LordRama’sBirth: ATimeless InspirationforHumanity
The Divine Legacy of Dharma and Devotion
Bhagavan Sri Ram
RAMAYAN WEEK
TRIBUTE TO SAGE VALMIKI AND GOSWAMI TULSIDAS
KEY TEACHINGS OF THE RAMAYAN
OBSERVANCES OF RAMAYAN WEEK
RAM NAVAMI AND THE TALE OF LORD RAM’S BIRTH
QUALITIES & TEACHINGS OF BHAGAVAN SHRI RAM
CELEBRATIONS OF RAM NAVAMI AND OFFERINGS DURING
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OUR TEAM
Joyous Ram Navami
Namastetooneandall,
It is a great pleasure to be able to offer a few words in honour of this auspicious time of year when we celebrate the birth of Lord Rama.
Were I to try to recount the glories of Shri Ram, I would not have enough time nor the space, in print or digital. When great sages, Sharada and Shesa fail to describe them, of what hope is it to someone asfeeblemindedasme.
Immersed in inspiring tales contained within the Ramacaritamanasa, I have grown to adore the lotusfeet of Lord Rama and strive to live a life that pleasesHim.
The way it came to me is nothing short of a miracle. Once when I was in meditation, I saw Lord Shiva, and noticed that He was always meditating. So I asked Him, “Great Lord, I ever see You blissful in meditation. What is it that You meditate on?” Then I noticed Him smile, even though at the time He said nothinginresponse.
A day or two later, I went to visit a friend who runs a local store. When he saw me, his eyes lit up and he said he had something for me. A customer of his had broughtinapacketofafew books she no longer wanted andthoughthecouldgiveit to someone who would appreciateit.
Joyous Ram Navami
Acknowledging this to be a gift from God, I hurried home and that night began reading the Ramacaritamanasa. It immediately caught my attention and within a few days I understood why it wasdestinedtocometome. It took me a while to get through, but every minute I read and every word was likefindingaspringoffresh waterinadesert.
There are so many great lessons and such charming acts of humility and devotion, it is impossible foronetoreaditandnotbe changed forever. The AllPervading Lord Rama who is seated in the heart of all beings is beyond all description.
This Ramayan week, I pray that the Lord is gracious to us all, and blesses us with the boon of His Divine presence. May our hearts be receptive to His teachings and may we strive to live according to Histeachingsandexample. I wish you all a joyous Ramayan week and a blessed Ram Navami. May the light and love of our Divine Lord fill the hearts and homes of our families and draw us ever closer to Him witheachpassingday.
Jai Shri Ram
Ram Navami
Ramayan Week
Ramayan Week is a religious observance celebrated primarily by Hindus. It is dedicated to reciting and reflecting on the Ramayana, the ancient epic that narrates the life of Lord Rama. The week usually leads up to Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
Origin of Ramayan Week
The exact historical origin of Ramayan Week is unclear, but it is rooted in Hindu traditions of devotional recitation (path) and storytelling (katha). While the tradition may not have a single historical starting point, it is a continuation of Hindu devotional practices that emphasize the moral and spiritual lessons of the Ramayana.
When is it Observed?
Ramayan Week is often observed leading up to Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram, which falls on the ninth day of Chaitra month (March-April). This year Ramayan Week will be observed between the 30 March 2025 - 05 April 2025. However, different regions may celebrate it at other times.
Ram Navami
Tribute to Sage Valmiki (author of the Ramayan), and Tribute to Sage Valmiki (author of the Ramayan), and Goswani Tulsidas (author of the Ramacharitmanas) Goswani Tulsidas (author of the Ramacharitmanas)
With deepest gratitude, we bow in praise to Sage Valmiki, whose verses first lit the way. With wisdom divine,
Penned Lord Sri Rama’s tale in Sanskrit’s rhyme.
In Awadhi’s verse Goswami Tulsidas in devotion brought it to the common man in words of love for all to hear.
Sage Valmiki and the Writing of the Ramayana
Who Was Valmiki?
Maharishi Valmiki was originally a hunter-turned-sage who, through deep penance and divine guidance, became a revered poet and scholar. He is known as the Adi Kavi (First Poet) and is credited with composing the Ramayana, the oldest epic in Sanskrit literature.
The Divine Inspiration to Write the Ramayana
According to legend, Valmiki was once wandering near the Tamsa River when he witnessed a hunter kill one of a pair of krauncha (heron) birds. Seeing the grief of the surviving bird, Valmiki was overwhelmed with compassion and spontaneously uttered a shloka (verse) in a rhythmic meter—this became the first shloka in Sanskrit poetry.
Soon after, Sage Narada visited Valmiki and narrated the divine story of Lord Rama, describing him as the perfect embodiment of righteousness (Maryada Purushottam). Narada’s account deeply moved Valmiki, and he wished to immortalize Rama’s story.
Ram Navami
Sage Valmiki and the Writing of the Ramayana
Composition of the Ramayana
At this moment, Lord Brahma appeared before Valmiki and blessed him with divine insight, allowing him to see every event of Rama’s life as if it were happening before him. He instructed Valmiki to compose the Ramayana in the same poetic meter he hadinstinctivelycreated.
Valmiki composed the Ramayana in 24,000 Sanskrit verses, divided into seven kandas (books):
1. Bala Kanda – Rama’s birth and early years
2. Ayodhya Kanda – His exile from Ayodhya
3. Aranya Kanda – Life in the forest and Sita’s abduction
4. Kishkindha Kanda – Alliance with Hanuman and Sugriva
5. Sundara Kanda – Hanuman’s journey to Lanka
6. Yuddha Kanda – The battle with Ravana and victory
7. Uttara Kanda – Rama’s later life and Sita’s departure
The Ramayana is written in Anushtubh Chandas, a metrical form of Sanskrit poetry.
Ram Navami
Some Key Teachings of the Ramayan
1. Duty (Dharma) – Always fulfill your responsibilities, eveninadversity.
2. Obedience & Respect –Respect for parents, teachers, and elders is crucial.
3. Sacrifice & Selflessness – Prioritizing others over oneself leads to greater good.
4. Truth & Integrity –Always uphold truth, no matterthecircumstances.
5. Devotion & Faith –Sincere devotion to God leadstodivineblessings.
6.Patience&Perseverance–Challenges are temporary; faith and effort lead to victory.
7. Loyalty & Commitment –Be loyal in relationships, whether as a spouse, friend, ordevotee.
8.Forgiveness&Compassion – Forgiving others leads to innerpeaceandharmony.
9. Righteous Leadership – A true leader serves with humilityandfairness.
10. Power of Friendship –True friends support and uplift each other in difficulties.
Ram Navami
Valmiki’s Role in the Ramayana
Valmiki himself appears in the Ramayana in the Uttara Kanda, where he shelters Sita while pregnant.
Sita gives birth to Lava and Kusha, whom Valmiki raises and teaches the Ramayana.
The two boys later recite the epic in King Rama’s court, revealing their true identity as his sons.
Legacy of Valmiki’s Ramayana
The Ramayana became one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, influencing cultures across India and Southeast Asia.
It was later adapted into various regional languages, including Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi.
Ram Navami
Tulsidas and the Writing of Ramcharitmanas
Who Was Tulsidas?
Goswami Tulsidas (1532–1623 CE) was a great Hindu saint, poet, and philosopher of the Bhakti movement. He is best known for composing the Ramcharitmanas, an Awadhi retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana. His devotion to Lord Rama was so deep that he is believed to have had a divine vision of Hanuman and Lord Rama.
Why Did Tulsidas Write Ramcharitmanas?
During Tulsidas’ time, Sanskrit texts like Valmiki’s Ramayana were mainly accessible to scholars and priests. The common people, especially in North India, could not understand Sanskrit. Tulsidas sought to bring Lord Rama’s story to the masses in a language they could understand —Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi.
Ram Navami
Divine Inspiration for Ramcharitmanas
Legend says that Tulsidas, inspired by a vision of Lord Shiva in Varanasi, was guided to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. There, he began composing the Ramcharitmanas on Rama Navami (the birthday of Lord Rama) in the year 1574 CE.
Structure of Ramcharitmanas
The Ramcharitmanas follows Valmiki’s Ramayana but with a bhakti (devotional) perspective. It consists of seven kands (sections):
1. Bala Kanda – The birth and childhood of Rama.
2. Ayodhya Kanda – Rama’s life in Ayodhya and his exile.
3. Aranya Kanda – Life in the forest and Sita’s abduction.
4. Kishkindha Kanda – Alliance with Hanuman and Sugriva.
5. Sundara Kanda – Hanuman’s journey to Lanka.
6. Lanka Kanda – Battle with Ravana and Rama’s victory.
7. Uttara Kanda – Rama’s rule and Sita’s departure.
Key Features of Ramcharitmanas
Written in Awadhi, making it accessible to all. Emphasizes bhakti (devotion), dharma (righteousness), and surrender to God.
Hanuman Chalisa, a popular hymn, was also written by Tulsidas.
More than just a retelling, it portrays Rama as the Supreme Being (Brahman) rather than just a historical prince.
Ram Navami
Tulsidas’ Miracles and Legacy
Tulsidas is believed to have had a darshan (vision) of Lord Hanuman, who later led him to see Lord Rama in human form.
He spent his later years in Varanasi, composing devotional hymns.
His work unified Hindu society, making the story of Rama accessible beyond Sanskrit scholars.
RAMACHARITMANAS
Impact of Ramcharitmanas
It became the most popular version of the Ramayana in North India. Even today, it is recited in temples, homes, and during Ramayan Kathas. The festival of Ramayan Week and Ram Navami often involve reciting passages from Ramcharitmanas.
Tulsidas’ work transformed the spiritual and literary landscape of India, making Lord Rama’s story a living tradition among Hindus.
The words of these author's light paths of truth and grace, inspiring and guiding hearts to Rama’s embrace.
Ram Navami
The purpose of Ramayan Week is to honor and celebrate the teachings, values, and stories of the Ramayan, one of Hinduism's most revered scriptures. It is observed by devotees as a time for spiritual reflection, religious devotion, and moral introspection.
Observances During Ramayan Week
Daily Readings & Discourses
read or listen to chapters from the RamayanorRamcharitmanas,particularly focusing on Lord Ram's virtues, devotion, andrighteousness.
Bhajans & Kirtans – Religious songs and hymns praising Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman,andHanumanaresung.
Fasting & Pujas – Many observe fasting andperformspecialprayersforblessings andspiritualgrowth.
Moral & Ethical Reflection
used to reflect on lessons from the Ramayan, such as dharma (duty), truth, anddevotion.
Dramatic Reenactments communities organize Ram Leela performances to depict significant episodesfromtheepic.
Ram Navami 2025
Ram Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and a central figure in the Ramayan. It usually falls on the ninth day of Chaitra month (March or April) according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year Ram Navami will be observed on Sunday, 6 April 2025.
Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Ram to King Dasharath and Queen Kaushalya in the city of Ayodhya. It is believed that Ram's birth was to restore dharma (righteousness) and defeat evil (personified by the demon king Ravana).
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Ram Navami
In due time, the queens gave birth to four sons:
Kaushalya bore Rama, the embodiment of virtue and dharma.
Kaikeyi bore Bharata, devoted and righteous.
Sumitra bore Lakshmana and Shatrughna, inseparable brothers, deeply devoted to Rama and Bharata, respectively.
Note. According to legend, as a divine play of fate, a portion of that sacred kheer was carried by Vayu Deva (the Wind God) to Anjana, who consumed it. Through this divine blessing, Hanuman was born.
(See upcoming Hanuman Jayanti issue for more).
Lord Ram is regarded as the epitome of virtue, dharma, and ideal conduct. His life and actions in the Ramayan inspire people to live with integrity, compassion, and devotion.
Ram Navami
2025
Qualities & teachings of Bhagavan Shri Ram:
Truthful (Satya-Sandh) – Always speaks and stands by the truth.
Obedient (Pitru-Bhakta) – Fulfills his father’s promise, even at great personal cost.
Compassionate (Karuna-May) – Kind and considerate towards all, including enemies.
Righteous (Dharma-Rakshak) – Always upholds dharma (righteousness).
Brave & Strong (Veer & Balwan) – Fearless and skilled in warfare.
Just & Fair (Nyay-Priya) – Ensures justice for all, without bias.
Humble (Vinay-Sheel) – Despite being a king, he remains humble.
Loving Husband (Patni-Vrata) – Completely devoted to Sita.
Ideal King (Maryada Purushottam) – Ruler who places his people above personal desires.
Loyal Friend (Mitra-Drohi Nahi) – Values friendships deeply, as seen with Hanuman & Sugreev.
These teachings and qualities make Shri Ram a role model for all.
Ram Navami
Pujas and Rituals: Temples dedicated to Lord Ram host special prayers and rituals. Devotees often fast, recite Ramayan, and perform pujas in honor of Lord Ram.
Processions: In many regions, processions are held with idols or pictures of Lord Ram, along with chanting of devotional songs and bhajans. Recitation of the Ramayan: Some communities organize readings or discourses on the Ramayan, highlighting Lord Ram's life and teachings.
Charity: Giving to those in need is also part of the celebrations, as a way of sharing Lord Ram's ideals of compassion and selflessness.
1. Traditional Sweets & Fruits
Kheer (Rice Pudding) –Symbolizing the divine kheer given to Dasharatha’s queens. Panakam (Jaggery & spiced water) – A cooling drink, especially popular in South India.
Peda & Ladoo – Sweet treats loved in bhog offerings. Bananas, Mangoes & Other Fruits – Fresh fruits as a pure, natural offering.
2. Special Foods
Sabudana Khichdi – A fastingfriendly dish.
Kesari (Sooji Halwa) – A saffron-infused sweet. Puri & Chana – A North Indian tradition, especially during Navami.
3. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves Lord Rama is believed to love Tulsi, making it an essential part of any offering.
4. Flowers & Scented Offerings
Fresh marigolds, lotus, and roses for decoration.
Chandan (sandalwood paste) as a cooling, fragrant offering.
5. Devotional Offerings
Ramcharitmanas Path (Reading the Ramayana).
Bhajans & Kirtans in praise of Lord Rama.
Deepam (Lighting a lamp), symbolizing light over darkness.
All offerings are made with bhakti (devotion), as Lord Rama values sincerity over material grandeur.
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