Rama Navami is the day on which Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, incarnated in human form in the land of Ayodhya. The word ‘Rama’ literally means one who is divinely blissful and who gives joy to others, and the one in whom the sages rejoice.

Every year, in the month of March-April, Indians witness a flurry of activities in the pilgrimages as the Hindu month of Chaitra is near and Rama Navami, one of the greatest holy Hindu occasions is celebrated in Shukla Paksha or the waxing moon phase on the ninth day of the same.

The Hindu believes that on the similar day in the year 5114 BC, the prayers of King Dashratha of Ayodhya were answered. The king with three wives named Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi could not bore a male child which the king needed for the legacy and an heir to the throne.

A great sage Vasistha advised him to perform Puthra Kamesti Yagna, the sacred ritual carried out to obtain an offspring. The day was one of extreme celebrations in Ayodha where not only the royal family but every resident of the place heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the almighty for this miracle; little knowing that god himself was present among them in the form of Rama, the newborn son of Kausalya.

The story of Rama as said in scripture Ramayana is a classic, eternal and universal message of Dharma versus Adharma, of Deva versus Demon, of Good versus Evil, as represented in the battle between Rama and Ravana.

Rama Navami is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnava sect of the Hindus. However, even those who adore Lord Shiva celebrate the occasion. Some observe a strict fast on the day. Temples are decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy Ramayana is read in the temples. At Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, a big fair is held on this day.

The following teachings can be learnt from Bhagwan Rama:

As a Son: Respectfully and lovingly obey your father’s orders. Sacrifice your own confort for your father’s dignity.

As a Step-Son: Even when your step mother or mother-in-law is not kind to you, even when she discriminated with you in favor of her own birth child, do not resent her and do not fight against her. Respect her and her wishes.

As a Brother: Remain loyal to your brother. Care for him.

As a Husband: Protect your wife. Fight for her protection and her purity. But there are times when one’s divine path must even take precedence over the path of householder. Do not keep the role of householder as the ultimate role.

As a King: Sacrifice everything for your people. Do not worry about your own comfort, your own convenience or your own pleasure. Be willing to put the kingdom ahead of your own needs.

Rama Navami resonates with many Hindu devotees. The day teaches us more than just the worship of a deity.

Time is fleeting, know the value of time. Utilize every second profitably. Do not procrastinate. Abandon an idle gossip. Forget the past. Live every moment of your life for the realization of the divine goal. Unfold your latent faculties. Grow, evolve and become a superhuman. Struggle hard and reach the goal of life.