Shri Ram was the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Born in the Treta Yuga, Shri Ram set an example for humanity to follow. He was called ‘Maryada Purshottam’. He was a man of principles and he lived them throughout his life irrespective of the situations and consequences. He had to make many tough decisions in his life and he also suffered personal losses in the process. But what stands out, is no matter what life threw at him, he did the best that he could in every moment of his life and to everything around him. This is what makes him and his life truly legendary. Shri Ram – the legend also has a very interesting birth story.
Raja Dasharath, the king of Kosala had three wives – Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. The kingdom of Kosala was very powerful and prosperous. Ayodhya was the capital. Raja Dasharath was a just king who took very good care of his subjects. The king was generous, intelligent and had all the comforts and luxuries of life. The only thing missing was children. Raja Dasharath and his wives were praying for a child.
Rishi Vashisht, the royal guru suggested performing the ‘Putra-Kamesthi’ yagna to Raja Dasharath under the guidance of Rishi Shringa. Listening to the advice from the great sage, the yagna was performed by Raja Dasharath and his three wives. On successful completion of the yagna, Agni Dev emerged from the sacred fire holding a bowl containing a divine sweet preparation. He instructed Raja Dasharath to distribute the sweet among his wives.
Raja Dasharath gave the sweet to Kaushalya and Kaikeyi. While distributing it to Sumitra a bird flew and snatched the divine sweet. Kaushalya and Kaikeyi immediately gave a portion of their sweet to Sumitra. The portion which the bird snatched was eventually consumed by Anjana – mother of Lord Hanuman.
After nine months, on the Navami tithi in the month of Chaitra, Shri Ram was born to Kaushalya around noon. Later, Bharat was born to Kaikeyi. Lakshman and Shatrughan were born to Sumitra. As Sumitra had a share of sweet from both, Kaushalya and Kaikeyi, she was blessed with twins. The birth of four children in the house brought Raja Dasharath immense joy. He was elated with his new found happiness. Shri Ram was the eldest of Raja Dasharath’s sons. He eventually became a great king and left a matchless legacy.
Today, the Navami of Chaitra month is celebrated as ‘Ram Navami’ in Bharat. It is celebrated nationwide to commemorate the birth of legendary king and divine avatar – Shri Ram.
