Reading Notes: Sita, Part A

One day when King Rishi was out in the fields, he came across a golden pitcher buried in the ground. When he went to have a closer look, he saw there was a beautiful baby girl nestled in. The King, being childless, decided to take the infant back to his palace to give her the title of his daughter. The King and Queen instantly fell in love with her and decided to name her Sita.

Sita was created from a drop of blood from each holy man. This was to show their tribute to King Ravan. The King told his messenger to hide this precious gift so that it would be safe. From this, Sita, daughter of the earth was born. As Sita grew older, she was considered to be a Goddess of Beauty and she never knew about where she came from. Sita was promised to the hand of the one who could break Brahmin Parashurama’s bow. As the years passed, the King called all over India to find the man fit to marry his daughter.

In another part of India, Dasaratha Maharajah was known to be a great warrior. He  had three wives but no children. After many years of waiting, he was blessed with four sons: Ramchandra (Rama), Bharata, and twins Lakshmana and Satrugna. As the boys grew older, they were showed great respect and love for each other. Dasaratha Maharajah loved all his sons but his favorite was Rama. Dasaratha chose Basista Deb to teach the boys how to be clever, courageous young men.

Rama and Lakshhmana gained more fame when they were able to defeat a giantess and her sons. This allowed them an invitation to the kingdom where Sita lived. As soon as Sita and Rama’s eyes met, they were in love. Rama proved they belonged together by breaking Parashurama’s bow. Rama and Sita were wed to the joy of both kingdoms. Sita returned to Rama’s kingdom with joy for the future and sadness about leaving her home. On their way home, they cross paths with Parashurama and he challenges Rama wanting to know if Rama really is worthy of Sita. He proved his worth again and defeated the Brahmin.

The marriage of Rama and Sita

Although the kingdom loved Rama, Queen Keykaya did not. She grew jealous of him and planned to get rid of him. She convinced her husband to banish Rama for fourteen years. He left to the forest with Sita and his brother, Lakshmana. The King died from the sorrow of losing his son. When Queen Keykaya’s son, Bharata returned, he discovered what his mother did and banished her from the kingdom. Bharata found Rama to have him return to the kingdom but Rama decided to honor his father’s commands and live in the forest while Bharata ruled.

One day when Rama was out hunting a deer for Sita, Ravana came to the hut and took her away. Ravana had heard of Sita’s beauty from his sister. Rama went to seek his love out. In the process, he made new allies and was finally able to fight against Ravana. The battle was long and intense but in the end, Rama succeeded and killed Ravana with his arrow.

However, before Sita could be reunited with her love, she had to prove that she had been faithful to him. Sita was to step into a pyre and if she survived, everyone would know she still had her virtue. After the fire was lit, Rama waited impatiently filled with grief. However, Sita was able to step out of the flames unharmed. Rama rejoiced but the celebration could not last long.

After the heroes returned home and started their rule, there were whispers against Sita’s virtue. Rama, having to put his kingdom above his love, sent Sita away to the forest.

In her time in the forest, she became pregnant with Rama’s twin sons. As years passed, Sita’s love for Rama never died and neither did his. He asked her return and another trial. However, when asked to return, Sita’s heart could no longer bare the pain. She asked mother Earth to take her away and the Earth complied. At last, Sita was able to rest.

Sita with her sons

Bibliography: Nine Ideal Indian Women by Sunity Devee