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Japa Talk by H.H Lokanath Swami Maharaj Date: 27-03-2026 Main Theme: Divine Appearance of Sri Ram leading to awakening of Devotion Sub-theme: Divine Appearance of Sri Ram and Importance of Ram Mantra The Sri Rama Rama Rameti mantra is a powerful, sacred verse from the Padma Purana, spoken by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati, declaring that chanting Rama’s name three times is equal to reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama (1,000 names of Vishnu). It is a potent mantra used for peace and spiritual upliftment. Śrī Rāma Rāma Rāmeti Rame Rāme Manorame | Sahasranāma Tat Tulyaṁ Rāma Nāma Varānane || Translation "O beautiful-faced one (Parvati), I delight in chanting the holy name of Lord Rama again and again—'Sri Rama, Rama, Rama.' This single name of Lord Rama is equal to chanting the thousand holy names of Lord Vishnu." Word-by-Word Breakdown ● Sri Rama Rama Rameti: By taking the name Rama ● Rame Rame Manorame: I am absorbed (pleased) in that beautiful name ● Sahasranama Tat Tulyam: Equivalent to one thousand names ● Rama Nama Varanane: O beautiful-faced woman (Parvati) This teaching from the Padma Purāṇa : 3 times “Rāma” name =1 times “Kṛṣṇa” name The name “Kṛṣṇa” is considered the most complete, embodying all rasas (divine moods). Thus, threefold repetition of “Rāma” is said to equal one utterance of “Kṛṣṇa.” Gurumaharaj says, Today is Sri Rama Navami. Some devotees celebrated it yesterday, but in ISKCON we are celebrating today. Śrīrāmacandra-caraṇau manasā smarāmi। Śrīrāmacandra-caraṇau vacasā gṛṇāmi। Śrīrāmacandra-caraṇau śirasā namāmi। Śrīrāmacandra-caraṇau śaraṇaṁ prapadye॥ Translation: “I remember the lotus feet of Lord Rāmacandra with my mind. I glorify the lotus feet of Lord Rāmacandra with my words. I bow to the lotus feet of Lord Rāmacandra with my head. I surrender to the lotus feet of Lord Rāmacandra for refuge.” Om Namo bhagavata Sri Ramaya Sri Ram Navami Mahautsava ki Jai Sukhdev Goswami in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 9 in chapters 10-11 has mentioned short description of Ramayana . tasyāpi bhagavān eṣa sākṣād brahmamayo hariḥ aṁśāṁśena caturdhāgāt putratvaṁ prārthitaḥ suraiḥ rāma-lakṣmaṇa-bharata- śatrughnā iti saṁjñayā Translation Being prayed for by the demigods, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth Himself, directly appeared with His expansion and expansions of the expansion. Their holy names were Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, Bharata and Śatrughna. These celebrated incarnations thus appeared in four forms as the sons of Mahārāja Daśaratha. [SB 9.10. 2] Sukhdev Goswami is making us realise that in Treta Yuga, 10 lakh years ago, it was Tuesday and on the banks of Sarayu river, in Ayodhya which is also pious place, wherein divine appearance day of Sri Ram, Sri Bharat, Sri Lakshman, and Sri Shatrughn took place. So today so not only Ramanavmi but laxman navmi , bharat navmi and Shatrughna navmi as well. All four of them are Bhagavan, Bhrama maya hare . As in Bhagavat Gita Lord Krishna says. janma karma ca me divyam evam yo vetti tattvataḥ tyaktvā deham punar janma naiti mām eti so 'rjuna Translation One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna. [BG 4.9] One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities. We should understand, Rama Tatva, Laxman tatva, Shtaguna Tatva and Bharta Tatva. Not only is Rama God, but all the other three brothers are also God - as per all scriptural evidence paritrāṇāya sādhūnām vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām dharma-samsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge Translation To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium. [BG 4.8] Ravana was the leader of all demons. To annihilate the misceants and protect the devotees, Lord took birth. To be protected from Ravans atrocities the demigods approached Lord Vishnu. So Dashratha maharaj performs fire sacrifices to beget sons. And then 4 sons appear to the three queens of King Dashrath. Queens Kaushalya, kaikeyi and Sumitra These four divine brothers formed two natural pairs. There are many pastimes related to Rama’s appreance. When they would be made to sleep in a cradle, Laxman would jump and go to sleep besides Sri Rama and Shatrughn would go were Bharat was sleeping. It shows such relation within theses two pairs of brothers. Their love was not ordinary—it was eternal, transcendental, and full of deep spiritual bonding. We must remember that today is also the divine appearance day of Sri Bharat, Sri Lakshman, and Sri Shatrughn. King Dasharath had three queens. Sri Rama appeared from the womb of Mother Kaushalya, Sri Bharat from Mother Kaikeyi, and Sri Lakshman along with Sri Shatrughn from Mother Sumitra. The Ramayana is very elaborate, 24000 shlokas. Ramayan has 7 Kandas or sections. Until there are the sun and the moon, Valmiki Ramayana’s glory will be sung - Lord Brahma blessed Valmiki muni with this benediction. Valmiki muni was thinking I have compiled Ramayan but who will preach the same. Soon there was a knock on the door of his cottage. Sita Maiya had come to the ashrama. This was Sita Maiyas second exile. Rama was sent to exile once but mother Sita was sent to exile twice. Second time when she was given exile she got shelter in the hermitage of Valmiki Rishi were Lava and Kusha were born. She gave birth to Luv Kush there in the ashrama of Valmiki muni. They became Valmiki Rishi’s disciples, Lava and Kusha—who are none other than the sons of Sri Rama— would travel from place to place, reciting the Ramayana. Valmiki muni narrated the Ramayan to Luv and Kush. Just like Srila vyasdev taught Srimad Bhagvatam to Srila Sukadev Goswami so that he could preach. So Luv Kush were trained nicely by Valmiki muni and both would sing and recite Ramayana nicely. So many Rishi’s and munis of Dandakaranya would gather to hear Rama katha from Luv Kush. They would think that the children look like Rama. Did they have any relation with Lord Rama ? They would recite Rama katha with so much sweetness as if realized personally. When Luv Kush would recite Rama katha, the munis would have many realizations. The audio would be transformed into video. In this way Luv Kush, reciting Rama Katha in every nook and corner of villages. As we say “ Ram Nam Ke Hera Moti ma bhikhara yau gali gali”. When they would stand, walk, sit the crowd followed them. They soon became the talk of the town. The audience would become completely immersed in hearing Rama katha. Sub- Theme: The Divine Moment in the Royal Court. They were not merely reciting it—they were singing it in beautiful ragas, filled with devotion and realization. When they entered Ayodhya, the residents were captivated. Their voices carried not just melody, but the essence of dharma, sacrifice, and divine love. The citizens of Ayodhya were astonished. They saw in Lava and Kusha a striking resemblance to Sri Rama Himself. Their features, their behaviour, their dignity—it all reflected the Lord. Eventually, they were invited to the royal court. All queens also wish to hear Rama katha from Luv Kush and also Laxman, Bharta and Shatraghuna. So they start to recite Rama katha by singing melodiously. They are reciting Rama katha in front of Rama As Lava and Kusha began to sing the Ramayana in the court of Ayodhya, an extraordinary atmosphere was created. The entire assembly, including great sages, ministers, and even Lord Rama Himself, became deeply absorbed. Ayodhyāvāsī Rāma Daśaratha-nandana Rāma Jānakī-jīvana Rāma Śrī Rāma Rāma, Jaya Rāma Translation Rāma, resident of Ayodhyā, Rāma, beloved son of King Daśaratha, Rāma, the very life of Jānakī (Sītā), Glory to Śrī Rāma, Rāma, victorious Rāma! When they start to recite, Lord Rama was sitting on His asana which was placed much higher than Luv Kush who were reciting Rama katha. But Lord Rama feels this is not the right etiquette- the speakers should sit higher that the audience including Him. So Rama katha is so sweet that Lord Rama Himself wishes to hear the same. They sang about the birth of Sri Ram, His childhood pastimes, His exile… the devotion of Lakshman… the sacrifice of Sita Mata… and the ultimate victory of dharma over adharma. When they reached the sections describing the separation of Sita and Rama, tears began to flow in the eyes of everyone present. I am in Maharashtra – Nasik Sub-Theme: Awakening of Devotion When Sri Rama was going for exile , all residents of Ayodhya followed Rama. Kevat helps Rama Sita maiya and Laxman to cross over the river. Rama asked Valmiki muni where can I stay ? Valmiki muni replied my dear Lord where can You not reside? You are everywhere. So, please dear Lord Rama always remain in the hearts of devotees. Is there place in your heart for Lord Rama or is it full of useless selfish people!? Get them out and make space for Sri Ram in your heart. So, finally Lord Rama stays in Chitrakoot. Almost 12 years out of 14 years of exile, they lived in Chitrakoot. Bharat also came there also the Ayodhya vasis also came to Chitrakoot and all mothers and Bharata and Shatrugana had come to take Rama back to Ayodhya. Rama was determined to keep his promise. He kept his promise, but Lord Rama gave His Charan paduka to Bharat. Bharat takes a promise from Lord Rama that He should not delay even a moment extra to return after 14 years of exile. If you want to see me alive, please come on time after 14 years. Lord Rama reaches a place called Rama tek or Ram Giri after moving from Chitrakoot where Lord Ram took a vow that He would free Mother Earth from demons. This place had piles of all bones of many rishis and munis killed by demons. There is August muni’s Ashram where Lord Ram met him. He advised lord Ram that he can stay near Godavari. So now Lord Rama heads towards Nasik Panchavati. There are 5 banyan trees, about 10 Lak years old still present in Panchavati. This 5 banyan tree are present till now which had taken part Ram Lila. In this place Rama, Laxman Sita maiya lived here in a cottage peacefully for sometime. One day Srupanakha arrived. Surpanakha, meaning "one with sharp, winnowing fan-like nails," is the sister of Ravana in the Ramayan. So, Srupanakha wanted to marry Lord Rama, but He sent her to Laxman. He (Laxman) cut her nose and that place came to be known as Nasik. This place Nasik makes us to remember Srupanakha’s episode. So, Srupanakha goes back to Ravan and tells him whole incident. She incited Ravan that Sita is fit for Ravana and not Rama. Also take revenge of the insult made to Srupanakha. Then Ravana impelled Marichi to become a deer to lure Sita maiya. Then Rama would try to kill Marichi the deer, but Marichi denied this proposal. He alarmed Ravan to stay away from Lord Rama as he had experienced Rama’s power. Once Lord Ramas arrow threw Marichi 200 miles away ! Ravan forcefully told Marichi that he would kill him here itself if he did not agree to what he said. So Marichi thought it would be better to be killed by Lord Rama than Ravan. So here from the cottage in Panchavati near Nasik, Sita Maiya as abducted by Ravana. Jatayu tried to stop Ravana. Jatayu was badly injured and fell down. Lord Rama went to the forest looking for Sita maiya - calling out loudly Sitey Sitey! And then Laxman also followed but on there way then met Jatayu. He was engulfed with blood all over, first Ram suspected that he has done something to Sita. Ram understood something else has happened, Jatayu left his body in the lap of Lord Rama reciting Jai Sri Rama ! So, his final rites were performed by Lord Rama Himself. As Jatayu was also friend of Dharashta maharaj. Lord Ram thought he could not perform last rites of His father at least he performs last rites of Jayayu. From here kishkinda kanda starts. It is on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Lord Rama meets Shabri maiya here near Pampa Sarovar. First meeting with Hanuman also happened at kishkinda , Bali and Sugriva also takes place here. Then comes sundarkanda, when Hanuman makes all efforts to fetch Sita maiya from lanka. After that on Dashmi Lord Rama kills Ravana. dharma-samsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge Now the 14 years of exile were almost getting over, and He remembers Bharat’s words in Chitrakoot. Please come on time or else You will not see me alive. So, Rama arrived in Pushpak Vimana near Triveni sangam. Hanuman also accompanied them and was send earlier to inform Bharata about arrival for Rama alogn with Sita and Laxman. Final they all reached Ayodhya. The entire Ayodhya was decorated with lamps, hence it is called Deep Utsav along with distribution of Sweets. Everyone was joyous and welcomed Lord Rama. Lord Rama was coronated as the king and with started Ram Rajay, Lord Rama ruled for 10-12 thousand years. The King should as glorius as Lord Ram who looks after his subjects as their on children. paritrāṇāya sādhūnām vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām dharma-samsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge Translation To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium. [BG 4.8] All glories to King Lord Rama. All glories to Lord Laxman , Lord Bharat , Lord Shatrughna ! All 4 of them are Vishnu tattvas. Hanuman is pure devotee of Lord Ram. Hanuman was gloriously famous and Ravana was defamed. So, celebrate Ramanavmi today with Hare Kṛṣṇa mahamantra and Rama katha. You may also get together and discuss Rama katha and become Rama conscious. Celebrate this festival with enthusiasm and fervour. You can read or discuss about Sri Ram and make this day full of Ram and get Maya out of your life. mac-cittā mad-gata-prāņā bodhayantaḥ parasparam kathayantaś ca mām nityam tuşyanti ca ramanti ca Translation The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me. [BG 10.9] Even Sri Rama, the Supreme Lord, who is Atmarama—self-satisfied—became emotionally moved hearing His own pastimes sung with such purity and devotion. Gurumaharaj would often emphasize—this is the power of katha when it is spoken with realization. It does not remain a story; it becomes a living experience. Gaur Prema nanda Hari Hari Bol!

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