Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!

Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!

Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

SRI RAMA NAVAMI

Glory & Significance of RAMA NAMA
Majority of people in India knows about the story of Lord Sri Rama, the epic
Ramayana, and Lord Hanuman (the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama). But
only a few knows the significance of Rama Nama. To talk about Lord Sri Rama
and the significance of Rama Nama perhaps Lord Hanuman is the most
competent person. In this regard a small but sincere attempt is being made to
share the information collected from various sources about the significance of
Rama Nama.

Who is this Rama?

! Ramanthe Sarve Janaah Gunaih Asmin Ithi Ramah!
! Ramayatheethi Ramah! (Ramayatha ithi Ramah)
! Ramante yogino-nanthe brahmanande chidatmani!

Rama is one of the names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in Vishnu Sahasra Nama.
Sloka No.43 of Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram describes Rama as,
Ramo Viraamo Virajo Margo Neyo Nayo-anayaH
Veerah Shaktimataam Shresshtah Dharmo Dharmaviduttamah

The meaning of the above Sanskrit versions is that Rama is the one who keeps
the entire living beings happy, the one in whose memory yogis always revel (take
pleasure) in the bliss of Brahman. He is the one who is omniscient and full of
bliss. He is the place of final rest for all deserving souls. He is the one before
whom, all else becomes pale and insignificant. He is the one who has no desires
for enjoyment or any luxuries. He is the lord who creates path to the devotees to
reach the zones of liberation and immortality.

He is the one who wishes to do anything for the devotees. He conducts monitors
and leads everybody in this world. He is the one who cannot be felled by
anybody. He is valiant and is the one who strikes terror into the hearts of the evil
doers. He is the greatest, the supreme most and the invincible. He is the
foremost among the celestials and is the most valiant among the brave. He is
the dharma and his very nature is dharma and his incarnation is for the purpose
of dharma.

He is the embodiment of dharma and protector of dharma. He is the foremost

and greatest among the knower of dharma. ! Ramo Vigrahavaan Dharmah! It
means Rama is an epitome, a personification, a manifestation of Dharma. Rama
is the very embodiment of righteousness. It was as if righteousness itself had
incarnated on earth. Dharma and Rama are inseparable.

It is said that when sage Valmiki was asked to write Ramayana he asks sage
Narada “is there any person among the human beings who has all the sixteen
virtues” and that person was none other than Lord Sri Rama.

Mythologically Rama was the seventh Avathara of Sri Maha Vishnu in the list of
Dasa Avatharas. In Venkatesa Suprabhatham the very first sloka refers to Lord
Sri Rama “Kausalya Supraja Rama”
As per the words of two great sages Vasishta and Viswamithra it is said that the
four epic brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Sathrughna are the four
forms of Vedas that have incarnated in the Treta Yuga to impart the most
precious message to the mankind and to set an ideal world. Lord Sri Rama has
been symbolized as the wisdom of Vedas. In fact the four brothers have
established an ideal world called Rama Rajya and have preached and practiced
many principles which have relevance even today.

What is the significance of the word Rama?

It is said that Rama Nama has come into existence much before the birth of Lord
Sri Rama. It is said that the word Rama is divided into syllables Ra + Aa + Ma;
Ra means Rudra; Aa means Brahma; Ma means Vishnu and the confluence of the
three trinal lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara is Rama.

The word Rama is a confluence of two letters Ra + Ma. It is believed and said
that these two letters are Jivaakshara (life giving letters) carved out of the most
significant Mantras the Narayana Astakshari and Shiva Panchakshari. The letter
Ra is carved out of Narayana Astakshari (Om! Namo! Narayanaya!) and the
letter Ma is carved out of Shiva Panchakshari (Om! Namah Shivaya!).
These two letters called life giving letters, the soul of these two powerful
Mantras are put together to form the taraka Mantra Rama. Without these two
letters, these manthras become ineffective. Any one chanting this taraka
manthra is equivalent to worshipping both Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

What is significance of Rama Nama?

Rama Nama is given the same importance as that of a pranava manthra OM that
has links to all the other Manthras that ever exist. Rama Nama is an essence of
all the Vedas, Shastras, Ithihasas and Puranas. One of the Saptha Rishis, Sage
Vasista meditated on Rama Nama for quite a long time that motivated him to
suggest King Dasaratha to christen the Almighty with the manthra (Rama) that
he had chanted.

The word Rama has the triple power of destroying sins, conferring peace, and
dispelling ignorance. When you utter the word "RAM", you first open the mouth
with the sound "Ra". All your sins go out when your mouth is open. When you
utter "M" by closing the mouth, the entry is barred against the sins that have
gone out.

Rama is not just a name. It is a Mantra, the only Mantra that is called Taraka
Mantra. Taraka Mantra means the one that helps us to cross the ocean of
Samsara and free us from the bondage cycle of birth and death. If it is chanted
as Rama it is a name, if it is chanted as Ram it is a Mantra, if it is chanted with
addition of the word Sri (Sri Rama, Sri Ram) power of Goddess Sita is added to
it.
It is called as the family Manthra of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva himself tells Goddess
Parvathi about the significance of Rama Nama and suggests her also to recite
the same all the time. Lord Shankara, knowing the sweetness of it, initiated his
beloved Parvathi to it. He tells her,
Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasranama Tat Thul-yam Rama Nama Varanane
(Phala Stuthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram)

It is only Rama Nama which is equal to a thousand names of Vishnu. Perhaps the
above sloka indicates that chanting of Rama once is equal to 10 times chanting
of Vishnu, chanting of Rama twice is equal to 100 times (10 x10) chanting of
Vishnu and chanting of Rama thrice is equal to 1000 times (10 x 10 x10) chanting
of Vishnu. Thus the effect of chanting Rama Nama gets multiplied in geometrical
progression. It is believed and said that Lord Shiva always keeps meditating on
this Taraka Manthra.
It is the most favourite manthra of all the deities and by chanting, one gets the
benefit of invoking all the 33 crores of devathas. There are many instances in
history where mere chanting of Rama Nama has resolved many miseries.
Lord Hanuman is hailed as the personification of selfless service to Lord Rama
and Sita. Legends say that when Lord Rama was about to leave for His heavenly
abode when the purpose of His incarnation was fulfilled, He asked Hanuman to
accompany Him, but the latter politely declined the offer saying that he wanted
to be present in the holy land where Lord Rama walked in human form and
where Sri Rama Nama Japam was regularly conducted.

The prayer sloka of Hanuman says that wherever Rama Nama is sung, he is
present though not visible, with his eyes full of tears and with his hands folded in
prayer to His Lord.

Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keerthanam

Tatra Tatra Kruthamasthakanjalim
Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam
Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam

Lord Hanuman undoubtedly the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama continuously
chanted this taraka mantra that helped him to achieve many feats during the
epic Ramayana that also attained him the status of Bhavishya Brahma.

By chanting the Rama Nama, a notorious bandit Ratnakara got liberated of all
his past sins and as Valmiki, went on to author the epic Ramayana containing
24000 slokas. Valmiki describes Rama as having 16 great attributes. Rama
stood for the truth, he was a believer of truth, and was a symbol of moral
excellence.

The Ramayana is not just a great epic; it is a culmination of philosophy, history,

mythology and spirituality. While the epic Ramayana contains several thousands
of slokas it is not possible to remember and recite all of them. Just by chanting
the Rama Nama one gets the effect of chanting all the slokas of Ramayana.

Rama Nama Smarana a tool for Man’s liberation:

Different means of liberation have been spelled out applicable for each Yuga.
For example, meditation (Penance) has been prescribed as the means of
liberation in Krita Yuga, performing Yagnas and chanting of Mantras in Treta
Yuga, Archana (worship) in Dwapara Yuga. But in Kali Yuga only Nama Smarana
(repetition of God’s name) has been prescribed as the main means of liberation
for the mankind.

Since in Kali Yuga the people will not have the required spiritual strength and
capability to perform and carry out the rigorous sadhana, Nama Smarana has
been prescribed and advised to achieve the required results of liberation. The
name of Rama will make one free from Raga (attachment) and also roga
(disease)
This mantra can be chanted anywhere, anytime and by anyone. Rama Nama has
the power of intercession for the dead. Sthala Purana of Kasi mentions that the
deity Kasi Viswanatha (Lord Shiva) initiates this Taraka Manthra in the right ear
of the people who die in Kasi. Kasyanthu MaranaanMukhthi means one who dies
in Kasi will attain Mukthi. Even the Pall bearers repeat; Ram naam satya hai (the
name of Rama is the absolute truth).

Rama Nama a reference to the present day world

In the present day context we would have heard many great personalities
utilizing this powerful taraka manthra for achieving success in their respective
fields. Nearest examples are Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Thulasi
Das, Kabir Das, Bhakta Ramadas (Bhadrachalam), Saint Sri Raghavendra
(Mantralayam), Saint Purandaradas, Saint Thyagaraju, and many others.

Reciting of Rama Nama also called Rama Nama Japa, is a very popular and
common practice in India. It became even more popularized by Mahatma Gandhi
for whom Rama Nama was a constant practice.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi it is said I have suggested Rama Nama as I

have been familiar with it since my childhood, and as it is my constant support in
my struggles. Rama Nama gives one detachment and stability, and never throws
one off the balance at critical moments. The incantation of Rama Nama will free
one from addictions and make one clean and get adored by others. It is said that
when he was assassinated his last words were 'Rama, Rama.' None of his
prayers have passed without Rama Nama Keertana.
Tulsidas said that if one repeats the mantra unconsciously, he is taken from hell
to paradise. He said that he is as eager to repeat the mantra as a Chataka bird
is to drink rain drops, the only source of its survival. Kabirdas believed that the
benefits of Rama Nama cannot be destroyed or robbed. Purandaradas,
Thyagaraju and Ramadas have immortalized the Rama Nama in their beautiful
compositions. Thyagaraju, the saint-poet, is said to have obtained the darshan
of Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman after having recited the Rama
Nama 950 million times in 38 years on the advice of his guru.

The Ramayana, the story of Lord Sri Rama, teaches us two lessons; the value of
detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in
God and detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation.
Give up sense objects, and you gain Rama. Sita gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya
so she could be with Rama during His exile. When she cast longing eyes on the
golden deer and craved it, she lost Rama's presence. Renunciation leads to joy;
attachment brings about grief.

Sri Rama incarnated as a human being to promote peace and happiness in the
world. Also called as Maryada Purushothama He was an embodiment and
personification of all virtues, role model as a son, as a husband, as a brother, as
an able administrator, as a friend, as a King, as a human being, and a role model
for devathas. He was the best example of perfect character and human
conduct, inspiring human beings for countless succeeding ages. Everyone
should recognize the sweetness, sacredness, and divinity enshrined in the name
Rama.

There is also a faith among Hindu families to write Rama Nama repeatedly
several times called as Rama Koti. For writing this they use the words Sri Rama
or Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama. It is believed that by writing Rama
Koti, one will be benefited with progeny, progress and success in education,
harmony among the couple, helps in poverty conditions, as a remedy for Saturn
related obstacles, gain in employment, and fulfillment of desires. Whatever may
be the myth or belief, it is always good to utter the name Rama with full
understanding of all that it signifies. It is said that Rama Nama is mightier
than Rama himself.

Lord Sri Rama was the seventh Avathara of Sri Maha Vishnu in the list of Dasa
Avatharas. It is said that Rama Avathara had occurred during Thretha Yuga in
the 24th Maha Yuga of Vaivasvatha Manvanthara. He was born in Surya Vamsa,
in the lineage of Ikshvaku, Harischandra, Bhagiratha, Raghu and Ajha. Sun God
is said to be the Paramatma amsa of Lord Sri Rama. He is said to be a
Paripoorna Manushya Avathara of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.

He was the eldest son of King Dasaratha and his first wife Kausalya. He had two
step mothers Kaikeyi, and Sumithra. Sri Rama had three brothers Bharatha,
Lakshmana and Sathrughna. Goddess Sita Devi was his consort. He had two
sons Lava and Kusa who were bought up in Valmiki Ashram. It is said that Lord
Sri Rama ruled this world for 11000 years.

As per Hindu lunar calendar Rama was born on the ninth day (Navami), of sukla
paksha in Chaitra Masa. Astrologically he was born under the star constellation
of Punarvasu, 4th charana in Karkataka Raasi (Cancer Sign) and Karkataka
Lagna. At the time of his birth five planets Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn
were in exalted position.

WHAT IS SRI RAMA NAVAMI?

Sri Rama Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Sri Rama that is
celebrated across the country irrespective of the caste and creed. It is
generally celebrated as the birth day of Lord Sri Rama coinciding with the ninth
day (Navami thithi) of Chaitra Masa Sukla Paksha as per Hindu calendar.
What is to be done on this day?

Lord Sri Rama is worshipped on this day along with his consort Goddess Seetha
Devi, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman, and His parents Dasaratha and Kausalya.
Arghya to be given to Lord Sri Rama with the following slokas,

Kausalyagharbhasambhootha sadhaa Soumithri Vatsala

Jaanakisahitho Rama Gruhanarghyam Namosthuthe!!

Kousalyaanandano Veera Ravanasuramardhana

Seethapathe Namasthubhyam Gruhanarghyam Namosthuthe
Recite slokas, sthothras related to Lord Sri Rama, like Rama Raksha Sthothram,
and bhajans are conducted praising Lord Sri Rama. Sun is also worshipped on
this day as He is the Paramatma Amsa of Sri Rama Avathara and Lord Rama was
born in Surya Vamsa. People visit Sri Rama temple in the evening and offer
prayers.
At some places they also perform Sita Rama Kalyanam (marriage of Lord Sri
Rama and Goddess Sita). One such place where Sita Rama Kalyanam is
performed on a grand scale on this day is at Bhadrachalam in Andhra Pradesh
on the banks of river Godavari. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh makes elaborate
arrangements on this occasion and lakhs of people participate in this function.
It is also a tradition in some areas where people offer sweet drink (water mixed
with jaggery, cloves, pepper and lemon juice) called Panakam and Moong Dal
(soaked) called Kosambari as Naivedya to Lord Sri Rama and distribute the
same to the devotees at temples.
The festival is celebrated in a grand scale in places like Ayodhya (birth place of
Lord Sri Rama), Bhadrachalam (A.P) and in all the Rama Temples across the
country. Vasantha Navarathri festival ends with Sri Rama Navami.
Some of the places in India connected to Lord Sri Rama are Ayodhya, Kasi,
Gaya, Prayaga, Naimisharanya, Nasik, Bhadrachalam, Hampi, Srisailam, and
Rameswaram. Perhaps in India you do not find a place without a temple for Lord
Sri Rama or Hanuman where Rama is also worshipped.

Brief about Bhadrachalam

As per the legend Sri Maha Vishnu in order to fulfill the promise given to his
devotee Bhadra (son of Meru Parvatha) in his avatara as Sri Rama (which he
forgot to fulfill during his avatara) came from Vaikunta and gave darshan in the
form of Lord Sri Rama along with his consort Goddess Sita Devi and his brother
Lakshmana at this place on the Bhadradri hills and got manifested there at the
request of his devotee Bhadra. Thenceforth the place came to be known in the
name of Bhadra as Bhadrachala.
Rarity of the temple is that the Lord in his hurry to fulfill the promise given to his
devotee came to give darshan carrying his disc Sudarshana Chakra and his
Kounch in apasavya position. Usually we find Lord Maha Vishnu carrying his
Sudarshana Chakra in the right hand and his Kounch in the left hand. But here
he is seen holding them in a reverse way.

Usually we find Lord Sri Rama depicted with only two hands like any other
human being with bow and arrow. But here he is seen with Chaturbhuja (four
hands) holding disc and kounch in his upper arms and bow and arrow in his
lower arms with his lower right hand in abhaya mudra. That is why he is called
as Vaikunta Rama where the Lord Sri Rama is in his original form (Lord Vishnu)
There is also another popular legend attached to this temple. During 17th century
Bhakta Rama Das (Kancharla Gopanna) a great devotee of Lord Sri Rama
constructed the temple at Bhadrachalam and arranged for ornaments to the
Lord. He was working as a Tahsildar under the rulership of Abdul Hassan
Taneesha the Nawab of Golkonda under Nizam dynasty. In the process he had
arranged funds from the coffers of Taneesha due to which he had to undergo
imprisonment and was kept in Golkonda jail by the Nawab. One can see even
today the evidences of his imprisonment in Golkonda fort at Hyderabad and the
life spent by Bhakta Ramadas in jail.
Being a staunch devotee of Lord Sri Rama, the money spent by Rama Das was
returned to the Nawab by the Lord Sri Rama along with his brother Lakshmana
in disguise amounting to six lakh golden mohars having the symbol of Rama
Pattabhishekam and took a receipt for it from Taneesha. The legend goes on to
say that the Lord always came to the rescue of his sincere devotees though
initially they might suffer due to their Prarabdha.
The temple is located in Bhadrachalam in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh
about 300 km from Hyderabad on the banks of sacred river Godavari called as
Goutami Ganga (Deccan Ganges). The temple is one of the main pilgrim centers
in Andhra Pradesh well connected by Road from Hyderabad, Vijayawada,
Warangal, Karimnagar and other main cities of Andhra Pradesh. By rail it is on
the Madras – Delhi main line, one has to get down at Khammam or Kothagudem
and catch a bus to Bhadrachalam.
Sri Rama Navami festival is conducted at this temple in a grand manner where
Sita Rama Kalyanam is performed on this day attended by lakhs of people from
all over the country especially from Andhra Pradesh.

Prayer slokas related to Lord Sri Rama

Dhyana slokas: Rama, Ram, Sri Rama, Sri Ram, Sri Rama Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya
Rama

Vaidehi Sahitham Suradhrumathale Haime Mahamantape

Madhye Pushpakamaasane, Manimaye Veerasane Susthitham
Agre Vachayatiprabhanjanasuthe Tatvam Munibhyah Param
Vyakhyam Bharathadhibhih Parivrutham Ramambhajesyamalam

Dhyayeh Aajaanubhahum Dhruthasaradhanusham baddha padmasanastham

Peetham vaaso vasaanam navakamala dala sparthinethram prasannam
Vaamaankaaruda Seethamukha kamala milallochanam Neeradabham
Naanaalankara deeptham dhadhatha murujataa mandalam Ramachandram

Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame

Sahasra Naama Thatthulyam Raama Naama Varaanane

Aapadaamapa Harthaaram Daatharam Sarva Sampadaam

Lokaabhiraamam Sree Raamam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namaamyaham

Raamaaya raamabadraaya raamachandraaya vedhasae

Ragunaathaaya naathaaya seethaayaah pathayae namah

Sree Raghavam DasarathmajaMaprameyam

Seethapathim Raghukulanvaya Ratnadeepam
AajaanubhahumMaravinda Dalayataksham
Ramam Nisachara Vinasakaram Namami

Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keerthanam,

Tatra Tatra Kruthamasthakanjalim
Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam
Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam

Sree Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama, Sree Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama
Sree Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama

Sree Krishnaarpanamasthu
bhargavasarma