Rama Navami
Lord Rama was born on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of
Chaitra month. Each year this day is celebrated as birthday of Lord
Rama. Lord Rama was born during Madhyana period which is middle of Hindu
day. Madhyana which prevails for six Ghatis (approximately 2 hours and
24 minutes) is the most auspicious time to perform Rama Navami Puja
rituals. The mid-point of Madhyana marks the moment when Shri Rama was
born and temples symbolize this moment as birth moment of Lord Rama. The
chanting of Shri Rama and celebration reaches its peak during this
time.
Due to widespread use of western clock and Gregorian calendar people
assume 12 p.m. as Madhyana moment. This could have been correct if
sunrise and sunset occur exactly at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. respectively but
at most places sunrise and sunset timings are different from six
O’clock. Hence the exact time to celebrate birthday of Lord Rama falls
between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for most Indian cities.
Ayodhya is birthplace of Lord Rama and Rama Navami celebrations
in Ayodhya are remarkable. Devotees come to Ayodhya from far-flung
places. After taking holy dip into river Saryu Devotees visit Rama temple to participate in birthday celebrations.
Eight Prahar fasting is suggested during Rama Navami. Which means
devotes should observer the fast from sunrise to sunrise. Rama Navami
Vrat can be observed in three different ways, casual which
can be observed without any cause, continual which can be
observed throughout life without any desire and desirable
which can be observed to fulfill any desire.
FOOD:
1.Panakam(Sweet Drink)
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups of water (depends on the no. Of serving)
- ½ tsp ginger powder or 1tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2-3 tbsp grated jaggery (depends on how sweet you want it to be)
- ½ tsp crushed peppercorns
- 1 crushed cardamom
Method:
- Dissolve the grated jaggery in water and add fresh chopped ginger or dry ginger powder to it.
- I prefer fresh ginger to the dry powder as it gives more fresh taste and zing to the drink.
- The dry ginger loses some properties of fresh ones. Boil the mixture and filter it.
- Add crushed cardamom and peppercorns to it. Now its ready for Neivedyam.
2.Vada Pappu(Soaked Yellow Moonga Dal)
Ingredients
- 1 cup moong dal
- 2-3 tbsp grated coconut
- chushed green chillies(optional)
- 1tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Salt to taste.
- Fresh chopped cilantro to garnish.
Method:
- The moong dal should be soaked in warm water for about half an hour and drained.
- To this, add all the other ingredients and mix well.
- This dal is eaten raw and uncooked.
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