29/04/2023
Om Shri Sitaye Namah 🙏🏽
Sita Navami, also known as Sita Jayanti, marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. It is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon), Navami Tithi (9th day) in the lunar month of Vaishaka as per the Hindu calendar.
There are many legends associated with the story of Maa Sita’s birth. One derives from the Tamil version of Valmiki’s Ramayan which portrays Sita Devi as being found in the lap of Earth, hidden in the ploughed furrow of a field. Because of this story, Goddess Sita is also referred to as the daughter of Goddess Earth, or ‘Bhumi Devi’, and is said to have been found and adopted by the King of Mithila, King Janaka, and Sunaina, his wife.
As per Hindu mythology, King Janaka organised a Swayamvar for Goddess Sita’s marriage; a type of marriage whereby a husband for Sita was chosen from a group of suitors. King Janaka had set one condition; that whoever breaks the Bow (Dhanush) of Lord Shiva will be the one to marry Goddess Sita. After attempts were made by several Kings who had all failed to break the bow, Lord Rama finally emerged as the true suitor for Sita upon being the first man to succeed.
Sita is revered for her loyalty, devotion and love towards her husband, Lord Rama. She is regarded as the epitome of femininity and is considered as the ideal wife and mother. When Lord Rama was asked to go on an exile for 14 years to the forest, Sita Maa refused to stay back at the palace of Ayodhya despite being told to do so by her husband, and instead insisted she would accompany him wherever he went, thus portraying her immense sense of duty towards Lord Rama.
Devotees of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita observe fasts on this day and offer prayers to seek their blessings. Temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita are decorated beautifully, and special puja and bhajan programs are organized. In some parts of North India, married women observe the Sita Navami Vrat (fast) for the well-being of their husband, family, and for happy and prosperous marriage.
Written by Riya Pindoria, Sanskaar Subcommittee.
We wish everyone a Shubh Sita Navami 🧡