Rama-Navami
Here, in Modadrumadvipa is Ayodhya. In a previous kalpa, when Rama was banished to the forest, He came to this place with Lakṣmaṇa and Janaki. He built a hut under a huge banyan tree here and lived happily for some time. Seeing the effulgence of Navadvipa, the son of Raghu began to slightly smile.
“How attractive was that form, green as new grass, with lotus eyes and a graceful bow in hand! Wearing the dress of a brahmacārī and His head piled with matted locks, He stole the minds of all living entities. Seeing Rāma smiling, Sītā, the daughter of Janaka, asked Him the reason.
“Listen, Sita, here is one very secret story. When the glorious age of Kali advents, I will display a yellow complexioned form here in Nadia. I will take birth in the womb of Saci in Jagannatha Misra’s house. I will give all the fortunate souls who see My childhood pastimes the supreme gift of prema. At that time, I will enjoy My beloved educational pastimes and reveal the glories of the holy name.
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Chapter 14)
“In this way, I congratulated Murāri Gupta, saying, ‘Indeed, you are the incarnation of Hanumān. Consequently you are the eternal servant of Lord Rāmacandra. Why should you give up the worship of Lord Rāmacandra and His lotus feet?”
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu continued, “I accept this Murāri Gupta as My life and soul. When I hear of his humility, it perturbs My very life.”
(CC Madhya 15.156 – 15.157)
Rāmacandra, Lord Rāmacandra appeared on this world to educate, or to place ideal example of a king, how the king should be. Therefore when there is good government . . . the example is given, Rāma-rājya. Rāma-rājya. It is the kingdom of Lord Rāma. Because everyone was happy. Everyone. There are so many instances in the life of Rāmacandra.
(690327 – Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Lord Ramacandra, Rama-Navami – Hawaii)
But we Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava or Madhva-Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava, we are worshiper of Lord Kṛṣṇa mūrti. Lord Rāmacandra’s mūrti and Kṛṣṇa’s mūrti, there is no difference. But as I have already explained, Kṛṣṇa paraṁ brahma full-fledged, and Lord Rāmacandra is also paraṁ brahma, but He did not exhibit His full-fledged opulence. So these are very confidential things, but still, on the birthday of Lord Rāmacandra we offer our respectful obeisances at His lotus feet so that He may be merciful upon us to bestow His bhakti, devotional service.
(740401 – Lecture BG 04.12 Appearance Day, Lord Ramacandra – Bombay)
Srila Prabhupada Lectures
- 690327 – Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Lord Ramacandra, Rama-Navami – Hawaii
- 740401 – Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Lord Ramacandra, Rama-Navami and Cornerstone Laying – Bombay
Ram Navami Abhishek Sri Dham Mayapur 17th April 2024 – Facebook Photo Album