Hindus Celebrate Ram Navmi

March 28, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Hinduism Today

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2009/3/28.shtml#1

From March 27 to April 3, Hindus worldwide will be gathering at their respective temples and in small groups known as Mandalis to observe the auspicious festival of Ram Navmi to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama.

Rama is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to Vaishnavites, He descended on earth around 10,000 years ago to eliminate evil forces. He is commonly remembered as the destroyer of evil king Ravana of Lanka (now Sri Lanka). Lord Rama is the most adored and worshipped of Vishnu's incarnations and is seen as a pillar of strength and perfection. Devotees believe Rama to be the very essence of life and the driving force behind all good deeds. Some believe that by reciting the name of Lord Rama, one is immediately freed of all sins similar to the elimination of darkness upon sunrise.