Sita Navami: A Tribute to Devotion, Sacrifice, and Eternal Love

“Sita Navami”, the day dedicated to an embodiment of purity and wifely devotion- Sita Mata, falls on the 9th day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in Vaishakha month. The Gregorian calendar says that it lies in April or May. This year, we are celebrating the virtuous occasion of Sita Navami on the ‘16th May ‘24’.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Sita Navami” in ‘24 is as follows:

Sita Navami on Thursday, May 16 ‘24

• Navami Tithi Begins - 06:22 AM on May 16 ‘24
• Navami Tithi Ends - 08:48 AM on May 17 ‘24

Sita Navami is also known by the names 'Janaki Navami', 'Janaki Jayanti' & 'Sita Jayanti.'

In Hindu Dharma, there is a belief that Mata Sita was born on Sita Navami. There are lots of legends related to her birth:
As per one belief, Sita Devi is considered to be born in Sitamarhi District in Bihar, India.

Besides this, in Nepal, Province No. 2 is presumed to be her birth place.

According to the Tamil version of Valmiki's Ramayana, Goddess Sita was born to King Janak & his wife, Queen Sunayana. It is said that during a ploughing ceremony, Raja Janak found a baby girl in the furrow, & later on, she came to be known as Sita. Being born from the earth, Devi Sita is also considered to be the daughter of the earth (Bhumi).

Another legend states that once there was a female sage namely Vedati. Her father wanted her to marry Lord Vishnu & hence she was unmarried till now.
One day, a demon got fascinated by her beauty & in order to win her as a wife, he killed her father. In that sorrow, her mother also died.
Hence, she has been meditating for years to please Lord Vishnu for getting married to her.
Then, one day LankaPati Ravana visited her & his mind got charmed by her beauty. He asked her the reason behind not getting married. She told him the complete story & how she has been meditating for years in front of Agni to marry Lord Vishnu.
After knowing that she's an orphan & nobody would come to rescue her, Ravana tried wooing her. When Vedati refused, he forcibly caught her hair.
Then she cursed Ravana saying that, "In my next birth, I will take the revenge of this insult. And I will become the reason for your destruction."
Saying this, she immolated herself in a pyre.
It is believed that in the next life, she was incarnated as Sita Mata.

There's one more interesting story in which there was an austere lady namely Manivati. Once, Ravana tried to dissolve her austerity. Then she vowed to pay back Ravana for this insult.
Later, she was born as Ravana's daughter. On her birth, the astrologers predicted that she would become the reason for Lanka's destruction. In order to get rid of her, Ravana buried her in the Earth at Mithila. There, she was found by King Janak. He gave her the name of Janaki. Later, this girl came to be known as 'Sita Mata.'

'Sita Maa' is known by lots of names such as 'Janakatmaja' (Janak's soul), 'Janak Nandini' (Janak's daughter), 'Bhumija', 'Bhumiputri', 'Maithili', 'Rama' (Ram's wife), and 'Vaidehi.'

She is regarded as the divine incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi & consort of Shri Ram.

As Sita was a virtuous & obedient wife, she is the perfect example of 'Pati Vrata Stree.'
Just like her, all the married or to be married women keep a strict fast on the auspicious day of Sita Navami for long life and success of their husbands. This festival is believed to bless them with a contended and happily married life. Other than this, Sita Mata blesses her devotees with characteristics like penance, humility, modesty, sacrifice, dedication, purity, sincerity, motherhood & devotion.

Sharing one of my favorite quotes dedicated by Sadhguru for Sita Maa -

"Sita's unwavering faith, unconditional love, and unparalleled devotion make her an inspiration for women all over the world."

Apart from fasting, the devotees of Siya Ram offer prayers in the form of sesame seeds, rice, barley and fruits to them on this day for their blessings. Special Pujas and ceremonies are also held by many people at their homes. Special 'Bhog' is prepared & distributed after Aarti.
As Sita Mata was born from the earth, hence the mother Earth (Bhumi Devi) is also worshiped on this day.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

Sita Navami Madhyahna Muhurat - 10:56 AM to 01:39 PM on Thursday, May 16 ‘24
Duration - 02 Hours 43 Mins

Sita Navami Madhyahna Moment - 12:18 PM

Reading Ramayana is one of the significant parts of Sita Navami. It's believed that whosoever recites the great epic Ramayana on this day gets removal of all the obstacles & gets blessed with peace & prosperity.
Rituals like Shringar Darshan and Maha Abhishekam are performed in Janaki temples all over India.
At many places, processions of Devi Sita, Shri Ram, & Lakshamana are observed followed by cultural programs.

Hindu places find an utter importance of Sita Navami. Hence this day is commemorated with colossal fervor and gaiety in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Bhadrachalam in Andhra Pradesh, Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, and Sita Samahit Sthal in Bihar.

Even, Vedic astrology says that the divine Sita Mata was born on Tuesday during Pushya Nakshatra. Legends say that Lord Rama was also born on the same tithi (as Maa Sita) but in Chaitra month. Hence the celebrations of Rama Navami take place a month in advance of Sita Navami.

Ram and Sita are two of the most revered figures in Hindu Dharma and are considered the epitome of true love, devotion, and sacrifice. Their story has been told and retold in various forms and has been an inspiration to people across generations.

Ram and Sita's love story is not just about romantic love; it is also about their unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and righteousness. Ram is known for his adherence to the principles of dharma, while Sita is known for her purity, grace, and wisdom.

Their love for each other was tested several times throughout their lives. Sita's abduction by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, is one of the most well-known events in the Ramayana. Despite the numerous challenges they faced, their love for each other never wavered, and they stood by each other through thick and thin.

Their love was not just confined to themselves, but it also extended to their people. Ram was known for his compassion, and his love for his subjects was evident in the way he treated them. Similarly, Sita was known for her devotion to her husband and her people.

Their story teaches us the importance of loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice. It also teaches us the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means going against the norms of society. Their story also highlights the importance of respecting each other's differences and embracing them.

Overall, Ram and Sita's story is a testament to the power of love and how it can conquer all obstacles. It is a story that continues to inspire people across the world, and their legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

Ram and Sita are truly examples of true love, which has seen sacrifices, and many struggles. But one must learn tons of things from them. That’s the greatness they carry!

Today, let's celebrate this auspicious occasion of Sita Navami as a reminder of the virtues of devotion, sacrifice, and love, which were embodied by Goddess Sita.

|| Shubh Sita Navami ||

|| Jaya Siya Ram ||