Sita Navami

Ma Janki, Sitamarhi

Sita Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, a major deity in Hinduism. This festival celebrates the birth of Goddess Sita, who is also known as Janaki, being the adopted daughter of King Janaka of Mithila. Sita Navami falls on the Navami (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu calendar month of Vaishakha, which typically falls in April or May of the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

Goddess Sita is revered in Hinduism for her virtues of dedication, purity, and sacrifice. She is considered the epitome of womanhood and marital devotion. Sita Navami marks the day when Goddess Sita descended to earth. Devotees observe this day with great reverence, performing rituals and prayers to seek her blessings for marital bliss and a happy family life.

Celebrations

The celebrations of Sita Navami involve various rituals and practices. Devotees, especially married women, observe fasts (vrat) for the day. Temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita are decorated, and special pujas are conducted. Devotees read the Ramayana or recite verses from it, focusing on the chapters narrating the birth and virtues of Goddess Sita. In some regions, processions carrying the idols of Rama and Sita are taken out.

In the birthplace of Goddess Sita, Janakpur (now in Nepal), grand celebrations take place. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Janaki Temple to pay homage. Cultural programs depicting the life of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama are also organized.

Rituals

The key rituals of Sita Navami include: - Fasting (Vrat): Devotees, especially women, observe a fast from sunrise to sunset. They break the fast after performing the evening puja. - Puja and Aarti: Special pujas are performed at home and in temples. The idols or pictures of Rama and Sita are worshipped with flowers, fruits, and sweets. - Reading of the Ramayana: Recitation of verses from the Ramayana, especially those related to Sita's life, is considered auspicious. - Charity: Giving alms to the needy and feeding Brahmins is another significant ritual of Sita Navami.

Philosophical and Cultural Impact

Sita Navami highlights the cultural and philosophical ethos of Hinduism, emphasizing virtues like purity, devotion, and sacrifice. It reinforces the role of women in society and the importance of marriage and family life. The festival also promotes the values of righteousness and moral conduct depicted in the Ramayana.

See Also

• Rama Navami
• Janaki Navami
• Hindu Festivals
• Ramayana