Ram Navami Celebrations In Pune and Temples Worth Visiting This Ram Navami 2024

In 2024, Chaitra Navratri began on April 9th and will conclude with Ram Navami, falling on April 17

17th April 2024

By Ishika Kumar

Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating Lord Rama’s birth, which occurs on the last day of Chaitra Navratri or the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra. The story of Lord Rama’s birth is narrated in Valmiki’s Ramayana, believed to date back to the 8th or 7th century B.C. He is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil.

Pune possesses a rich spiritual heritage and is an abode to numerous temples dedicated to Lord Ram. The Peshwa era’s intricate designs are reflected in a lot of the old Ram Mandirs’ structures. Here listed are some of the temples which fall in this category:

1.     Tulshibaug Shri Ram Mandir: It occupies a spacious complex in central Pune.

2.     The Joshi Ram Mandir: Recent renovations have preserved historical charm.

3.     Ram Zopdi: In Raviwar Peth is a small and humble structure as the name suggests.

4.     Vaidya Ram Mandir: A hidden charm filled with solace inside Khan Ale’s busy market area.

5.     Ram Mandir at Ganj Peth: This is marked by traditional ‘Suru’ pillars which are beautiful historical reminders of rich cultural heritage.

6.     Akra Maruti temple in Shukrawar Peth: Named for its eleven Maruti murtis.

Along with the Ram Mandirs, Ram Navami is also celebrated widely in other temples, especially Hanuman temples and Mahalakshmi temples. The festival is always celebrated with great enthusiasm and a set of rituals. The ISKCON temple in Pune also commemorates the festival of Ram Janam with Rituals like Maha Abhishek of the idols, Katha, which is storytelling and the aarti followed by prasad.