Sita Navami, also known as Janaki Navami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita. She is revered as the personification of sacrifice, purity, and courage.
When it is observed
This festival occurs on the ninth day (Navami) of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. Typically, this falls in late April or May. It is significant that this date occurs exactly one month after Rama Navami, the birth of Lord Rama, highlighting the divine connection between the two.
Who celebrates it
While Hindus across India and Nepal observe this day, it holds special importance for married women. Devotees of the Vaishnava tradition, who follow the path of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, celebrate it with immense fervor. In the regions of Mithila (parts of Bihar and Nepal), where Sita is considered a daughter of the land, the atmosphere is particularly festive.
Why it is celebrated
The day commemorates the appearance of Goddess Sita on Earth. Unlike a traditional birth, her arrival is seen as a divine manifestation. She is considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, born to assist Lord Vishnu (as Rama) in restoring cosmic balance and righteousness. For many, celebrating Sita Navami is a way to seek blessings for a happy marriage, strength of character, and the well-being of their families.
Mythology and the Story of Her Arrival
The story of Sita’s birth is unique and beautiful. Legend tells us of King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, who was performing a sacred ritual. During a time of drought, the King was personally ploughing a field as part of a Yagna to appease the gods for rain.
As the blade of his plough (called a 'Sita') struck a golden casket buried deep within the earth, he discovered a radiant baby girl inside. King Janaka, who had no children of his own, was overwhelmed with joy and named her Sita, after the furrow that revealed her. He raised her as his own daughter, and she became known as Janaki.
Another layer of mythology suggests that Sita was the rebirth of Vedavati, a pious woman who had vowed to marry Lord Vishnu. After being harassed by the demon king Ravana during her penance, she self-immolated and cursed him, vowing to return as the cause of his destruction. Thus, Sita’s life became the bridge between divine grace and the end of tyranny.
Rituals and Observances
The day is marked by deep devotion and specific customs:
-
The Vrat (Fast): Many women observe a strict fast, known as the Sita Navami Vrat. They believe this penance brings longevity to their husbands and harmony to their homes.
-
The Puja Mandap: Devotees set up a special canopy or mandap supported by four pillars. Inside, they place idols of Sita and Rama, along with King Janaka and Queen Sunayana.
-
Earth Worship: Because Sita emerged from the ground, a plough and a representation of Mother Earth are often worshipped alongside the deities.
-
Offerings: Simple, sacred offerings like rice, barley, and sesame seeds are made. In temples, the idols undergo a ceremonial bath (Abhishek) and are dressed in fine silks and jewelry.
-
Recitations: The day is spent listening to stories from the Ramayana, singing bhajans, and reflecting on the virtues of Sita—her resilience in the face of exile and her unwavering devotion.
Through these stories and rituals, Sita Navami remains a day to honor the quiet strength that supports the world, reminding people that true power lies in patience and integrity.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें