Procedure to observe Rama Navami Vratham and the benefits
Posted on: 05/Apr/2017 9:42:57 AM
Lord Vishnu was born as incarnation as Rama as the son of the King of Ayodhya Dasaratha in order to destroy the evil king of Lanka, Ravana and his immoral ways and living.
The day on which Rama was born is celebrated as Sri Rama Navami. Rama was born in the Tamil calendar month of Chithirai Shukla Paksha (Moon’s growing fortnight) on the Navami tithi in the noon of the day.
Generally, the people do not do many tasks on the days of Ashtami and Navami. They would neglect them totally. The 2 tithis Ashtami and Navami were worried about this trend and prayed to Lord Maha Vishnu regarding this.
Lord Vishnu promised them the day will soon come when Ashtami and Navami will be praised by people.
Accordingly, Lord Vishnu was born as the incarnation of Krishna to Vasudeva and Devaki on the Ashtami day. This day is celebrated as Krishna Jayanthi all over the country.
Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Rama on the Navami day and was born as the son of Dasaratha and Kausalya. This day is celebrated as Sri Rama Navami Day.
The Vratham on Rama Navami is observed in 2 ways. The first is to observe 9 days penance from Chithirai Sukla Paksha Prathamai tithi till Navami tithi. This penance is called Gramotsavam.
The second type of penance starts from Shukla Paksha Navami tithi and continued for the next 9 days. This is known as Janmotsav.
Thus, the 9 days before the birth of Lord Rama is observed as a system of penance and the 9 days after the birth of Lord Ram as the 2nd type of penance. The devotees have been observing this for centuries.
The house has to be cleaned a day before commencing penance. From the day of starting the penance, take food only once a day and keep chanting Rama Nama. In the subsequent days, offer different dishes as Naivedya (divine offering) such as sweet Pongal, and payasam (kheer) every day. Make a garland of basil leaves and adorn Lord Rama deity. And make a garland of vadas for Lord Hanuman (Maruti).
Those who cannot do this for some reasons including affordability must do it at least on the day of Sri Rama Navami.
It would be excellent not to restrict the chanting of Rama Nama only to these 9 days of penance - draw Lord Rama’s Horoscope on a paper or on a copper plate will bring excellent results.
As per Lord Rama’s Horoscope, Sun is in Mesha Rasi, Mars is in Makara Rasi, Guru is in Kataka Rasi, Sukran is in Meena Rasi. And Sani is in Thulam Rasi - all at their peak. So, this horoscope is extra special. By praying with this horoscope, desired things will happen. All benefits such as wealth and fame will reach the person who prays.
With that said, LiveChennai wishes you all a very Happy Rama Navami.
