Lord... Sweet expression.. bow down to Hanuman.
ReplyDeleteThanks All..:)
ReplyDeletehey..thanq for including my information..
ReplyDeleteUr welcome Raji...expecting such useful info from u :)
ReplyDelete