Ram Navami: Significance and Astrological Timing of Bhagawan Ram’s Birth
Shri Ram is one of the famous heroes, an ideal for all, and the 7th incarnation of Narayana. He is the epitome of all the good qualities – courtesy, virtue, and moral values. Shri Ram incarnated on Earth to defeat the forces of evil during the Treta Yug, as per the Ramayana. Ram Navami is a very important day for the bhakts of Shri Ram worldwide. This day marks the arrival of Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram on Earth as the eldest son of Raja Dashrath of Ayodhya. Devotees worship Shri Rama on this day and reflect on the power of truth over evil.
In 2024, the dates of Ram Navami are as follows.
Ram Navami 2024 Tithi
- Ram Navami Date: April 17, 2024, Wednesday
- Madhyahna Muhurat: 11:03 AM to 01:38 PM
- Duration: 02 Hours, 35 Minutes
- Maa Sita Navami on Thursday, May 16, 2024
- Rama Navami Madhyahna Moment: 12:21 PM
- Ram Navami Tithi Begins: 01:23 PM on Apr 16, 2024
- Ram Navami Tithi Ends: 03:14 PM on Apr 17, 2024
Significance of Ram Navami
Ramnavam is the day that reminds us all how good things win against bad things and how doing the right thing beats doing the wrong thing. It usually starts with offering water to Suraj Devta at sunrise, which is connected to Bhagwan Ram.
Ramnavami is also important as it brings good vibes to our lives and lessens the bad vibes. People also read stories about Ram and other sacred texts to understand and remember the meaning of this special day.
Celebrating and praying on Ramnavami brings divine blessings into the lives of people and helps rid the earth of negative energy.
Astrological Timing of Bhagwan Ram’s Birth
It is fascinating that Rishi Valmiki in the Ramayana hasn’t specified the birth year of Shri Ram. Even then, Shri Ram’s Kundali shows extraordinary planetary alignments that occur rarely in thousands of years.
In the Bala Kanda, it’s mentioned that Lord Rama was born a year after the Aswamedha sacrifice, specifically on the ninth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra, with the star Punarvasu ascendant. At that time, the five planets (Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) were in their exalted positions: Sun in the 10th degree of Aries, Moon in the 3rd degree of Taurus, Mars in the 28th degree of Capricorn, Jupiter in the 5th degree of Cancer, Venus in the 27th degree of Pisces, and Saturn in the 20th degree of Libra.
Accordingly, Jupiter and Moon formed a conjunction in Cancer during Shri Ram’s birth. Also, the Punarvasu nakshatra, which has four padas (quarters), had its fourth pada located in Cancer at that time. Considering Jupiter’s exalted position in Cancer and its conjunction with the Moon, it aligns with the fourth pada of Punarvasu during Shri Ram’s birth. This suggests that the ascendant at the time of Lord Rama’s birth must have been Cancer.
During the time of Shri Ram’s birth, the ruling period was Jupiter. The total years for different planetary periods covering seven planets and two nodes are considered 120 years in Vedic astrology, which is seen as the maximum natural life period for a human being. Read here Bhagwan Ram and his Birth Chart Analysis
Celebrations of Ram Navami
Ram Navami is indeed a special day, and so is the celebration. Like all auspicious days, people observe vrat on this day from sunrise to the next day’s sunrise. People recite and hear stories of Bhagwan Shri Ram’s childhood. They also read other important texts, like the Ramayana.
Temples and devotees’ homes are filled with devotional songs, including bathing and dressing Pratima of baby Ram, placing them in cradles.
Bhakts also symbolically marry Shri Rama and Mata Sita. There are also pandals and bhandaras organised in different parts of the country. The methods and ways are different but the intention and thought are the same – to show Shri Rama their love and devotion and spread positive vibes.
On Ram Navami, people often visit temples to seek blessings. Many temples perform “Havana” to purify the mind, body, and soul.
Ram Lila is also an attraction for Ram Navami. In various parts of the country, it is being organised as a theatrical performance. It depicts stories of Shri Ram’s victories over Lanka Naresh Ravana.
Though Ram Navami is a pan-India celebration, major festivities occur in Ayodhya, Bhadrachalam, Rameswaram, and Sitamarhi. These places are especially dedicated to worshipping Shri Ram. Besides him, Mata Sita, Laxman, and Hanuman are also worshipped on this day.
Before Ram Navami, devotees observe a nine-day fast known as Chaitra Navaratri. During this time, they avoid tamasic foods like alcohol and smoking and eat only pure vegetarian food along with daily puja. On the ninth day, Ayodhya and other cities sparkle like a bride, filled with devotees and devotion. This day pays tribute to every aspect of Bhagwan Rama’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which date is Ram Navami 2024?
A: In 2024, Ram Navami will be on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.
Q: What is the significance of Chaitra Navratri?
A: It is believed that on the Pratipada of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Durga descended on Earth as the beginning of the Shrishti (creation). She is the Adi Shakti, from whom the energy of this universe emanates. Also, on the Navami of Chaitra Navratri, Bhagawan Ram, Shri Hari Vishnu’s 7th incarnation was born in the Treta Yug. Devotees celebrated the occasion with much devotion.
Q: Who was Prabhu Shri Ram?
A: Shri Ram was the 7th incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu.
