Fiji Sun

Labasa Devotees Celebrate At Ram Mandir

Pundit shares wisdom of Rama’s life

- SHRATIKA NAIDU Edited by Jonathan Bryce Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj

Hindu devotees gathered in great numbers to celebrate Ram Navami, proclaimin­g the birth of Lord Rama at Ram Mandir in Labasa on Monday. Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day that is the last day of Chaitra Navaratri.

Ram Mandir pundit Jotish Maharaj said the day was celebrated with great pomp and fervour, especially in Ayodha which was believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. “For us at the temple the devotees place the idol of Rama in a cradle, symbolisin­g the birth of the Lord,” Pundit Maharaj said.

“The day is remembered for Lord Ram’s prosperous and right reign. “Rama incarnated on Earth for the destructio­n of Ravana. Lord Rama was the best of men with a sterling character.

“He was the very image of love. “He was an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, an ideal friend and an ideal king. He can be taken to embody all the highest ideals of man.

“He led the ideal life of a householde­r to teach the tenets of righteousn­ess to humanity.

“He ruled his people so well that it came to be known as Ram-Rajya, which meant the rule of righteousn­ess, the rule which bestows happiness and prosperity on all. “The noblest lesson embodied in the Ramayana is the supreme importance of righteousn­ess in the life of every human being,” he said.

“Righteousn­ess is the spiritual spark of life. Cultivatio­n of righteousn­ess is the process of unfoldment of the latent divinity in man. The glorious incarnatio­n of the supreme being in the form of Lord Rama has exemplifie­d the path of righteousn­ess.

“Let mankind follow his footsteps and practice the ideals cherished by him, for it is only thus that there can be everlastin­g peace, prosperity and welfare in this world. “This is what I shared with the devotees and hope people choose to live righteous life,” Pundit Maharaj said.

 ?? Photo: ?? Hindu devotees gathered in great numbers to celebrate Ram Navami, proclaimin­g the birth of Lord Rama, at Ram Mandir in Labasa on March 26, 2018.
Photo: Hindu devotees gathered in great numbers to celebrate Ram Navami, proclaimin­g the birth of Lord Rama, at Ram Mandir in Labasa on March 26, 2018.

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