Ram Navami: Celebrating the Birth of Lord Rama
The divine appearance of Maryada Purushottam - the embodiment of righteousness
Date
2026-03-26
Madhyahna Muhurat
Ram Navami Madhyahna Muhurat
03:49 PM - 06:17 PM
Madhyahna Muhurat is the midday period when Lord Rama was born. This time is considered the most auspicious period of the day and is ideal for Ram Navami puja. Muhuratam.in calculates scientifically precise Madhyahna Muhurat based on your city's exact location (latitude and longitude), following traditional rules described in ancient Hindu scriptures Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu.
Tithi Timings
Navami Begins
02:19 AM on Mar 26, 2026
Navami Ends
02:29 PM on Mar 26, 2026
View Panchang & Choghadiya
What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Observed on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April), this festival marks the divine appearance of Maryada Purushottam - the ideal man who exemplifies righteousness, duty, and moral values.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya at noon on Navami Tithi under the Punarvasu Nakshatra in the Cancer zodiac sign. His birth fulfilled the prayers of sages and devotees who sought divine intervention to eliminate evil forces led by the demon king Ravana. The epic Ramayana chronicles his life story, which continues to inspire millions across generations.
Ram Navami falls on the final day of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with great devotion across India, particularly in Ayodhya (Rama's birthplace), Varanasi, and other sacred cities. Devotees observe fasts, recite the Ramayana, perform elaborate pujas, and participate in processions carrying idols of Lord Rama with his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman.
Religious and Spiritual Significance
Ram Navami celebrates the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). Lord Rama's life exemplifies the highest ideals of human conduct - unwavering commitment to truth, respect for parents, devotion to duty, compassion for all beings, and adherence to dharma even in the face of extreme adversity. His 14-year exile, the rescue of Sita from Ravana, and his eventual return to Ayodhya serve as timeless lessons in ethics, governance, and spiritual discipline.
The festival holds deep spiritual significance for devotees seeking to cultivate virtues like patience, humility, devotion, and righteousness in their lives. Chanting Rama's name ('Ram Naam') is considered one of the most powerful spiritual practices in Hindu tradition. Saints like Tulsidas, Kabir, and Valmiki have extolled the glory of Lord Rama through their devotional compositions. The Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas and Valmiki's Ramayana are recited extensively during this time.
Ram Navami is particularly auspicious for beginning new ventures, making important decisions, and seeking blessings for righteous living. The birth of Lord Rama symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. For married couples, worshipping Lord Rama and Goddess Sita together strengthens marital bonds and brings harmony to relationships. The festival reminds devotees to walk the path of dharma and uphold moral values in daily life.
Rituals and Customs
- Observing a strict fast (vrat) throughout the day, breaking it only after the Ram Janma Muhurat at noon
- Waking up early, taking a holy bath, and wearing clean traditional clothes (preferably yellow or saffron)
- Installing or decorating idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in homes and temples
- Performing elaborate puja with flowers, incense, lamps, and sacred offerings during the Ram Janma Muhurat
- Reciting or listening to the Ramayana, particularly the Sundara Kanda and Balkanda sections
- Chanting 'Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram' mantra and 'Om Shri Ramaya Namah' 108 times
- Rocking the cradle (Jhula) of baby Rama while singing devotional songs and bhajans
- Distributing prasad (sacred food offering) like panakam (jaggery drink), kosambari (lentil salad), and vadapappu
- Organizing community processions (Shobha Yatras) with chariots carrying deities through streets
- Reading or narrating stories from the Ramayana and conducting spiritual discourses (Katha)
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Worship Method)
Wake up before sunrise and take a purifying bath. Wear clean, traditional clothes in auspicious colors like yellow, orange, or saffron.
Clean the puja area thoroughly and decorate it with flowers, rangoli, and mango leaves. Set up a small cradle (Jhula) for baby Rama if possible.
Install idols or pictures of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman on a clean altar covered with a fresh cloth.
Light an oil lamp (diya) and incense sticks. Offer water, flowers, and sandalwood paste to the deities while chanting mantras.
Perform Abhishekam (ritual bath) of the idols with water, milk, honey, ghee, and panchamrit while reciting 'Om Shri Ramaya Namah'.
Dress the deities in new clothes and adorn them with flowers, tulsi leaves, and jewelry. Offer fruits, sweets, and specially prepared prasad.
At noon (Ram Janma Muhurat), perform the main aarti with great devotion. Rock the cradle gently while singing lullabies for baby Rama.
Traditional Offerings
Various sacred items are offered to Lord Rama during the puja:
- Tulsi leaves (holy basil): Most dear to Lord Vishnu and his avatars, offering tulsi leaves with devotion brings immense blessings
- Yellow flowers: Marigolds, champa, and yellow roses symbolize purity and devotion
- Panakam: A sacred drink made with jaggery, water, cardamom, and pepper, offered to baby Rama
- Fruits: Bananas, apples, pomegranates, and seasonal fruits offered with reverence
- Sweets and prasad: Kheer (rice pudding), kesari (semolina pudding), and homemade sweets
- Betel leaves and nuts: Traditional offerings symbolizing respect and devotion