Ram Navami – Birth of the Inner Light

Ram Navami, coming up on 30th March, is Lord Rama’s birthday – the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, incarnated as his 7th form.

Rama’s story is one of ultimate sacrifice, as it is said that he absorbed all the world’s suffering. He teaches us to persevere on the path of truth and love, despite all adversity. Since his role was to restore dharma (moral order) on earth, Ram Navami is a great day to reflect on your own dharmic, or moral, state.

Reading sacred texts and stories – like the Mahabharata and Ramayana – or listening to recitations of Rama’s own autobiography, ‘Rama Katha,’ are great ways to honor Lord Rama on this day. Rama is also celebrated and honored through music, charity, community meals and rituals involving Lord Rama icons or figurines.

Ram Navami takes place during the waxing (bright) phase of the Moon in the first month of the Vedic calendar, Chaitra.

Rama - The Light of the Self

The Sanskrit word Ram means ‘the light of the Self,’ and Rama is related to the Sun – the giver of light that upholds the entire universe. Honoring Rama and the Sun helps us increase the solar energy in our lives, and is a great remedy for all Saturn (darkness) related problems.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains that, “With the use of skill when you bring your senses inwards, when your mind is quiet and free from conflict, that is when the divine eternal light, which is Lord Rama, dawns within you. Rama is born when the inner light shines through.”

This Ram Navami you can call on Lord Rama with reverence through the following rituals to invoke his abundant blessings.

Ram Navami Rituals

Chant the simple mantra, ‘Sri Rama,’ – It is said that the mere act of chanting Rama’s name can have enormous benefits. ‘Sri’ represents the yin energy and ‘Ram’ represents the Yang energy, so chanting this mantra helps to balance the body and promote good health, particularly the circulatory system.
Chant the mantra, ‘Aum Namo Bhagavate Ramachandraya,’ 108 times.
Listen to, chant or meditate on the Vishnu Sahasranama, the sacred chant that lists the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, who incarnated as the Rama avatar.
Read or recite the Ramayana, the ancient epic that narrates the life story of Lord Rama. This is a great way to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama and to understand the significance of his life and teachings.
Donate food, clothes, and other essential items to those in need. It is believed that performing acts of charity on this day will bring blessings and prosperity.
Honor the Sun by performing Arghya. While doing this you can chant the Savitur Gayatri Mantra, ‘Om bhur bhuvah svah, Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yonah prachodayat.’

To perform Arghya:

If possible, wake up before sunrise and take a shower as a self-purification rite. Even if you’re unable to wake up before sunrise, you can still do this ritual after you shower.
Face east while standing with a copper vessel filled with water. If possible do this outdoors or on a balcony, otherwise you can make the offering indoors.
With both hands stretched forward, raise the copper vessel to heart level.
Pour the water, little by little, as you chant.
If the sun is visible from where you stand, you can also make eye contact with it by gazing through the water as you pour.
As you pour, focus on gratitude toward the sun for all it makes possible on earth.
After the ritual, close your eyes for a few minutes and meditate silently.

By honoring Lord Rama on Ram Navami you can connect with the day’s gifts of wealth, longevity, self-esteem, victory, and moksha (liberation).

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