U Lakshman Rao
Sri Rama Navami is not merely a festival of celebration but a solemn remembrance of divine virtues and an enduring legacy. It marks the birth of Sri Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on the ninth day of the Chaitra month. This sacred occasion embodies righteousness, truth, and devotion, reaffirming the eternal values exemplified in Rama’s divine life. Every character in this grand narrative plays a crucial role in upholding cosmic order, serving as a timeless source of inspiration.
Sri Rama belonged to the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty. His ancestor, King Raghu, was renowned for his wisdom and his victory over Indra. His son, Aja, demonstrated immense valour in defending the sacrificial horse of the Ashvamedha Yagna from Indra, further enhancing the dynasty’s prestige. Aja’s son, Dasaratha, ascended the throne of Kosala, ruling from Ayodhya. During his reign, a cosmic crisis arose as the demon king Ravana, emboldened by boons granted by Lord Brahma, unleashed terror across the realms. The gods, seeking respite, turned to Brahma, who, in turn, sought Lord Vishnu’s counsel. Vishnu assured them that he would incarnate as Dasaratha and Kausalya’s son, fulfilling a promise given to them in their past lives as Kashyapa and Aditi. He also declared that his divine conch, discus, and mace would manifest as his brothers, and his birth would be the harbinger of Ravana’s downfall.
Brahma instructed Sage Vasishta to conduct the Putrakameshti Yagna. Dasaratha, accompanied by his three queens—Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi—invited Sage Rishyasringa and his wife Santha to perform the sacred ritual. Upon completion, a celestial being emerged, offering an urn of divine kheer, instructing Dasaratha to distribute it among his queens. Half was given to Kausalya, while the remaining half was shared between Sumitra and Kaikeyi. At Sumitra’s request, an additional portion was granted to her, foretelling the birth of twins.
In due course, all three queens bore children. On the auspicious Navami day of the Chaitra month, Kausalya gave birth to a resplendent son with a sky-blue complexion. Scholars studied his horoscope and found that his birth star, Punarvasu, in its fourth phase, signified greatness. Jupiter’s position in Taurus bestowed extraordinary attributes, while Aries, aligned with the solar dynasty, reinforced his divine heritage. Sumitra gave birth to twins, and Kaikeyi bore a valiant son. Vasishta, recognizing their destined roles, named them Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
From childhood, Rama and Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna were inseparable, undertaking every endeavour together. They excelled in education and martial prowess under royal tutelage. One day, Sage Vishvamitra approached Dasaratha, requesting Rama’s aid in protecting his yagna from demonic interferences. On Vasishta’s advice, Dasaratha consented, sending Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana.
The brothers journeyed along the Ganga, offering dawn oblations to the Sun God. Vishvamitra bestowed upon them the Bala and Atibala mantras, ensuring they would never experience fatigue, hunger, or exhaustion. He also granted them celestial weapons acquired through his penance. Their first test came in the form of the demoness Tataka, whom Rama vanquished with unwavering resolve. At the site of the yagna, they swiftly defeated the obstructing demons, restoring peace.
Soon after, Vishvamitra led them to King Janaka’s court, where Sita’s Svayamvara was to be held. Along the way, Rama liberated Ahalya from Sage Gautama’s curse. Upon arrival, they learned of an ancient bow enshrined in Janaka’s hall—whoever could lift and string it would win Sita’s hand. Many had failed, but Rama, with effortless grace, lifted and strung the bow, which shattered with a thunderous sound. Sita immediately garlanded him, and Janaka proposed marriages for his other daughters—Urmila to Lakshmana, Shrutakirti to Bharata, and Mandavi to Shatrughna. The grand weddings were celebrated, and the princes, accompanied by their brides, returned to Ayodhya.
On their journey home, they encountered Sage Parashurama, who tested Rama’s strength. Witnessing Rama’s divine prowess, he acknowledged his mission and withdrew. Upon their return, arrangements for Rama’s coronation commenced, only to be disrupted by Kaikeyi, influenced by Manthara. Rama, without hesitation, accepted his exile and departed for the forest with Sita and Lakshmana. Guided by the boatman Guha, they crossed the Ganga and visited numerous hermitages.
One fateful day, Sita, enchanted by a golden deer, requested Rama to capture it. When he failed to return, Lakshmana followed, leaving Sita momentarily unguarded. Seizing the opportunity, Ravana, disguised as an ascetic, abducted her and took her to Lanka. In despair, Rama contemplated unleashing divine destruction, but Lakshmana urged patience. They soon encountered Jatayu, the valiant bird-king, who, before breathing his last, revealed Sita’s whereabouts.
Seeking allies, they met Hanuman, the wise minister of Sugriva, the exiled king of Kishkindha. Rama pledged to restore Sugriva’s throne by vanquishing Vali. In gratitude, Sugriva launched a search for Sita. Hanuman, bearing Rama’s signet ring, located Sita in Lanka, assuring her of Rama’s imminent arrival. Refusing to leave until Ravana was defeated, Sita remained steadfast. Hanuman wreaked havoc in Lanka, warning Ravana of his impending doom.
Upon Hanuman’s return, Rama and his forces marched toward Lanka. Constructing a bridge over the ocean, they were joined by Vibhishana, Ravana’s righteous brother, whom Rama declared as Lanka’s future king. The great battle ensued—Rama’s forces defeated mighty demons, including Indrajit and Kumbhakarna. Ravana, undeterred by Mandodari’s pleas, confronted Rama and met his destined end. Rama instructed Vibhishana to perform his last rites and, reunited with Sita, returned to Ayodhya on the celestial Pushpaka Vimana.
At Nandigram, Bharata welcomed them with reverence. Rama paid homage to his mothers and was adorned in regal attire by Vasishta before ascending the throne. His rule ushered in a golden era—no calamities, no poverty, no sickness. Righteousness flourished, and harmony prevailed. Even in Treta Yuga, his governance surpassed the idealism of Krita Yuga.
Sita, as queen, embodied wisdom and charity. Rama’s reign—Ramarajya—became the epitome of an ideal society, free from suffering. His unwavering moral integrity, resilience, and devotion continue to inspire generations. No king, ancient or modern, has equaled his governance. Through all ages, the virtues of righteousness, truth, devotion, and humility, as exemplified by Rama, remain timeless, illuminating the path for humanity.
