Holy dip, special prayers at ayodhya mark Ram Navami

Ayodhya/New Delhi (Agencies): Hindu devotees across India thronged temples and celebrated Ram Navami- the day which marks the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees bathed in the River Sarayu in Ayodhya on Friday.A Devotees were seen offering special prayers on the riverbank other than taking holy dip in order to seek the blessings of Lord Rama. Ayodhya- as regarded by Hindus is the birthplace of Lord Rama, thousands of devotees from far and near also visited the famous Kanak Bhavan temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Rama Navami. Swami Anantacharya, a priest at the temple, said: "Devotees take holy dip on this day because to visit every religious place is not possible for everyone and it is believed that on this day, all the gods and goddess come here to take holy dip. So today's dip is considered as the most sacred holy dip in the world." The place which is revered as a pilgrim attraction, presented a festive look while the devotees on their part expressed happiness after taking a holy dip in the sacred river. Meanwhile in New Delhi, temples were decorated and the idol of Lord Rama was richly adorned with garlands. Thousands of devotees thronged the Jhandewala temple and offered prayers. People believe that Lord Rama fulfils everyone's wishes on this special occasion. With the culmination of the Navratri festival, people end their nine days long fast. Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of the moonlit fortnight in the Chaitra as per Hindu almanac which usually coincides with the spring season and falls in the month of March or April. Most people consider it an auspicious day and some even observe a strict fast on the day. They believe that fasting will secure them a place in heaven. It is also observed as a day of thanks giving.