The ten incarnations of Vishnu is a Hindu theological concept in Vedic history. Vishnu exists as the Creator and also within every being as our soul, our Supreme. He also enters or descend to our world in the form of Avatar whenever his presence is needed.

Avatar is described by Krishna: Whenever there is a decline of religion, and a rise of irreligion, I incarnate myself. To protect the good, to destroy the wicked, and to re-establish religious principles, I appear in every age - (Bhagavad Gita ). The Ten Avatars or Dasha Avatar of Vishnu are important and very interest ing as you can see that he incarnates progressively from fish to human form.

The ten Avatars are:
1. Matsya - The Fish,
2. Kurma- The Tortoise
3. Varaha- The Boar
4. Narasimha-The Man-Lion
5. Vamana - The DwarF
6. Parasurama - The Warrior
7. Sri Rama - The King
8. Balaramar
9. Sri Krishna - The Cowherd
10. Kalki - The Slayer

Rama, the perfect avatar (7th avatar) of the Supreme Protector Vishnu, is an all-time favorite among-Hindu deities. The most popular symbol of chivalry and virtue, Rama - in the words of Swami Vivekananda - is "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king."

Lord Rama is a legendary figure, the epitome of all that is good and true. Lord Rama was endowed with dazzling transcendental qualities, and He was haloed as if by the rays of the sun. The earth personified adored Him who was possessed of such virtues, who was unconquerable, who was courageous, and who was the unequalled Lord of all.

Lord Rama came down to earth to battle the invincible Ravana in human form. Lord Brahma had been receiving complaints from all the gods about the havoc that Ravana was wreaking on earth, but because Brahma had granted Ravana so many boons, he could not be killed by a god.

But Ravana had become so overconfident that he would never expect an attack from a human being. So Lord Vishnu agreed to go to earth in the guise of Prince Ram, the son of King Dasharath and Queen Kaushalya.

The story of Lord Rama as told in the great epic Ramayana is one that most Indians know irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The story of Rama was first written by Vaalmeeki in about the 4th century B.C. Rama is supposed to have lived during the 8th or 7th century B.C.

Millions of people read the hundreds of stories in the epic and derive immense satisfaction recalling the trials and tribulations the young prince of Ayodhya experienced in the 14 exile of leading to the slaying of the demon Raavana, recovery of his beloved consort Sita and finally His coronation as the emperor of India of lore.

As a story Ramayana is superb. No matter what chapter one reads, one is struck with the depth of human feeling, human nature and the eternal conflicts among values. The term "Ramayana"', literally means "the march (ayana) of Rama" in search of human values. As a literary work, it combines "the inner bliss of Vedic literature with the outer richness of delightfully profound story telling."

Rama is known as Maryada Purusottama and is the emblem righteousness. His life and teachings of morality in office are as relevant for us today as when He appeared nearly 20 million years ago.

Sri Ramanavami
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that his birth, Rama navami is celebrated year after year with great pomp and enjoyment on the ninth day after the new moon in Sukul Paksh (the waxing moon), which falls sometime in the month of April.

On the ninth day of the first fortnight of Chaitra the birth of Rama is commemorated. In some parts of India, it is a nine-day festival, coinciding with the Vasanta Navaratri.

The worship starts with morning ablutions, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the god. People keep a fast throughout the day, breaking it only at midnight with fruit. In some parts of India, public gatherings called satsangs are organised to commemorate the birth of Rama. Excerpts from the Rama-charitamanas, extolling the glory of Rama, are recited.

People of all castes and creeds participate in these gatherings to listen to the stories and their explanations offered by the learned.

The ritual of Rama's wedding is concluded with prasadam of 'vada pappu' (soaked lentil) and panakam (sherbat made of jaggery dissolved in water to which pepper powder and cardamon powder are added).

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Hanuman, the great monkey hero, also called Maruti, assists Rama in his battle with Ravana. Hanuman symbolizes the qualities of an ideal devotee of God as follows:

H = Humility and hopefulness (optimism)
A = Admiration (truthfulness, devotion)
N = Nobility (sincerity, loyalty, modesty)
U = Understanding (knowledge)
M = Mastery over ego (kindness, compassion)
A = Achievements (strength)
N = Nishkama-karma (selfless work in service of God)

Following victory in the battle with Ravana, Rama distributed gifts to all those who had assisted him in his battle with Ravana. Turning towards Hanuman, Rama said, "There is nothing I can give you that would match the service you have rendered to me. All I can do is to give you my own self." Upon hearing these words, Hanuman stood by Rama, in all humility, with hands joined together in front of his (Hanuman's) mouth, and head slightly bent in the pose of service for Rama. The worship of Hanuman, therefore, symbolizes the worship of the Supreme Lord, for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, truthfulness, sincerity, selflessness, humility, loyalty, and profound devotion to the Lord.