Sri Rama Navami – on 17th April 2024

Sri Rama Navami is the auspicious appearance day of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Sri Ramachandra appeared in the month of Chaitra (March – April), on the ninth day of the growing moon (Chaitra Masa, Shukla Paksha, Navami Tithi) and this particular day is celebrated as Sri Rama Navami every year.

Sri Ramachandra appeared as the son of Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya, who hailed from the dynasty of Maharaja Ikshvaku (also known as Raghu vamsha). Dasharatha had three wives: Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, but he had no children. On the advice of Maharishi Vashishtha, the king performed a Putra Kameshti Yajna. As a result, the three wives conceived sons. Kaushalya gave birth to Rama and Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata. Sumitra gave birth to the twins: Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

The life and activities of Sri Rama are explained in detail by the great sage Valmiki in the epic Ramayana. A summarized version of the Ramayana as narrated by Shukadeva Goswami to Parikshit Maharaja is included in the ninth canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana).

Sri Rama Navami Celebrations

Sri Rama Navami is one of the important festivals celebrated at ISKCON Hubli-Dharwad. Devotees fast throughout the day and remember Sri Rama, by chanting His holy names or hearing from the Ramayana. They break the fast at sunset.

The Deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama are decorated as Rama and Lakshmana. This special alankara happens only once in a year. Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, the cowherd boys of Vrindavana, accept royal robes and appear as the princes of Ayodhya holding bows and arrows in Their hands.

In the evening, the devotees perform Rama Taraka Homa by chanting the Sri Rama Ashtottara Shata Nama. After the homa, a special arati is performed to Their Lordships. Devotees sing Nama Ramayana – a song which narrates the entire Ramayana.  Sumptuous prasadam is served to all the visitors

This year we are celebrating Sri Rama Navami 1n 2024

Offer Sevas on this auspicious occasion and seek the blessings of Lord Sri Rama.