Ever wondered how Lord Rama got his name? It's a fascinating tale from Hindu mythology rooted in celestial significance and the wisdom of sages. Maharishi Vasistha, the sage and guru of the Raghu dynasty, named King Dasharatha's eldest son "Sri Rama." Following his birth, Rama was given another name, "Dasharatha Raghava," reflecting his lineage.
The name "Rama" itself was derived by combining the powerful syllables "Ra" from the mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" and "Ma" from "Om Namah Shivaya." These syllables are considered extremely potent and together they form the "Taraka Mantra," which is believed to be a spiritual tool for salvation.
The amalgamation of these sounds, representing "Agni Beeja" (the seed of fire) and "Amrita Beeja" (the seed of nectar), creates the name "Rama," which embodies strength and sanctity. Chanting the name of Rama is said to strengthen the soul and calm the mind. Not just Rama, but his brothers Bharata, Shatrughna, and Lakshmana were also named by Vasistha.
As legends have it, gods in disguise visited to witness the celestial child, with each deity silently paying their respects. When it was the Sun God's turn, he expressed his gratitude to Lord Rama for being born in the Sun dynasty.
When the Moon's turn came, he appeared sorrowful, feeling neglected in favor of the Sun God. Understanding the Moon's distress, Lord Rama promised to reincarnate in the Lunar dynasty as Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga. To soothe the Moon further, Lord Rama declared that from that day onward, he would also bear the name "Chandra," leading people to call him "Ramachandra." This declaration brought immense joy to the Moon, and thus the name "Ramachandra" came to be used alongside "Rama."
