Sita

Sita in exile

The marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita

Ravi Varma-Ravana Sita Jathayu

Sita with children

Sita Bhum Pravesh

Hanuman before Rama

Sita is a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, which is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being the Mahabharata. She is depicted as the daughter of Janaka, the king of Videha, and his wife, Queen Sunaina. Sita is known for her dedication, self-sacrifice, courage, and purity. She is considered the epitome of womanly virtue and is revered as a goddess in Hinduism, particularly in the context of marital devotion.

Birth and Early Life

According to the Ramayana, Sita was found in a furrow in a plowed field, and for this reason, she is regarded as a daughter of Bhūmi Devi (the Earth goddess). She was discovered by King Janaka while he was plowing the earth as a part of a yajna (sacrifice) and adopted her as his daughter. Sita grew up to be a woman of beauty, grace, and virtue, embodying the ideal qualities expected of a princess.

Marriage to Rama

Sita's marriage to Rama, the prince of Ayodhya and the seventh avatar of Vishnu, came about through a swayamvara, a ceremony in which a maiden of marriageable age chooses a husband from among a gathering of suitors. Sita chose Rama after he successfully lifted and broke the bow of Shiva, fulfilling the condition set by her father for her marriage.

Exile and Abduction

The central narrative of the Ramayana revolves around Rama's 14-year exile to the forest, accompanied by Sita and his brother Lakshmana. During this period, Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, which led to the epic battle described in the Ramayana. Rama, with the help of an army of monkeys led by Hanuman, eventually defeated Ravana and rescued Sita.

Agni Pariksha and Later Life

Upon her rescue, Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) to prove her chastity, emerging unscathed and thus proving her purity. Despite this, doubts about her chastity persisted in Ayodhya, leading Rama to reluctantly banish her. Sita found refuge in the hermitage of sage Valmiki, where she gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha.

Legacy and Worship

Sita is revered as an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and the consort of Vishnu. Her story is not just a tale of adversity and the triumph of good over evil but also a narrative that addresses the complexities of duty, righteousness, and societal norms. Sita's unwavering fidelity and moral integrity have made her a perennial symbol of female virtue and motherhood in Hindu culture. She is worshipped as an ideal daughter, wife, and mother, and her story has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries, reflecting the changing dynamics of gender and society.

In Literature and Art

The character of Sita has been explored in numerous literary works, art forms, and performances, not only in India but across Southeast Asia. Her story has been retold in various versions, each highlighting different aspects of her life and character. The Ramayana itself has numerous versions, including the Valmiki Ramayana, Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas, and the Kambaramayanam in Tamil, among others.

See Also

• Ramayana
• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Hanuman
• Ravana