Srimati Sita Devi is the daughter of the Earth goddess, Bhumi Devi, and
central figure of the Ramayana. In Maharishi Valmiki’s own words, Ramayana is
known as the noble story of Sita “Sita-ayah Charitam Mahat”.
King Janaka was the wise and benevolent King of Janakpuri and although a great
saintly king he was childless. ‘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.
Janaka Maharaj was ploughing a piece of land and then 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.
Sita grew up and played in the palace of Janakaraj. She became well known for
her beauty as well as her devotion. She could often be seen absorbed in the
Deity of the Lord of the Surya-vamsa. She would when on her own, sometimes
lovingly enact the pastimes of the various forms of the Lord and relish His
pastimes. In this way she revealed to those close to her that she was no
ordinary young 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.
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.
