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The Actual Story Behind Rama Navami

If you are curious to know why the festival of Rama Navami is celebrated and what is the actual story behind it, then this is the article you must read. Have a look.

By Debdatta Mazumder

Each year, Rama Navami is celebrated with sheer devotion and it is one of the most grand celebrations, especially in the North of India. Rama Navami signifies the birthday of Lord Ram. Lord Ram is also known as the 'Maryada Purushottam'- the ultimate man; therefore, his birthday is one of the most auspicious festivals in India. Shree Ram is worshipped as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On the Chaitra-Navratri day, Ram Navami is celebrated, i.e., on the ninth day of celebration.

Whenever you celebrate any religious occasion in India, there is some interesting story behind it, which signifies the importance of the celebration. Rather than following everyone, if you know the true story behind each occasion, you can find it more worthwhile to celebrate.

Also Read: Different ways in which Rama Navami festival is celebrated

Ram Navami is celebrated with sheer joy and happiness by all the Hindus around the world. People keep Vrat on this pious day. Some of them keep 'Nirahar Upvas', fasting without having a drop of water; and many people also keep a fast by having a specific diet, like having boiled potatoes with rock salt and without any spices, or fruits and vegetables, etc.

When you celebrate any occasion with such dedication, you should also know the actual story behind it, so that you can understand the significance of this occasion better. To know more, continue reading.

what is the actual story behind ram navami

Marriage Of King Dashratha: The earliest epic of India, Ramayana, has described the birth of Ram in details. The King Dashratha of Ayodhya had three wives, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumithra. But, he had no son from any of them. The King and Queens remained very disheartened due to this.

what is the actual story behind ram navami

Rishi Vashistha's Advice: Seeing the King and Queens so sad, the 'Kulguru' of the royal family, Rishi Vashishtha suggested to perform 'Putra Kameshti' Yagna (rituals performed in desire of a male child). He assured the king that this yagna wil bring a son to his house.

what is the actual story behind ram navami

Performing Of The Putra Kameshti Yagna: At the advice of Rishi Vashistha, King Dashratha, with his queens, headed to the ashram of Rishi Rishya Shringya to bring him to perform the yagna. Maharshi came and performed the yagna and gave a bowl of kheer to Dashratha to feed to his wives.

what is the actual story behind ram navami

Feeding Of The Kheer: While distributing it, King Dasharatha gave half of the Kheer to his elder wife Kaushalya and the other half to Kaikeyi, the second wife. Two of them gave half of their parts to Sumithra.

what is the actual story behind ram navami

Birth Of Shree Ram: Soon, all the Queens conceived and after a few months, on the ninth day of Chaitra Masam, according to the Hindu calendar. The elder Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Shree Ram at noon. On the same day, later, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharath and Sumithra gave birth to Lakshman and Shatrughna, the twin brothers. This was the day of grand celebration in Ayodhya.

So, this is the actual story behind celebrating Ram Navami magnificently. This is one of those celebrations where all types of Hindus can participate and pray to Lord Ram for his blessings to get prosperity and happiness in their life.

Story first published: Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 9:20 [IST]