Sita: Daughter of the Earth

Who she is

Sita is the heroine of the Ramayana and is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. King Janaka of Mithila found her as an infant in a furrow while ploughing a field for a sacrifice; "sita" means furrow, and she is called Bhumija, daughter of the Earth, as well as Janaki, Vaidehi and Maithili. Her birthday, Sita Navami, and her wedding day, Vivah Panchami, are both celebrated.

Her life

Janaka vowed to give her only to the man who could string Shiva's bow. Ram did; see the Bala Kanda. When Ram was exiled she chose to go with him, against his advice. After thirteen years in the forest she was abducted by Ravana and held in the Ashoka grove of Lanka for nearly a year, refusing every offer and threat. Hanuman found her there. After the war she passed through fire and returned to Ayodhya as queen.

Later, sent to the forest because of public talk, she bore and raised Luv and Kush in Valmiki's ashram. Asked to prove herself once more, she called on her mother the Earth, who opened and received her. The Uttara Kanda tells this.

What she stands for

Courage without weapons, loyalty that is chosen rather than commanded, and self-respect that will not bargain. She begins and ends in the earth: patient, life-giving, and impossible to move. In north India people greet each other with her name before his: "Siya-Ram", "Jai Siya Ram".

Read The dignity and strength of Sita.

In Ayodhya

Kanak Bhawan is remembered as the palace given to Sita on her arrival as a bride, and Sita ki Rasoi as her kitchen. Next: Lakshmana.