Joyous Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations at Shri Hari Mandir

It was the ninth day of the bright half of the sacred month of Chaitra. The moon had entered the asterism named Abhijeet, which is very dear to Shri Hari. The sun was at its meridian, the day was neither cold nor hot; it was a holy time which relaxed the whole world.

Such was the time when Shri Ram was born and this day was celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm at Shri Hari Mandir by the Rishikumars of Sandipani and other devotees.

To begin with, the Rishikumars recited Chhands and Chopaay (verses) from Baalkand of Shri Ram Charit Manas describing the birth of Prabhu Shri Ram. Exactly at 12 noon the birth of Shri Ram was celebrated with great fanfare. Chants of “Ayodhya mein anand bhayo, jai Raghuveer Ram ki, Dashrath Gher anand bhayo, Jai Shri Ram ki!” filled the atmosphere in Shri Hari Mandir with devotion and happiness.

Shri Ram was bathed and pooja performed. Thereafter, Prabhu Shri Ram and Sita Maa were placed in a decorated cradle and the assembled devotees rocked the cradle by turn. The temple was decorated with colourful balloons, flowers and toys to please Prabhu Shri Ram and Sitaji. Finally prasad of sweets, chocolates and panjari was distributed to all devotees.

Lord Shri Ram himself has vouched in these words that the glory of my devotee will always be more in this world than that of myself. Hanuman Jayanti was also celebrated with great fanfare at Shri Hari Mandir.

The celebrations began early on the morning of 25th April with the hoisting of the sacred flags atop the temples. Thereafter Shri Hanumanji was worshipped with sixteen kinds of offerings, followed by the offering of 108 sun flowers and modak (a type of Indian sweet). Shri Hanuman chalisa was also recited in the company of Pujya Bhaishri. The celebrations concluded with the recitation of Sundarkand by the Rishikumars.

Thus Shri Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti were celebrated at Shri Hari temple with great devotion and excitement.