Sri Rama Navami 2026 | Appearance Day of Lord Sri Ramachandra | ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill

Sri Rama Navami marks the auspicious appearance day of Lord Sri Ramachandra, who manifested during the month of Chaitra (March – April) on the ninth day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha, Navami Tithi). Lord Sri Ramachandra incarnated as the son of King Dasharatha, belonging to the illustrious dynasty of Maharaja Ikshvaku, also known as Raghu Vamsha. King Dasharatha, despite having three wives - Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra - remained childless. Upon the counsel of Maharshi Vasishtha, the king conducted a Putra Kameshti Yajna, leading to the conception of sons by all three queens. Kaushalya bore Rama, while Bharata was born to Kaikeyi. Sumitra was blessed with twins: Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The illustrious sage Valmiki narrates the life and exploits of Sri Rama in great detail in the epic Ramayana. A condensed version of this epic, recounted by Shukadeva Goswami to King Parikshit, is included in the ninth canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana). On the auspicious day of Sri Rama Navami, devotees will observe a fast till sunset. At ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura, a Rama Taraka Homa is performed by chanting the Sri Rama Ashtottara Shata Nama. The celebrations culminate with a special arati, accompanied by the mellifluous chanting of Sri Nama Ramayana, a composition that encapsulates the essence of the Ramayana.