Ram Tarak Yagna

Introduction

Ram Navami, the divine appearance day of Sri Ram, is an auspicious occasion that occurs on the ninth day of Shukla Paksh in the Chaitra month (March–April). Ram Tarak Yagna is a religious ceremony performed on this day accompanied by the recitation of Ram Ashtottara Shatanamavali (The 108 names of Lord Rama).

Lord Ram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu or the vishnu-tattva was born to the King of Ayodhya Dashrath and queen Kaushalya. He and His brother, Lakshman, Bharat and Satrughan were all the expansions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (ref. SB 9.10.2). The Supreme Godhead descends in the material world to protect His devotees and destroy the demons who give trouble to the innocent. Lord Rama, in His advent vanquished various demons like Ravana and gave protection to His beloved devotees like the residents of Ayodhya.

tyaktvā yayau vanam asūn iva mukta-saṅgaḥ

त्यक्त्वा ययौ वनमसूनिव मुक्तसङ्ग: ॥

This shloka from Srimad Bhagavatam 9.10.8 describes His greatness “He left everything without hesitation, just as a liberated soul or a great yogi gives up his life without material attraction”. Indeed, the greatness of the Supreme Lord Ramachandra are unlimited and He is the shelter of all opulences.

The Ram Tarak Yagna

The Devotees on the occassion of Rama Navami will be offering a  Ram Tarak Yagna to seek His divine blessings. The yagna is accompanied by the rhythmic chanting of Ram Ashtottara Shatanamavali, consisting of 108 names of Lord Ram defining His character and greatness.

The devotees also organize sankirtan where they sing and chant the names of Lord Ramachandra and His pastimes, composed in songs like Nama Ramayana  during the festival. There will also be a special class on the glories of Lord Ramachandra on this day. Thereafter, Maha Aarti is performed followed by a grand procession, Pallaki Utsav, where the palanquin of Lord Ram is taken out. It is stated in the scriptures  that even unknowingly listening to the sacred hymns dedicated to Sri Ram can cleanse your soul from sinful reactions.

Significance of the Holy Name of the Lord

The holy name of the Lord is considered all-auspicious, infact the Holy name of the Lord is considered non-different from the Lord Himself. Simply, by chanting the holy names of Lord Rama one can achieve all perfection in life.

Srila Prabhupada says’ The Lord's holy name is called śravaṇa-maṅgala. This means that one receives everything auspicious simply by hearing the holy name. In another place in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, His holy name is described as puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtana. It is a pious act simply to chant and hear all about the Lord.’ (SB 2.7.15)

The chanting of the Lord’s names creates a very auspicious situation in the world. The Lord says,

"My dear Nārada, actually I do not reside in My abode, Vaikuṇṭha, nor do I reside within the hearts of the yogīs, but I reside in that place where My pure devotees chant My holy name and discuss My form, pastimes and qualities." Because of the presence of the Lord in the form of the transcendental vibration, the Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere is evoked. This atmosphere is without fear and anxiety. One living entity does not fear another. By hearing the holy names and glories of the Lord, a person executes pious activities. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). Thus his material hankerings immediately stop. This saṅkīrtana movement started by the Society for Krishna Consciousness is meant for creating Vaikuṇṭha, the transcendental world that is without anxiety, even in this material world. (SB 4.30.35 Purport)

The essence of chanting

As we practice congregational chanting and focus our attention on the Supreme Godhead, it deepens our connection with Him. Chanting of the Lord's name brings peace, prosperity and harmony, and protects the devotees  from adversities in life.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the worldwide Hare Krishna Movement, has persistently highlighted the power of chanting the name of the Lord. In one of His public lectures on BG 2.13, He enlightens us with this meaningful explanation.

“By chanting the holy name of God, you associate with God. God is absolute. He's not different from His name. So when you chant God's name means you immediately become in touch with God. And by chanting more and more, your association becomes more and more intimate. Then everything is disclosed to you.”

Madhu Pandit Dasa, our Chairman has been practicing the art of soulful chanting the Holy Name for decades as inspired by Srila Prabhupada and has been sharing  the incredible experience of soulful japa, and various insights about it.

As the transcendental sound of the Holy Name is believed to be indifferent from the Lord Himself, when we absorb ourselves in the deep state of meditation by chanting the name of the Supreme Lord, we immediately associate with Him, which is the highest stage of Yoga.

On the day of Rama Navami, we request you all to participate in the chanting of the Holy names of the Lord along with us in Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir or you may join us from your homes for these festivities by joining us live.

Live

One can also make a commitment to chant a fixed number of Holy Names like the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra everyday for a few minutes and receive the bountiful blessings of Lord Rama.