Er. Prabhat Kishore
Ram Navami marks the birth of Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram, observed on the ninth day of the Indian New Year, Chaitra Shukla Paksha, in the Vikrami Samvat calendar. Lord Ram is the seventh and most revered incarnation (Avatar) of Lord Vishnu among the Dashavatara, who took birth in Treta Yuga to destroy evil forces. The nine-day auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratra also concludes on this day. As Lord Surya is considered the ancestor of Shri Ram, devotees begin this sacred day by offering “Jal Arpan” (water) to Surya in the morning.
In Treta Yuga, not only Prabhu Ram but several other divine personalities incarnated as human beings to fulfill their respective roles. Goddess Lakshmi incarnated as Mother Sita, Sheshnag as Lakshman, the Sudarshan Chakra as Bharat, and the Panchajanya Shankh as Shatrughna. The entire divine play (Leela) was meant to ensure the victory of good over evil and to re-establish Dharma on earth by eliminating Adharma.
Beloved by the people, revered by his Gurus, and admired by the Rishis and Munis, Lord Ram is the epitome of virtue and righteousness. Through his incarnation, Lord Vishnu demonstrated how an ideal human being should walk the path of Dharma. Prabhu Ram symbolizes a devoted son, an ideal husband, a loving brother, a loyal friend, a brave warrior, and above all, a just king. This is why the concept of an ideal and utopian governance system is referred to as “Ram Rajya,” known for peace, justice, duty, prosperity, and happiness.
The life of Shri Ram was filled with challenges, yet he never deviated from the path of righteousness, compassion, and wisdom. He upheld the highest standards of conduct and ethics in every situation. He stood as a protector of the weak and oppressed while remaining firm and uncompromising against evil forces.
His teachings serve as a guiding light for all sections of society. While name, fame, wealth, and physical charm fade with time, noble character, compassion, and virtuous deeds endure forever. Some defining qualities of Shri Ram—duty, courage, intelligence, justice, kindness, obedience, patience, popularity, and universal love—remain guiding principles for humanity.
The story of Prabhu Ram has been narrated in various languages and by numerous authors. Among these, the “Ramayana” in Sanskrit by Maharshi Valmiki and the “Ramcharitmanas” in Hindi by Goswami Tulsidas are the most widely revered. Shri Ram also holds special significance in other traditions originating from Sanatan Dharma, particularly Sikhism.
In the holy Sikh scripture, Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the name “Ram” is mentioned 2,533 times. Ram is also included among the 24 incarnations of Vishnu in the “Chaubis Avtar,” a composition in the “Dasam Granth,” traditionally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh.
Prabhu Ram represents both Sagun (with form) and Nirgun (formless) aspects of the divine. His teachings and personality transcend sects, beliefs, and boundaries, making him a universal ideal for all humanity. He resides in every soul and in every particle of the universe (Kan Kan Mein Prabhu Shri Ram).
Ram Navami is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across the world, with prayers, pujas, and processions of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. Observing a fast on this day is believed to purify the body and mind and bring blessings and good fortune. Shri Ram guides devotees on the path toward liberation and immortality.
