Shri Rama, one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu Bhagwan, was born in Ayodhya on Chaitra Sud 9 at 12 o’clock in the afternoon. The purpose of his incarnation was to kill Ravan, an evil demon. Even though Ravan was well-versed in the scriptures, he opposed dharma and caused chaos throughout India.
Shri Rama, also known as Maryaada Purushottam, lived his life as the ideal son, husband, and king.
Shri Rama was the eldest son and thus the rightful heir to the throne. However, he stepped down from the throne and handed it over to his step-brother, Bharat, to please Dashrath and Kaikeyi. After spending 14 years exiled in the forest and vanquishing Ravan, he returned to Ayodhya.
Upon his return, Shri Rama thanked Kaikeyi for sending him into exile: “Oh Mother, it is by your grace that I came to know many things during my forest exile: my father’s love, Bharat’s forsaking the throne, Hanumanji’s might, Sugriva’s friendship, Lakshman’s devotion, Sitaji’s purity, the strength in my arms, and the enmity of dissenters. If you had not graced me, how could I have known these?” Shri Rama lived his life ethically, setting an ideal example for generations to come.
Rituals:
People observe a nirjala (waterless) fast on Ram Navami, recall Shri Ram’s lila, and pray so that they may acquire virtues like him. At 12 pm, Shri Rama’s birth hour, devotees perform aarti in their local mandirs.