Ramayana is not only an Epic that sets forth ideals that guide Man in the Righteous path.
Being compiled by the great Seer Valmiki, it possesses the power of granting the wishes of those who read or recite it with faith.
Ramanama chanting, the recitation of Rama’s name absolves one of all sins and grants the beneficial results that accrue by reciting the One Thousand names of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu Sahasranaama.
Goddess Uma asks Lord Shiva the shortest route to get Lord Vishnu’s Grace and Shiva replies that it is the name Rama that will do the trick
Sri Rama Rama ramethi reme rame manorame, Sahasra nama thathulyam rama nama varanan. There is interesting legend on Ramanama. The Ramayana has 24000 slokas or verses.
All the Devatas excluding Lord Shiva had taken each Akshara, or letter as auspicious. Lord Shiva, being late could not take anything . When Uma asked him he is reported to have replied that in their hurry the Devatas have forgooten two important letters, Ra and Ma. and that he would take them. Together they form Rama, the Bhjakshara of Lord Rama. This, the Learned say is the origin of the Sloka Sri Rama Ramethi. Though Ramayana showers benefits if recited, there are specific chapters for specific purposes or problems. Sundara Kanda,or the Chapter of Beauty ,where Lord Hanuman finds Sita is believed, and, has to grant early marriage and good children. There are various procedures in doing this Paarayana or daily recitation. Women can also do the Parayan. Parents of Children may also do the Parayan for the marriage of their children or for Grandchildren Procedure. !.To be done preferably in the Mornings. 2.Take bath and perform SandhyaVandan. 3.Pray Lord Ganesh and do Sankalpa, declare what exactly you Pray for. 4.Read preferably soundless the Sundara Kanda which has 68 Chapters. Different ways of doing the Paarayana.
- Reading 32 times
This consists of reading Chapter 1 to 38 on the first day and the rest the next day. This should be repeated 32 times in 64 days
- Reading 24 times
This consists of reading Chapter 1-15 on the first day., 16-41 the next day and the rest of the chapters on the third day. This should be repeated 24 times in 72 days.
- Reading 12 times
This consists of reading Chapter 1-15 on the first day., 16-32 on the second day., 33-51 on the third day and the rest of the chapters on the fourth day. This should be repeated 12 times in 48 days.
- Reading 7 times
Read 7 chapters a day and complete reading on the fourteenth day and repeat it 7 times and complete the Parayana in 68 days.
- Reading 4 times
Read ten chapters per day for the first 27 days and read the remaining 2 chapters on the 28th day,
- Reading two times .
Read eight chapters per day and complete reading twice on the seventeenth day.
In all these cases on the last day, the last chapter of Yudha Kandam (131st chapter) should be read. On each day before and after the parayana boiled milk with Sugar should be offered as offering (Naivedya) to the God. On the day of completion it is desirable to give a feast to the Brahmins.
It is essential to offer Naivedya to God before and after the Parayana. It would be great if at the end of the Parayana, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Hanuman are worshipped using Sahasra Nama (1000 names). If someone is not capable of doing it, he can worship using 108 names of the God. As Naivedya boiled milk added with Sugar is supposed to be best offering to Lord Rama and Lotus and Thulasi (Ocimum) flowers are the best to worship the Lord. If not available any flower can be used. However Karavira(Arali) should never be used. Offering to God Pomegranate would bring in immense benefits.It would be better to the devotee to Chant Rama Gayathri during the beginning, Avahana and end of the worship.
Panaka or Jaggery water with Dry Ginger,Green chillies may be offered as Naivedya every day.
On the Concluding day Rama Pattabhisheka sarga may be recited in addition and as naivedyam Cooked Rice, Ghee, Dhal, Vada may be offered.
If you can afford , donate one set of Dhoti and Angavastra and a Saree and Blouse piece for the poor.
Reference:
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Parayana_Vidhana_of_Sundara_Kandam
Sundara Kandam Text.
http://www.valmikiramayan.net/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2525530/sundara-kandam
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