Sita Navami is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama and a central figure in the epic Ramayana. It is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Vaishakha, which usually falls in April or May.
Sita Navami is celebrated on the Navami tithi (9th day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Vaishakha month because Maa Sita was born on Navami and married to Lord Rama who was coincidentally born on the same tithi (day) during the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month. Vaishnavites celebrate this festival during Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month or Magh month. According to the Hindu calendar this festival falls exactly a month after Sri Rama Navami.
An Indian Hindu woman worships many Gods and Goddesses for the long life of her husband. She also prays that she should be a sumangali throught her life i.e., die before her husband. One among such pujas is the Sita Navami Vrat. Married women worship Goddess Sita along with Lord Rama and Lakshman. They make a four pillar puja mandap in their homes and decorate the mandap with colorful flowers. Then they install the idols of Lord Sri Rama, Maa Sita, King Janaka and Mata Sunayana in the mandap. A plough and Goddess Earth are also placed in the mandap and are worshipped. Rice, til and barley are offered to the gods and goddesses during this puja. Women fast on this day.
Lord Rama and Maa Sita are considered to be the ideal couple. Though they faced many hurdles in their life they were very firm as far as their relationship was concerned. Maa Sita is known for her sincerity and purity. Hence women take her as an inspiration and celebrate this vrat with lot of dedication. They believe that their married lives will be at peace, filling their homes with lot of happiness and joy.
This festival is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm. In most of the temples Maha-abhishek, Sringar Darshan and Arati are performed. The idols of Lord Rama, Maa Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman are taken in processions on this day and Bhajans are sung and Ramayana is recited in temples.
There are a few interesting stories regarding the birth of Maa Sita. When king Janaka was ploughing a field for performing a Yagna, he found a baby girl in the golden casket under the layers of earth. He believed that she was a divine gift to him and accepted her as his daughter. This is how Goddess Lakshmi took birth in Janaka’s house. Because Sita emerged from the Goddess earth, a plough is worshiped on Sita Navami.
Another legend says that Sita is a rebirth of Vedavati. Vedavati was a beautiful woman who gave up all worldly things, became a hermit and meditates for Lord Vishnu. This is when King Ravana sees her, gets attracted and tries to violate her. To escape from him, she jumped into a fire and before dying cursed him that she would be responsible for his death in the next birth.
Key Aspects of Sita Navami:
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Significance: The festival marks the birthday of Goddess Sita, who is revered for her devotion, purity, and strength. It celebrates her role as an ideal wife and mother, and her unwavering commitment to Dharma.
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Rituals: Devotees offer prayers, perform special pujas (rituals), and recite verses from the Ramayana. Temples dedicated to Sita may have special events or ceremonies.
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Celebrations: In some regions, the day is celebrated with devotional songs, recitations, and readings from the Ramayana. Temples may also organize processions and enactments of episodes from the epic.
1. Celebration of Sita’s Birth
Sita Navami marks the birth of Goddess Sita, who is considered an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and harmony. Her birth is believed to have occurred on this day in the kingdom of Janakpur, which is in present-day Nepal.
2. Symbol of Virtue and Devotion
Goddess Sita is celebrated as the epitome of virtue, purity, and devotion. Her life and actions exemplify the qualities of a dedicated spouse, a dutiful daughter, and a steadfast individual committed to righteousness (Dharma). Her unwavering support for Lord Rama, even through immense trials, highlights her devotion and moral strength.
3. Ideal Role Model
Sita serves as a role model for various virtues:
Sita’s Loyalty and Devotion: Her devotion to Lord Rama is central to the narrative of the Ramayana. Despite facing immense hardships, she remains devoted and true to her husband and her duties.
Strength and Resilience: Sita’s resilience during her abduction by Ravana and her trials in the Ashoka Vatika are seen as symbols of strength and perseverance.
4. Spiritual Symbolism
Sita Navami underscores the importance of living a life of Dharma. Sita’s life is seen as an example of adhering to righteousness even in the face of adversity. Her story is used to teach lessons about faithfulness, sacrifice, and righteousness.
5. Cultural and Religious Unity
The festival fosters a sense of cultural and religious unity among Hindus. It is a time for devotees to come together, engage in devotional practices, and reflect on the teachings of the Ramayana.
6. Promotion of Family Values
The festival also highlights the ideals of family life and relationships. Sita’s respectful relationship with her parents and her devoted partnership with Rama exemplify the importance of harmonious and respectful relationships in family life.
7. Reinforcement of Dharma
In Hindu philosophy, Dharma is the moral order of the universe. Sita Navami serves as a reminder of the principles of Dharma through the story of Sita, whose life was a testament to following the right path and maintaining righteousness.
Key Lessons from Sita’s Life
Devotion and Faith: Sita’s unwavering faith in Rama and her devotion to her duties illustrate the importance of commitment and trust in one’s spiritual path.
Courage and Fortitude: Her courage in facing adversity and her strength in maintaining her values are central lessons from her life.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें