Rama Navami (12 April for 2011)

Rama Navami is a festival to celebrate the birth of Sri Rama, an incarnation of Sri Vishnu, on

the ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month (April/May) of the Hindu lunar year in 'Shukla

paksha' or waxing moon (12 April for 2011). Lord Rama incarnated to save his devotees

from the tyrant, Ravana, and he is worshipped as an epitome of an ideal man. One who is

good and true and the one who is ideal in every regard-a perfect son, an ideal brother, a

wonderful husband, a great father and mighty king. He is not simply thought of as a hero, but

as someone who is the true representation of a flawless man. It is believed that listening to

the story of Rama cleanses the soul. Meditating on the noble Rama and chanting his name is

believed to ease the pains of life and lead one to moksha, or liberation. Devotees fast on this

day seeking perfection as human beings, offer puja and also sing bhajans praising the deeds

of Lord Rama, his loyal brother Lakshman, his devoted wife Sita and Rama's greatest

devotee Hanuman. For our 2010 Celebration, Swamiji told stories about Lord Rama and

talked especially about the significance of chanting Rama Nama or the Mantra Ram. Our

beautiful Sri Krishna Ladoo Gopal Moorti is offered abishek and worshipped as Sri Rama on

this occasion.

Sri Swami Vishwananda gave a short but very interesting talk about the upcoming Ram Navami.

Sri Swami Vishwananda gave a short but very interesting talk about the upcoming Ram Navami.
Ram Navami and the importance of strengthening the connection to your Ishta Dev