Why is Guru Purnima Festival Celebrated?
What is Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima festival is celebrated to honor gurus, teachers, and preceptors. It is the birthday of Adi Guru and Sage Veda Vyasa who authored the great epic, Mahabharata. Veda Vyasa is considered as a great guru and is believed to have classified the Vedas into four categories - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. Guru is a Sanskrit word, which has two roots - ‘Gu’ meaning ‘darkness’ and ‘Ru’ meaning ‘removal of darkness or ignorance.’ It is the Guru who destroys our ignorance and guides us towards salvation. Guru Purnima Celebration is an important day for Buddhists too as it was on this day that Lord Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath was held. The day is an important one for Jains as well.
Legend Behind Guru Purnima
Legend has it that, some 15,000 years ago, a sage arrived in the Himalayas. He sat quietly in one place, his eyes closed. Occasionally, he shed tears. In the meantime, seven men had gathered around him. After many days, he opened his eyes, and the men pleaded with him to tell them what he was doing. He explained that he had been meditating and closed his eyes again.
The men too sat there for 84 years with their eyes closed. At long last, when the sage opened his eyes, he saw them still sitting there. Pleased, he imparted his wisdom to them. These seven men came to be called the ‘Sapta Rishis,’ and they traveled to different parts of the world to spread the knowledge that ‘Adi Guru’ had taught them.
Significance of Guru Purnima
The full moon day in Ashada (July-August) is celebrated as Guru Purnima 2019. On Guru Purnima, people worship Vyasa to honor his divine powers. Guru Purnima has significance to farmers as well. Observing the festival is believed to bring rain. This day is an auspicious occasion for starting spiritual lessons. Spiritual aspirants commence their ‘sadhana’ from this day. Chaturmas, a period of four months, begins from this day.
On this day, we should visit all our teachers and ‘Gurus’ and pay our respects. People often donate food and clothes on Guru Purnima. This helps them to seek the blessings of the departed souls of ‘Gurus.’ Teachers and gurus play an important role in our lives. The phrase, ‘Matha pitha guru deivam’ meaning ‘mother, father, and teacher are equal to God’ reflects this belief. They inculcate the right values in us and light the lamp of knowledge in our lives.
A good guru or teacher brings out the best in us and gives us the confidence and self-belief needed to face life. Hence, they have an important role to play in society. Celebrating Guru Purnima is our way of cherishing and honoring the gurus and teachers who have made a difference to our lives.
Why is Aadi Month Special?
Aadi is a special month in the Tamil calendar which corresponds to the month of July and August according to the Gregorian calendar. This is the fourth month, which follows Chitirai, Vaigasi and Aani months of Tamil Calendar. It has 32 days and is dedicated to spiritual and religious purposes. Aadi Month corresponds to Ashada month and Shravan month according to the Hindi calendar, which starts on July 17th and ends on August 17th. The Tamil speaking communities across India and rest of the world dedicate this month for Cultural, religious and agricultural purposes.
The Tamil New Year day falls on Chitirai 1 of Tamil calendar, which corresponds to April 14th or 15th According to the Gregorian calendar. It is interesting to note that the places like Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Burma, and Bangladesh also follow April month as their traditional new year. This suggests that the influence of Tamil Kings, due to the victory over war, and establishing Tamil culture becomes prominent. Along with that, there are several settlers, and immigrants who moved to other countries, which was highly influential in the spread of Tamil culture across the countries. Thus the festivals of Aadi is not only celebrated in India but across the world where the Tamil People are settled in great numbers.
Festivals celebrated in the month of Aadi:
1. Aadi Pirappu:
This is the first day of the month Aadi, which falls this year on July 17th. This is very special among the newly wedded couples, as the day starts with a special feast and gifts for the couples. In some parts of south India, the newly wedded couples are gifted with new dress and gifts by the parents of the bride. This day is celebrated with piety and pomp where the day is filled with special Puja, Abishegam or the hydrating ceremony in the temple. Many houses organize a grand feast, where they make traditional dishes like Poli, a flattened Lentil sweet made of jaggery and coconut; Payasam, milk based sweet which can be made with the combination of lentils, dry fruits and sugar; and Vadai, Indian donut, which is crispy and made of lentils.
2. Aadi Amavasya:
This is observed on a no-moon day, which occurs on July 31, 2019, according to the Gregorian calendar. On this special day, it is dedicated to performing Shradh and Tarpan to dead ancestors. “Pitru Dosha”, is one of the main curse, which affects the lineage, if the ancestors are not appeased after they had deceased. The soul of the departed should be at peace, else it will affect the well beings of the family.
On the day of Aadi Amavasya, it is important to perform appeasing rituals, to ensure the souls of the departed are pacified. The departed souls are the amulet and the guiding factor for any family, and the stepstone of growth. Many people prefer doing the rituals on the bank of the river and consider this highly auspicious to appease the deceased ancestors. This day is also highly beneficial to get rid of the accumulated Karma and helps an individual to reach a newer level of spirituality.
3. Aadi Pooram:
This is celebrated on August 03, 2019, Saturday. Aadi is the month is the birth month of Goddess Andal, who is regarded as one of the Alwars and prominent devotee of Lord Vishnu. She was raised by an Alwar called Saint Periazhwar, who was childless. She was also called as Kothai and Andal Thayar. The word Thayar in Tamil refers to Mother. She is accepted as a mother by the Tamil speaking Vaishnavite community. The child was found on the Day of Aadi Pooram in the garden of the saint in the town of Srivilliputhur, Tamilnadu. Goddess Andal’s extreme faith and love toward Lord Vishnu has made her regarded as one the greatest devotees of Lord Vishnu, that the world has ever seen. She used to wear the garland, which was supposed to be offered to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu also accepted the garland as the reward of Goddess Andal’s devotion. She then attained salvation and ascended to heaven along with Lord Vishnu Srirangam. There are several temples and shrines, which has special Puja, and ten-day festival to commemorate the birth anniversary of Goddess Andal. It is believed that young girls, who pray her with piety will get a life partner of their choice.
Temples and followers of Lord Shiva or Saivism, consider this day as the Valaikappu festival for Ambal, where the bangles are offered to the Goddess and distributed as a prasadam to the devotees. Since time immemorial, Valaikappu is a festival, where the pregnant women are adorned with bangles because the sound of the clinging glass bangles will give positive vibrations to the womb. It is believed that the mind of an unborn child will also be vulnerable to the environment which surrounds the pregnant women. Thus people ensure that pregnant ladies should always think and speak positively.
4. Varalakshmi Puja:
The festival of Varalakshmi Puja is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, which is celebrated on a Friday, full moon. This year it falls on 9th August, Friday. This is an important festival for people following Kannada, Marathi and Telugu Calendar. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Varalakshmi Puja day is equivalent of worshipping “Ashtalaksmi”, or eight incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, who will bestow the benevolence of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength for all her devotees. Many ancient texts and scriptures have revered the significance of celebrating Varalakshmi Puja. It is also believed that Lord Shiva suggested his consort that, celebrating Varalakshmi Pooja will bestow positivity, prosperity, and benevolence to the women.
5.Aadi Perukku:
Aadi Perukku or Padinettam Perukku is celebrated on August 3rd , 2019. It is celebrated for the arrival of Monsoon. People worship water bodies and pray for abundant rains. It is highly celebrated by farmers, where the activities of sowing, rooting, planting of seeds and vegetation takes place during this season.
Aadi Perukku is very special in the regions of Kaveri delta, where there are major rivers which witness the full flow of the river in the month. Many people celebrate the flow of water from brim to brim, during this month. Many Lakes and other water bodies also receive importance, where people gather here and pray. The word “Perukku” signifies to multiply. Hence Aadi Peruku is also considered as an important festival, where the life gets fulfilled and receives blessings from the divine grace.
Many people cook variety-rice like Tamarind rice, Lemon Rice, Curd Rice, which has different color, and flavor; sweets made of lentils, like Payasam which is a liquid and “Boli”, which is a flattened lentil preparation, offer it to the river Goddess. They also have the feast on the banks of the river. Many people would pray on the banks of the river. Newly-wedded couples celebrate this festival with great reverence, the bride would get her sacred thread, “Thalli” changed. The bride’s family will gift the Groom with a new dress and other gifts. Thus this festival enhances the importance of water bodies, as it is the cradle of civilization, and sensitize people to understand the importance of it.
6. Aadi Karthigai:
The festival of Aadi Karthigai falls on July 26, 2019, Friday. The star Karthigai is third among the 27 stars. On this day of “Aadi Karthigai”, Lord Muruga slew the demon Surapadma. This day is regarded as the victory of good over evil. The word Murugu in Tamil defines beauty, as Lord Muruga is highly charming and enchanting. He is considered as the Chief of Devas, and revered as “Devargal Senapathy”. It would be a grand festival in all the Lord Muruga’s temple, especially in “Aru Padai Veedu”, denoting six adobes of Lord Muruga, is situated in Tiruttani, Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Palani, Pazhamudircholai, and Thirupparankundram in the state of TamilNadu, India.
All the temples will see an elevated festivity, where the devotees will submit their prayers in the form of Kavadi, which is the wooden decoration, carried across the shoulders; “Paal Kudam” or the milk pot are highly followed. Many people do “Pada yatra”, which denotes to walking on foot to the temple. “Thee Midi”, is walking on the burnt coal, which marks the faith of the devotees towards Lord Muruga. “Theer” or cart pulling is done by devotees by piercing the hook of the cart on their bodies. “ Vel Kuthuthal”, is the piercing of Vel, the weapon used by Lord Muruga, where the devotees pierce their bodies with the sharp Vel on their tongue and cheek. Thus these traditions have been in practice since time immemorial and become an integral part of Lord Muruga’s worship.
7. Puthukku Paal:
The meaning of “Puthu” is Ant Hill, and Paal denotes milk. It is a special festival where the devotees will offer milk, and eggs for the anthill, where the snake lives. Worship of Serpents is in practice since time immemorial in Hindu Pantheon. During the months of Aadi and Thai, many people will worship the ant hill, and invoke the blessings of the serpents for longevity, opulence, and prosperity of their family. They also bring the sacred mud from the anthill, considering it as the good luck charm which protects their family.
Other Sacred/Important days of Aadi Month:
The month of Aadi is not only an important month for the Tamil community, but also for the people of India, and Indian settlers across the Globe. Various other festivals and sacred days of the month Aadi are Dakshinayana Sankranti, which is celebrated on the 16th July, Kamada Ekadashi celebrated on 28th July, Hariyali Teej on August 3rd, Nag Panjami on August 5th, Shravan Putrada Ekadasi on August 11th, and Raksha Bandhan on August 15th. Along with these festivals, all Fridays of the month of Aadi is sacred for worshipping female deities of Hindu Pantheon. Many people join in the group prayer conducted by the temples, or in the families where they make a special offering to the Goddess called Prasadams. They decorate the idol of the goddess or decorate the image of the Goddess in a special way, where they put the image of the Goddess on a raised pedestal and decorate it with special garlands. Aromatic incense sticks and perfumes are used to enhance the divinity in the Puja room.
Conclusion:
Hard work, belief, and prayers are the powerful tools of humanity, which ensures success in this “Kali Yuga”. It is the promise of the lord that he would appear whenever humanity needs support. Thus it is highly important for the people to ensure positivity through prayers on this special Aadi Month, which should be totally dedicated to spirituality.
Unknown Facts About the Meaning of Eclipses in Vedic Astrology
Eclipses – Good or Bad?
According to Indian beliefs, eclipses are caused when the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu, swallow the Sun and the Moon. Vedic Astrology holds that eclipses are not a good time to start or end projects, relationships, jobs, or any other important thing. Auspicious beginnings need light. However, as Rahu and Ketu swallow up the luminaries and twist it in dark ways, what you start could develop very strangely, and you may also regret ending something. During an eclipse, it is better to keep a low profile. Meditation is recommended as this time is favorable for connecting with the higher world. It is not advisable to start anything important on the day of an eclipse or the few days surrounding it. Importantly, if the eclipse is visible at the place where one happens to be, its effects will be greater. Solar eclipses are tougher because, during this time, there will be a new/dark Moon. Thus the Moon’s vital energy will not be present in the environment.
Eclipses herald change
An eclipse is the universe’s way of making us pay attention to things that we need to change in our life. They have an uprooting effect and get us out of our comfort zone. They enable us to move to a higher plane. Eclipses bring change, and we can’t escape it. Eclipses come in pairs and coincide with new Moon and full moons. Solar eclipses occur on new moons and lunar eclipses on full moons.
During an eclipse, one may hear news of childbirth, marriage, or engagement. It could also be news of a breakthrough in career, a promotion, starting a business, signing a major contract, important travel, etc. People may sell or buy a house, or move to a new home far away, get or lose a pet, undergo surgery, or deal with some new development in health. It could also mean college graduation, the beginning of a course of study, a divorce, a book going for publication, and so on. Important events, meetings, and separations, career changes, all are likely at this time. To put it simply, the universe wants you to move forward. Every eclipse triggers an important turning point in your life. Even if you are not affected, your friends and family might be.
An eclipse creates specific changes, and we will never be able to return to the old situation again. There is no cause for alarm for it’s a sign that the universe wants us to go forward and make progress, not return to the old days. That option no longer exists after an eclipse. If, later on, you are not happy where you ended up, you can make changes, but these changes should not take you back to the past. The changes caused by eclipses may happen immediately or over a period of months as each successive eclipse follows. For most people, the changes are often shocking.
Eclipses make us sentimental
New beginnings accompany solar eclipses and bring new opportunities. The developments are often positive. However, lunar eclipses tend to be more emotional, and they signal final endings. They can also make us rather sentimental. A full moon lunar eclipse stirs memories and dislodges dreams submerged in the depths of our subconscious mind which rise to the surface.
Eclipses often throw a curveball at us in the form of an unexpected random event. Like the butterfly effect, an event happening elsewhere will trigger it. The event will be completely beyond our control but don’t be surprised if sweeping changes arrive at your doorstep.
Eclipses reveal secrets
Eclipses induce a feeling that life is going into fast-forward mode. Things will accelerate at a rapid pace. They also throw light on things that you may not be aware of. Hidden truths will come out during this time. It could be about some underlying health condition or your spouse’s extramarital affair! Once the truth is revealed, it will force you to take a major decision or action. Most of the time, you may be shocked by the information that is published for that is the nature of an eclipse. It makes you sit up, pay attention to what is happening, and do something about it. However, there is no need to be scared for eclipses are like friends who tell you the truth with good intentions and to protect you from greater dangers. Truth is always preferable to living a lie. During an eclipse, especially a lunar eclipse, the true nature of someone close to you may be revealed, and it usually won’t be something that you like. In case you break up with someone during an eclipse, there will be very little chance of getting back together. So don’t try to reconcile with the person or begging them to come back. It will only lead to a loss of dignity.
Eclipses bring drama
Most of the time, you may receive dramatic news at eclipse time, but sometimes, it will come more subtly too as gossip or a secret shared. However, even then, it will be an indication of dramatic changes looming ahead. As it comes close to the eclipse, you should not ignore it. Try to investigate it because, when the next eclipse comes within five and a half months from the date you received the information, the situation could have escalated. By paying attention to the signals during eclipse time, you may be able to anticipate and prepare for problems that crop up later. Health needs attention if an eclipse happens to fall within five days of your birthday, or if it falls almost exactly opposite to it.
Eclipses are packed with energy
Eclipses happen during new and full moons, but they are several times stronger than an ordinary new or full moon. According to Miller, it is like a “new or full moon on steroids.” They have the energy of three new or full moons. The event that an eclipse brings may seem destined in some way. If an eclipse occurs on your birthday, or within five days of it, the following year will be significant for you.
Sometimes, eclipses can bring out your hidden capabilities. You may be able to do things that you never thought you would do. It’s like they open a door that was firmly locked and extremely difficult to enter.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi? Why is it celebrated?
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the important Indian festivals dedicated to a God. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the day of Lord Ganesha’s birth. He is the Lord of knowledge, prosperity, wisdom and good fortune. The festival is also called Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi. Though the festival is celebrated in many Indian states, it has a very special status in the state of Maharashtra. One reason is the Lord Ganesha is regarded as the patron saint of Maharashtra. Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. People worship him before beginning any venture. So he is one of the most important deities of the Hindu pantheon.
Birth of Lord Ganesha
There is an interesting story about the birth of Ganesha, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was his mother, Goddess Parvati, who created him. Once she made the image of a young boy using some sandalwood paste before she went to have her bath. She made him stand guard as Shiva was not around at the time. After a while, Lord Shiva arrived on the scene but Ganesha did not permit him to enter as Parvati was still bathing. Shiva lost his temper and cut off Ganesha's head. When Parvati came out and saw this, she flew into a rage. Then she assumed the form of Goddess Kali and threatened to destroy the world. Everyone became worried and implored Lord Shiva to placate Goddess Kali. So Shiva ordered his followers to find a child and bring back his head. The first child they happened to see was that of an elephant’s and so they cut the calf elephant’s head and took it to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva placed the head on Ganesha's body and brought it back to life. Goddess Kali’s anger cooled down. All the gods blessed Ganesha and the day is today celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi. Another version of the birth of Ganesha says that Shiva and Parvati created him at the behest of the heavenly beings so that he would become an obstacle in the path of demonic beings.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
The preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi preparations begin at least a month before the festival. The celebrations go on for around ten days (Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to Ananta Chaturdashi). On Day One of the festival, y a clay idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in homes or public pandals. Flowers are used to decorate the homes. Devotees flock to the temples where Poojas will be performed and bhajans sung. The festival is also an occasion for friends and families to get together. People of a locality form an association to solicit funds and arrange for pandals as well as various cultural events like music, singing, plays as well as philanthropic activities like blood donation drives and medical camps on the occasion. On the last day of the celebrations, the idols of Lord Ganesha are taken in procession. People join the procession in huge crowds and express their joy and devotion by singing and dancing on the streets. Finally, the idol is finally immersed in the river or sea.
Ganesha Pooja
The pooja starts once the clay idol of Lord Ganesha is installed. Women cook various dishes for the offering (bhog). Modak, a sweet dish, is a favorite of Ganesha and hence it is a staple. Other dishes include Karanji, barfi, laddoos and pede. The idol is bathed in water and then decorated with flowers. Aarti is performed and bhajans are sung. Mantras are also chanted. Chanting the mantras with complete devotion is thought to give life to the idol. People also believe that during this period, Ganesha comes to the devotee’s home, bringing prosperity and luck with him. Hence, it is a very auspicious day for Hindus.
History
The Ganesh Chaturthi Festival originated in the Maratha reign. It was the Maratha chieftain, Chatrapati Shivaji who began the festival. He did it to promote nationalistic feelings and cultural harmony among his people. In 1882, the festival got a fresh lease of life when Bal Gangadhar Tilak revived it. He saw it as a good platform to spread the message of the freedom struggle. As people from all communities took part in it, it soon became a religious as well as social function. This helped to unify Indians and create a spirit of oneness. The festival provided an occasion to deliver stirring speeches against British rule. Today also, Ganesha Chaturthi is an occasion that unifies all Indians, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. In fact, some of the artisans involved in making the clay idols are Muslims.
Significance and Rituals of Ganesh Festival in India
Ganesh Chaturthi is a very popular Hindu festival. It is also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi and is grandly celebrated throughout India, especially in Maharashtra. This ten-day festival begins on the fourth day (Shukla Chaturthi) and ends on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon called Anant Chaturdashi in Bhadrapada month (mid-August-mid September). Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is the son of Lord shiva and goddess parvati. Ganesha is the elephant-headed God of wealth, good fortune and auspicious beginnings.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi:
The festival was actually begun by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was a very brave warrior. The Peshwas worshipped and celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune, their state capital, as Ganesha was their family god. After the decline of the Peshwas, this festival lost state patronage and people celebrated it at home only. After some time, the celebration was revived again by the freedom fighter, Lokmanya Tilak, as a state-sponsored affair. He used it to disseminate the message of freedom as he wanted to get public support for the national freedom movement in India. For this reason, it is celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm in Maharashtra.
Lord Ganesha is associated with prosperity and fortune. One often finds his image on invitation cards for wedding ceremonies. Small Ganesha idols are also found at the entrance of homes. It is believed that this helps positive vibrations to enter the house and bring good fortune to those who live in the house.
Ganesha’s Birth
Stories related to the birth of Ganesha can be found in the book, Brahma Vivartha Purana, under the segment, Ganesha Khanda. There are many such stories narrating the birth of the God of Supreme Self, Lord Ganesha, as he is identified with the Supreme Self. He is regarded as the God of spiritual knowledge, good luck and prosperity. The most popular of these stories is that of Goddess Parvati who created a human figure out of sandalwood and made him stand guard to protect her privacy when she went to have a bath.
The Symbolism behind Ganesha
Lord Ganesha has the head of an elephant. This symbolizes great wisdom which is caused by “manana” or independent thinking. ‘Manana’ in turn arises from the process of “shravana” or intake of spiritual knowledge. This is represented by the deity’s large ears. The god’s well-developed trunk represents wisdom and the intellect of a perfectionist. The Lord’s vahan or vehicle is a mouse which represents conquest of the ego. The food offered to him at his feet symbolizes power and material wealth. The objects he holds in his hand too signify many things. For instance, the rope signifies spiritual knowledge, the axe, annihilation of desire, modak represents happiness and the lotus symbolizes the divine state of self-realization.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is celebrated grandly all over India. People begin the festival by cleaning and decorating the houses. Artisans begin to craft marvellous clay idols months before the festival commences.
The festival has many rituals which include chanting mantras, slokas and devotional songs. Arti (circulation of an earthen lamp by the priest) is done with great devotion before the deity. Delicacies dear to Ganesha like Modak and Karanji are prepared as offerings. Modak is made of steamed rice flour parcels which hold a stuffing of jaggery, coconut, etc. Other delicacies include Payasam, barfi, Pedha, Sabudana, puliyodarai, laddoo and Puliyodarai (tamarind rice). Songs, dances, theatrical performances, bursting of firecrackers, etc., are all part of the festivities. They come to an end with the Visarjan or immersion of Lord Ganesha idol in the ocean, rivers and lakes.
The Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi:
Ganesh Chaturthi rituals are observed for ten days beginning on the fourth day of the waxing moon (Shukla Chaturthi) and ending on the fourteenth day of this period. (Anant Chaturdashi) in the month of Bhadrapada. Preparations begin many months before the festival. Lighting arrangements will be made to illuminate the city, and skilled artisans start to craft clay idols and others construct pandals. On the first day of the festival, devotees take bath and wear new clothes before they worship the deity.
After placing the idol on a pedestal, they decorate it with flower garlands and sandalwood paste. A kalash (pot) with rice or holy water is placed before the deity. This is known as Purna Kumbha. The priest performs prayers to infuse the idol with life. This is called Pranaprathisthha. During this time, he chants slokas and mantras. Once this is completed, Shodashopachara is performed. This is a method of offering prayer in sixteen ways. Then the priest offers Arti and chants 108 names of the lord,along with slokas and mantras.The offerings for Lord Ganesha include Modak, Pedha, Sabudana laddoo, Badam laddoo, Puran Poli, Karanji, etc.
By worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day, people invoke his blessings and thereby attain spiritual knowledge, success wisdom and success in all their endeavors. Observing Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
History of Ram Navami
Introduction:
Ram Navami is one of the renowned festivals of India, which has gained a lot of prominences. It is celebrated to honor the great Avatar, and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is none other than Lord Ram. The festival of Ram Navami is celebrated at the end of Chaitra Navratri celebrations. The celebrations are not only to cherish within the families but also to reach a newer level in spirituality. It is the mark of Good vs Evil, where any negative things would be faded in life, giving rise to newer positive things. It is revered with pomp and joy across many people. The festival has gained a lot of prominence across India, and those places across the world where Indians are settled in large numbers.
Legend of Ram Navami:
Ram Navami has traced back to an age, which is the Vedic period, where it is even before the Krishna avatar. Several scriptures also have marked the iconic festival being celebrated in the Indian Subcontinent around 5114 BC, where countries like Thailand and Indonesia was once a part of “Bharatha Kandam”, an undivided pre-independent India. Chaitra month’s Sukla paksha, the waxing of the moon is the period where all the celebration starts.
The legendary king of the Ikshvaku dynasty, and one of the greatest kings of this lineage. “Lord Ram”, was the first son of King Dasaratha, who had three wives Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. None of the three wives had a son, where it is important for a King to have a male child as his successor. Legends say that Lord ram had a sibling called Shantha, who was then adopted by King Romapada, of Anga.
It was by the advice of Sage Vasistha, to perform “Puthra Kamesti Yagna”, one of the revered rituals to beget a son. With Sage Rushya Shrunga, as the head, a great ritual was performed. “Payasam”, a lentil and milk sweet preparation was given to the wives of King Dasaratha, where the king partitioned it into two halves and gave to his first two wives Kausalya and Kaikeyi. They both then gave a share to the third wife Sumitra. Thus the first two wives bore a child each, and the third wife bore two sons.
The Kindom at Ayodya was filled with glorious celebrations, where all the residents were full of happiness and contentment. It is important to note that, Lord Mahaveera was also from the Ikshvaku dynastry. The birth of Lord ram, along with his siblings is marked as great merriment. Lord Ram was not only a great king of the Ikshvaku clan but also one of the greatest and remarkable legends, who sacrificed his life for his father’s sake and led his life as an example.
Conclusion:
Lord Ram was instrumental in establishing righteousness in his life, where he killed King Vali. He brought life to Akaigai, who was cursed to become a stone. When a lot of Asuras were creating obstacles, he destroyed them. He was the slayer of Demon King Ravana, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, who abducted Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Sage Valmiki wrote the life of Lord Rama and was named Ramayana, which is one of the greatest lessons for humanity.