Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Introduction
Wife of Rama, prince of Ayodhya. When Rama gave up the throne and set out to the forest to enable his father Dasharatha to redeem a pledge, Sita followed Rama to the forest. Abducted by Ravana, Sita suffered endless misery till Rama at last vanquished Ravana and rescued her. To prove her chastity she did not hesitate to enter fire; and she emerged unhurt, establishing her purity. Sita is to this day looked upon as a paragon of virtue, totally devoted to her husband, and exemplifying womanhood.
Author - 'Bharati' ( Tirumale Rajamma)
Sita Devi
'Rajarshi -a king who lives like a sage: that was how king Janaka of Videha dynasty was renowned. He ruled over the kingdom of Mithila. He looked upon his people with love and
affection. He had no children.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
A Casket in the Earth Once
Janaka was ploughing a piece of land to prepare it for conducting a Yajna (spiritual
sacrifice). He unearthed a golden casket in which he found a beautiful girl and was
overjoyed. A land ploughed by the yoke is called 'Sita', and so he named the baby as
Sita. With the arrival of the baby, the king's good luck appeared to soar
up. His queen also gave birth to a daughter who was named Urmila. The royal couple brought up the children with great
affection. They gave them a good education. The two beautiful girls,
by their noble qualities, good behavior and intelligence, endeared themselves to one and all and grew to become ideal
princesses.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Vaishnava Bow - A Toy!
One day, revered sage Parashurama came to visit king Janaka. He carried a bow with
him. He left it at the doorstep of the royal hall and went inside. Sita saw the
bow, ran to it and began playing with it as if it was a play-horse. Only those with great physical strength and daring could lift and handle the
'Vaishnava' bow. When Parashurama came out, the bow was missing I Ordinary persons could not lift it with ease and
he, curiously looking around, spotted Sita playing with it as if it was a play-horse I The sage and the king were
astonished.
Sage Parashurama blessed Sita and said to king Janaka: "Dear king, only a
great, strong person can wed this girl of such capacity. Arrange a 'Swayamvara' (where the brides choose their spouses) for her and let the most suitable person marry
her. "
In course of time, Sita and Urmila attained maturity.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Man Who Conquers the 'Shiva, Bow' Weds Sita
How to find such a heroic young man to wed such a girl?
King Janaka possessed a bow said to have been blessed by Lord Shiva. It was a great bow and the king decided to marry off his daughter to one who could lift it and charge its
arrow. He prepared for a Swayamvara.
Many noble princes from severalkingdoms came aspiring for the hand of the beautiful damsel
Sita. But they were awed by the mighty bow and, saluting it turned
away.
Sage Vishwamitra, accompanied by his disciples Rama and Lakshmana, arrived at
Mithila. The princes, sons of renowned king Dasharatha, had conquered many demons
('rakshasas'). King Janaka felt glad at their arrival.
Vishwamitra told Rama:"Dear Ramachandra, pray to Lord Shiva and take to the
bow. " Sri Rama bowed to Vishwamitra and offered his respects. He then prayed for the grace of Lord
Shiva, went and raised the bow with ease and thrust an arrow. As he bent the
bow, it broke. Sitadevi came and garlanded him and accepted him as her
husband. The news reached king Dasharatha who rushed to Mithila with his
entourage. The marriage of Rama and Sita was solemnized in a grand manner.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
About Anointing Sri Rama
After this event, Dasharatha spent many happy years ruling the kingdom.
Old age gradually crept on, and he decided to retire. He naturally thought of handing over the reigns of the kingdom to his eldest son
Rama. He wanted to spend the rest of his life in meditation, away from the worries of physical
life. He consulted his elderly priests and decided on the day of Sri Rama's installation on the royal
throne.
The king was very joyful on the auspicious day. His senior consort Kausalya Devi was engaged in worship and serving the elders and
priests. People in the kingdom were rejoicing and eagerly looked forward to the coming
coronation.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
No Coronation, but for the Forest
King Dasharatha's third consort was Kaikeyi. She too was very affectionate towards
Rama. But carried away by the advice of her maid Manthara, she claimed that her son Bharata should Succeed as the next
king, and that Rama should go to forest for fourteen years. Dasharatha was shocked to hear
this. All his pleadings with Kaikeyi to change her mind proved in vain.
A long time ago, the King had promised her that he would fulfill two wishes of
hers. Now, as a fulfillment, she demanded that the king install Bharata as the Crown Prince and that Rama should go to forest for fourteen
years.
Rama came to know about this, consoled his father and said he would go to the forest to
fulfill his pledge. Rama immediately discarded his royal robes and ornaments and wearing
sack-clothes, prepared to leave for the woods. Kausalya was
grief-stricken. Rama pacified her and obtained her permission to leave.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
"Your Forest is My Kingdom"
After meeting his mother, Rama went to his wife Sita. She was then bubbling with joy at the impending coronation of her husband and was performing worship for his good; she was giving away doles and
offerings.
Looking at Sita's joy and celebration, Rama felt it painful to inform her that he would not be crowned and that he would be leaving for the
jungle. He knows she would be shocked. Looking at his worried face,
Sita asked: "You appear to be worried at such a joyous moment. What is the matter? Did anything untoward happen?" She gently wiped the sweat on his face with the edge of her
saree.
Rama said: "Dear Janaki, do not feel grieved at what I am going to tell
you. I have to leave the capital for a distant place. You should see me off without
tears. " He told her about the king's dilemma and said: I will go to the forest for fourteen years and
return. You should remain without anger or sorrow. Be calm. The parents are
old. Look after them. Be good and courteous towards Bharata also.
Permit me to leave. "
Sita was saddened. She was not sorry either at the canceling of her husband's coronation or at the demanded crowning of
Bharata. But she felt angry that Rama should leave her behind and go to the forest
alone. She declared: "My Lord, I can't stay for a moment in a place without
you. In your absence, this Ayodhya will be a jungle to me. The forest wherein you stay will be my
kingdom. My life runs under your shadow. It is not becoming of you to leave me
behind. "
Rama explained to her the rigors of life in the woods. "Sita, you do not know about
jungle-life. It is not a cozy, royal garden; cruel wild animals and evil demons (rakshasas) infest
it. You hear ferocious voices. You have to live on roots and wild
fruits. A tender lady like you cannot withstand these hazards. You have to pass every day in fear of some impending
danger. After all, fourteen years is not a long period. "
Sita would not listen to his pleadings. She insisted: "Whether it is jungle or
town, it is my. duty to be with you. I do not care for comforts
here. I am not afraid of the difficulties we may encounter in the forest.
You are such a lion of a man. Can't you protect me there?" Tears rolled down her
eyes.
Rama eventually had to agree with her: "Sita, if you are with me,
any jungle is heaven. Let it be, as you desire. Prepare to
leave. " Sita happily made preparations for the sojourn.
Rama's younger brother Lakshmana also insisted that he would accompany them.
Rama had to acquiesce.
Deciding to stay at Chitrakoota Mountain, the three-some left and reached their
destination.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Bharata Asks for Sandals
It was a picturesque area. Many sages had built their ashrams (hermitages)
there. They warmly welcomed Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Rama and Lakshmana built a hermitage for
themselves.
After a time, Bharata, with his entourage, came to visit them.
He wanted to plead with Rama to return to Ayodhya and assume kingship. He mournfully informed them about king Dasharatha's passing
away. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were overcome with grief.
All the pleadings of Bharata to Rama were in vain. Rama did not change his
mind. At last, Bharata requested Rama to give him his sandals so that he could place them on the throne and rule in the name of
Rama. He also decided to reside in the village Nandi as a hermit.
From Chitrakoota, the three went Dandakaranya forest.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
"Rama, Think Over"
The sages of Dandakaranya received them with regard and affection. They told Rama that evil rakshasas and wild animals had been harassing them and sought his help to relieve them of these troubles and protect
them. Rama, by nature, was compassionate; he promised them he would free them from the menace of
rakshasas.
Sitadevi was worried. At an appropriate time she told Rama: "Aryaputra,
let me submit to you a few of my thoughts. Please do not think I am more learned than
you. The sages narrated their problems and you promised them you would annihilate the rakshasas and wild
animals. You have now forsaken all the royal paraphernalia and have come to the
forest. Now you have to live like an ascetic and should not carry weapons.
You have a bow and arrows for self-protection. By your promise to the
sages, the rakshasas will become your enemies. I am worded about
this. We cannot say what danger might hit us at any time. And also,
is it just to kill wild animals and rakshasas who have not harmed us in any way? Hatred without reason may result in
danger. Please think it over. "
Rama patiently listened to Sita's words and said:
"Devi, listen. We are Kshatriyas by birth and no time is objectionable for us to punish the
evil. Can the rakshasas attack innocent sages and devour them? Punishing them and protecting
the innocent is our dharma (sacred duty). Your thoughts deserve
consideration. You have thought about this matter seriously. I will go about this very
carefully. " Sita was relieved at his explanation.
As Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were approaching a spot called Panchavati,
they came across a huge banyan tree. Atop it sat a large-sized eagle.
They thought it might also be a rakshasas in disguise. But it said: "Raghurama,
I am a friend of your father Dasharatha. My name is Jatayu. When you and Lakshmana go
out, I will be here with Sita and keep guard. I will try to be of some help to
you. "They felt happy that they met a friendly soul in the jungle.
They built a hermitage and lived comfortably for sometime. Close by was the Godavari
river. The area was dotted with hills. The jungle trees and plants provided fruits and flowers in
abundance. With majestic trees, various plants, chirping birds and attractive animals like the
deer, the spot was a feast to the eye.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Came Shurpanakha
An incident occurred one day.
A demoness, Shurpanakha, was wandering about in that area in search of
food. She scented some human beings staying there and came to Rama's hermitage and peeped
in.
She was instantly struck by the graceful personalities of Rama and Lakshmana and wished to marry one of
them. She assumed the appearance of a beautiful damsel and asked Rama to marry
her.
Rama said: "I am married and my wife is with me here. I cannot bring in" another
wife. My younger brother Lakshmana is alone and he is also good-looking.
Go to him. "
Shurpanakha then approached Lakshmana and asked him to marry her. He said: "I am Rama's devout
attendant. If you marry me, you will also become a servant and have to sub serve
Sita. Go back and ask Rama. "
It was a sport between the brothers. She was made to go from one to the other several q times and became fed
up. She angrily said: "it is because Rama's wife is here that things are happening this
way. I am going to finish her off. " So saying, she came to pounce upon
Sita.
Rama told Lakshmana: "No point in being too light-hearted with evil people.
Punish her and drive her away. " Thereupon, Lakshmana went and cut off her ears and nose and drove her
away.
Shurpanakha, apart from the physical pain, felt humiliated and ran away growling
loudly. She was the sister of Ravana, the king of Lanka, a man endowed with immense
prowess. Another demon, Khara, who ruled over Janasthana,
where Rama's hermitage was located, was Ravana's younger brother. Shurpanakha went to Khara and told him of her
humiliation. He became wild with anger and, accompanied by a large
army, came to attack Rama and Lakshmana. But Rama's powerful arrows annihilated the enemy
force. The sages of the forest extolled Rama. Sita also felt happy,
but a nagging worry continued to haunt her.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Ravana's Evil Design
Shurpanakha then went to Lanka and wailed before Ravana. She narrated her humiliation and the defeat of Khara and his
army. She also told him about Sita's beauty.
Ravana felt sad; anger welled up in him. Should a sister of such a hero as himself suffer such humiliation? Hearing her description of Sita's
beauty, an evil thought entered his mind - that he should abduct Sita!
How to bring it about?
Ravana thought of many ways and finally decided to seek the assistance of
Mareecha, who was his relative. Mareecha shivered at the mention of
Rama. He explained to Ravana about the fury of Rama's arrows. He advised Ravana: "To abduct Sita is a bad
idea. Forget it. "
But Ravana was insistent. "If you do not listen to me, your life is
finished, " he threatened Mareecha, who then realized that any amount of advice to Ravana would be
futile.
Ravana's plan was to see that Rama and Lakshmana would be lured away from the hermitage; he could then go there and kidnap
Sita. He conceived a plan and Mareecha was asked to execute it.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
The Golden Deer
Mareecha assumed the guise of a lovely golden deer and moved about in the presence of
Sita. Sighting it, Sita told Rama: "Look at this beautiful deer.
If we can catch it, will it not be an ornament to Ayodhya?"
Lakshmana said: "It is not a real deer. It looks artificial. Let us not be fooled by some tricks of the
rakshasas. "
But Rama wished to fulfil Sita's desire and proceeded to follow the golden deer.
However, Rama could not easily catch the deer. In pursuit, it took him far away from their
residence. Finally, tired and angry, Rama struck it with an
arrow. As he lay dying, Mareecha cried out: "Ha,
Lakshmana! Ha Sita!" was imitating Rama's voice.
Sita was worried at Rama's not returning early when heard this cry. She entreated Lakshmana to go and find out whether Rama was in danger and needed
protection.
Lakshmana tried to console her and said: "My brother is the protector of the
world. What danger can affect him*? There is no need for anyone to go to his
aid. These are all the rakshasas' tricks. "
But Sita did not think so. She became angry and denounced Lakshmana thus: "You have come with us with some object of personal
benefit. When your elder brother is facing danger you are wasting time
here. I do not approve of your designs. "
Lakshmana could not tolerate this insinuation. He was worried about the welfare of Sita if he went away leaving her
alone. He invoked the gods of the forest, protracted before Sita and reluctantly left the
place.
Worried Sita remained alone.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Who is This Sannyasi?
Meanwhile, a 'Sannyasi' (monk) arrived at Rama's hut. He wore saffron
robes, had tied his hair into a bun and chanted Vedic hymns.
Sita looked at him and he asked her: "Why are you, such a beautiful damsel staying in this jungle suffering misery?"
Thinking that a respectable sage had come, Sita treated him with reverence and told him about her
life-story. She did not comprehend that Ravana 'had come in disguise.
The Sannyasi said: "I am Ravaneshwara. All the three worlds shudder at the mention of my
name.
I have never seen a more beautiful woman like you. Come and be my queen and lead a happy
life. "
Sitadevi, hearing these words, was see thing with anger and said: "You wretched man! I am the wife of lionhearted
Rama. If you touch me, you will be touching fire!"
In spite of her entreaties, Ravana would not relent. He carried her to his chariot even as she was denouncing him and praying for her
protection.
Jatayu, who was sleeping atop a tree, was awakened by Sita's cries.
He immediately jumped forward and attacked Ravana's chariot, killed the driver and damaged it
considerably.
Enraged, Ravana lashed at Jatayu and cut off his wings. Sita was saddened to see Jatayu fall to the ground mortally
wounded. Carrying Sita, Ravana flew away in the skies towards Lanka.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Where is Sita?
As soon as Rama heard Mareecha's cries, he felt that something was wrong.
He hurriedly retreated and met Lakshmana on the way back. Rama's suspicions grew and sensing something
bad, asked Lakshmana: "Brother, What is this? Why did you come? What about Sita's welfare? What could happen to her by the time we get back to our place? May we see her again alive?"
They rushed to the hermitage and Rama cried out: "Devi, Janaki,
where are you?" There was no answer. The ashram was empty. Rama searched around to no
avail. He wandered uttering Sita's name all over the place. "0 trees,
birds, animals, can't you tell me about Sita's whereabouts?" At one spot Rama found a bunch of flowers Sita had
worn. Nearby lay Jatayu, injured and in agony. It seemed as if the bird was struggling to keep alive only to inform Sri Rama about the abduction of
Sita. It said: "Raghurama, Ravana, the king of Lanka,
has abducted Sitadevi. I fought him to protect her but he beat me. " With these
words, the bird died.
Rama and Lakshmana, full of grief, conducted the last rites of Jatayu in accordance with the
tradition.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Ravana, Your Life is Ended
Ravana brought Sita to Lanka. He showed her his palace and riches. He showed her his rakshasas
army. He told her: "Look here, Rama cannot come here. Forget
him. There is no one more heroic and rich than I am. Become my queen and lead a happy
life. "
Sita did not want even to talk to him. She held a blade of grass before her and looking at it said:
"Ravana, you have carried me to this place stealthily when Rama was not
present. If he was there at that time, you would have been destroyed.
It looks as if your life is now ended. "
Ravana was enraged. He kept her in the Ashokavana garden and engaged demonizes to guard
her.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Sugriva's Friendship
Rama and Lakshmana proceeded in search of Sita. Wandering all around,
they arrived at Rishyamooka hill. Sighting them from atop the hill,
Sugriva, a king of the monkeys, sent his minister Anjaneya (Hanuman) to meet them and bring them to
him.
His elder brother Vali, who also kept Sugriva’s wife for himself, had deported Sugriva from his
land. Sugriva narrated his woes to Rama and sought his help. In turn,
Rama told him about his own sorrow. Both pledged to help each other.
They declared their friendship in front of God Agni (sacredfire).
Rama killed Vali and installed Sugriva on the throne.
Sugriva sent his soldiers to all- corners of the country to search for Sita.
Rama called Anjaneya and told him: "Dear son of Vayu wind, I feel that you will succeed in your
mission. You are the only one able to reach Lanka. Go forth and meet
Sita. Tell her about our welfare. As a sign of recognition, give her this
ring. " He blessed and sent him away.
The armies of ‘ vanaras' (monkeys) reached the seashore.
How to cross the vast sea? One has only to fly. Who is capable of it They all agreed that only Hanuman possessed the prowess to undertake the
task. Thus, Anjaneya embarked on
his voyage of a distance of 100 yojanas with the speed of wind and reached Lanka he went to Ravana's
palace, searched around and found Sita at Ashokavana.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
"Rich or Poor, My Life is Only with Rama"
Sita sat under a Shimshupa tree. Pale and weary-looking, and wearing a worn-out
saree, she was sitting there on the floor crying. She was pining:
"O Ramachandra! Can't you see my plight? Can I be so lucky as to see you again?" Ugly looking demonizes around pressed on: "Forget
Rama. Marry the heroic, wealthy Ravana. If you please him,
you can lead a life of luxury. If you refuse, you will be finished.
" But Sita sternly told them: I will never think of another man even in my
dreams.
I would not touch another being even with my left foot. "
Sitting on a tree, Anjaneya saw heard all these words.
In the morning, Ravana accompanied by his harem came there. Ravana said:
"Sita, why you are suffering like this without good food and clothing? I am the king of the three
worlds. My palace, riches, opulence – everything will be
yours. Come to the palace. One does not know whether Rama, living in the jungle like a
hermit, is alive or dead. Forget him. "
Addressing the blade of grass before her, Sita said: "I am Rama's wife.
Whether he is rich or poor, my place is with Rama and nowhere else. I do not even want to look at
you. By bringing me here, you are ruining yourself and your family.
"
Though Ravana continued to persuade Sita, he was insulted by her as a coward and evil
man. He was angered and dashed forward with fury saying he would kill her.
He was held back by one of his wives Dhanyamalini. He told Sita: "I will give you two months
time. If you do not change your mind,
I will kill you!" So saying, he went away.
After he left, the demonesses began to harass Sita who was now thinking of almost ending her
life, before these devils devoured her. An old demoness Trijata checked her associates and told them about a bad dream she had: "Do not harass
Sita. She is the purest wife. Lanka is now faced with great danger.
Ask her pardon. " Then, they left off harassing her.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
Dawn of Happiness
Hanuman came down from the treetop and stood before Sita singing the praise of
Rama.
Sita, surprised, feared that this too might be a ruse of Ravana.
But Hanuman assured her and revealed his real self. He gave her the ring given by Rama as a sign of recognition and told her about the welfare of the
brothers. Sita felt relieved. She reverently touched her eyes with the
ring. She explained her experiences to him and said: "If Rama does not come within two
months, my life will be finished. Tell Rama to come soon and save me.
"
Hanuman said: "0 Mother, why should we wait that long? I can carry you on my shoulders and fly to Rama now
itself. " But Sita did not agree and said: "Anjaneya, it is Rama's
duty. That duty should not be interfered with. I will suffer all the
hardships here till he comes. Give this to him as a sign of recognition.
" So saying, she gave Hanuman a Chudamani (crest-jewel) she was wearing and blessed
him. Anjaneya returned.
Then, Rama, accompanied by the army of the monkeys, immediately proceeded towards
Lanka. A bridge was built across the sea.
The armies of Rama and Ravana fought a fierce battle. Ravana was also a man of extraordinary
prowess. His sons Indrajit, younger brother Kumbhakarna, commander
Prahasta, were all great warriors and fought determinedly. However, Ravana's army was at last
defeated, after the fall of Indrajit, Kumbhakarna and many others who died in the
battle. Still, Ravana would not relent. Finally, he faced Rama
directly. It was a long fight, ending in the death of Ravana. Rama installed
Vibhishana, a younger brother of Ravana, as the king of Lanka.
After that, at Rama's asking, Vibhishana brought Sita to Rama.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
"Go Away!"
Sita had spent all her days in worshipping Rama in her mind. She had patiently withstood Ravana's insults and
threats, the how lings of the demonesses and other humiliations. She waited long for Rama to
come, conquer Ravana and free her.
Rama won the battle and Ravana died but happiness eluded Sita.
Vibhishana brought Sita in a palanquin. Armies of Sugriva and Vibhishana stood in
attendance. Sitadevi stepped down and going to Rama, exclaimed: "Aryaputra!" She was so overcome with emotion that words failed
her.
Rama told Sita: "Good woman, you are now freed. As a matter of my duty I came to rescue
you. It is not because of my passion towards you. You have been with the rakshasas for a
year. I cannot accept you as my wife as before. You are now free.
Go anywhere you like and live. "
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Sitadevi
The Fire Ordeal
Can such a kind-hearted soul as Rama speak so cruelly? Sita could not believe her
ears.
"This is a great test for me. All right. If my husband rejects me,
why should I live? I will sacrifice this body- to Agni" -she decided and asked Lakshmana to prepare a
fire.
Lakshmana became furious and stared at Rama. Sugriva and others stood
shocked. Rama stood like a rock.
With tears in his eyes, Lakshmana prepared the fire.
Sita bowed to her husband and prayed: "0 God Agni, if I am pure, unsullied and faithful to my
husband, protect me. " So saying, she walked into the flames.
All were shocked and the women present wailed.
But the fire subsided. God Agni stepped out carrying Sita. He told Rama: "She is absolutely
pure. How can you suspect her? Here, accept this pure and fine woman.
"
Bugles blew, flowers were showered on them. Rama then said, "I know Sita is
pure. Still, I had to do this so that people should not say something bad
later. " He gladly welcomed Sita.
Rama's forest sojourn ended by then. He and others reached Ayodhya flying in
‘Pushpaka-vimana'. Bharata and the citizens accorded a grand welcome to
Rama. Everybody was filled with happiness. All were talking about
Sita. Already, preparations for Rama's coronation were complete.
He was ceremonially crowned the king.
Let us offer our humble prayers to Rama and Sitadevi, path breakers of the
world.
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