The most auspicious Ram Navami was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams of the Society. This report focuses on the celebrations at both Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) and Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. 

Hundreds of devotees, well-wishers and donors gathered at SICC for the celebration which was held jointly with our Sivananda Day Satsang. Ganga Arati commenced at 8.30am followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans glorifying Lord Rama, a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and a Ramayan recital.

In the Ram Navami message, Sri Swami Sivananda, referring to the magnanimous personality of Lord Rama, said, “Deep and unfathomable like the ocean, firm and steadfast like the Himalayas, valiant like Vishnu, He was the joy of Kaushalya. Though fierce like fire on the battlefield, He was calm like the cool breeze of the Mandara Hills, patient like Mother Earth, bounteous like Kubera the God of Wealth, and righteous like Dharma, the Lord of Justice Himself. In pain or grief of His people, His heart swiftly sympathised with the sufferer. In the festive scenes which held them in joy, He, like a father shared their joy. By His honour and heroism, as well as by His gentleness and love for his subjects, He endeared himself to the heart of His people”. 

The Master exhorts us, when he said, “Establish the Rama Rajya in yourself; when each individual thus converts himself into a walking, talking and moving Ram Rajya, then the entire world will be converted into one huge Rama Rajya. The essentials of Rama Rajya have been wonderfully laid before you in the Ramayana. Truth, purity, an indomitable will to conquer evil, an unshakable faith in and adherence to Dharma, obedience, forbearance, sympathy and love, these constitute Lord Rama. With the birth of these in you, be sure that Lord Rama has enthroned Himself in your heart. Ramayana is replete with lessons which every aspirant should learn and assimilate”. 

The Master’s advice to women is that they should emulate the example of Mother Sita. He said, “Every woman should get before herself the ideal of Sita to perfection. Pativrata Dharma is the only Dharma for a woman. She need not perform austerities or observe other Vratas. She need not practise Yoga or engage herself in worship of the Lord. If a woman sticks to this one Pativrata Dharma, she gets Mukti easily. Her might then becomes unchallengeable. Even gods will bow to her, and the elements will obey her commands. O fashionable woman, O immodest lady, turn away from the path which leads to ruin; follow Sita's example. You will be ever remembered, even as Sita is”. 

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message, in response to questions to Pujya Swamiji, focused on the double consciousness of saints and Avatars. He said, “Deep inside they know who they are, but they play on the human stage also….”. He explained that when God comes to this earth, then He is subject to His own laws and acts like a human being, to illustrate to humans the difference between Dharma and Adharma. Lord Rama asked for help of others “but He was all powerful inwardly”. Pujya Swamiji mentioned that even Sri Gurudev said that he worries about certain things, but in essence he is peace and bliss. Pujya Swamiji continued, “We are searching for happiness, unbroken happiness, because you know there is something deep inside, otherwise you won’t be searching for it”. Saints and Avatars have Maya under their control and know everything that is going on. Sri Gurudev would have a quick glance and tell one about oneself. “For all these questions, meditation is the best answer”, said Pujya Swamiji.

The Phoenix Branches of the Society did a beautiful and mellifluous recital of the Ramayana. Vibrant, soulful and inspiring, the Bhakti in the offering was evident. Complemented by the inspiring Kirtans and Bhajans in praise of Lord Rama, the programme was spiritually elevating. 

The evening’s Ram Navami celebration at Sivanandashram commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm and was followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from Sri Swami Sivananda and a recital from the Ramayana.

In the message, Glory of the Ramayana by Sri Swami Sivananda, Valmiki once asked Sage Narada, “O Venerable Rishi, please tell me whether there is a perfect man in this world, who is at once virtuous, brave, dutiful, truthful, noble, steadfast in duty and kind to all beings”.  Rishi Narada replied, “There is such a one, a prince of Ikshvaku's line, named Sri Rama. He is virtuous, brave, gentle and wise. He is a great hero. He loves his subjects immensely. He is a protector of Dharma. He is firm and steadfast. He is just and liberal. He is well versed in the Vedas and in the science of arms. He is unique in the possession of virtues and matchless in beauty. He is an obedient son, a kind brother, loving husband, a faithful friend, an ideal king, a merciful enemy, and a lover of all living beings. All people adore Him’”.

In respect of the origin of the Ramayana, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “…Brahma vanished after inspiring the poet with the knowledge of Sri Rama's whole story. Valmiki sat down in meditation and saw every event in Sri Rama's story in detail in his Yogic vision. Then he began to write the Ramayana. The melody of the Ramayana was born from a heart of love and pity for the wounded bird. The Ramayana is a marvellous book which contains the essence of all Vedas and all sacred scriptures. It is a treasure for man. It is a reservoir which contains the nectar of immortality. It delineates the character of a son who renounces the throne, the pleasures of the senses and the world in order to fulfil the words of His father, and lives in the forest for a period of fourteen years. The Ramayana depicts the character of a father who sends even his most beloved son into exile in order to keep up his word. It delineates the character of an ideal, chaste wife, who is devoted to Her husband till the end of Her life, who shares the adversities of Her husband and serves Him untiringly in the forest, and who also regards Her husband as God himself”.

The deeply inspiring Ramayana recital and melodious Kirtans and Bhajans were a fitting offering to Lord Rama during the evening’s Satsang as well.

The take-home message for us all from this Ram Navami is aptly captured by the Master, “Every year Sri Ram Navami celebrations are a boon and a blessing to all. They serve to keep bright and alive the lofty examples, by following which, life on earth becomes fruitful. Attend the celebrations with the right and proper feeling and benefit fully. Resolve from this Rama Navami Day to take a daily dip in the life-redeeming waters of the Ramayana. Read a small portion of the holy scripture every day. You will be constantly inspired. You will derive valuable guidance in your day-to-day life. You will, without fail imbibe in your own being the lofty qualities embodied therein. Within a short time, you will surely find yourself a different person, filled with the divine spirit of truth and purity. Peace, joy and prosperity will then be yours, here and hereafter. May the Grace and blessings of Lord Rama be upon all for their peace, prosperity, good health and spiritual illumination!”