Sita Navami

Sita Navami

Sita Navami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mother Sita. It falls on the ninth day of the bright half of the Vaisakh month. On this day, Mother Sita was born in King Janaka's palace. Mother Sita is considered the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, so it is highly auspicious to worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day and seek her blessings. Worshiping Mother Sita on this day brings happiness and peace to your home, and it ensures a blissful and harmonious married life as well as the well-being of children. Some women also observe a fast on this day for the long life of their husbands. Sita Navami comes exactly one month after Rama Navami. It is also known as Janaki Navami. Married women observe this fast for the attainment of progeny and the protection of their marital bliss. Women who observe this fast with complete rituals and devotion receive the blessings of Mother Sita for the fulfillment of their desire for children and a prosperous married life.

Worship Procedure

On the ninth day of the bright half of the Vaisakh month, wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Wear new clothes and adorn yourself completely. Place a red cloth on a pedestal and install the idols of Lord Rama and Mother Sita. Take flowers in your hands and make a vow to observe the fast. Then, offer vermilion, garland , incense, lamp, fruits, sweets, and Suhag items to Mother Sita. Stay fast for the whole day.

In the evening, perform the puja of Lord Rama and Mother Sita in the same manner. Meditate on Mother Sita. Chant the mantra of Mother Sita 108 times. By chanting the mantras of Mother Sita in the evening, the goddess Lakshmi resides in the house, and Mother Sita, being pleased, blesses the fasting women with the fulfillment of their desires.

The Story of Sita Navami

This is a tale from ancient times in a village where a Brahmin named Devdutt lived. He was highly learned and had knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures. To sustain his livelihood, he would go to another village to beg for alms. His wife's name was Sobhana, and she was very beautiful. One day, when Devdutt went to the neighboring village to beg for alms, Sobhana got influenced by bad company. She became so engrossed in it that her reputation spread throughout the village. Filled with anger, she set the entire village on fire, sacrificing her own life in the flames.

Due to the act of setting the village on fire and her association with bad company, in her next life, she became afflicted with leprosy and blindness. She suffered greatly, even struggling to find food and often going hungry. One day, by divine grace, she arrived in a village on the auspicious occasion of Sita Navami, which falls on the ninth day of the bright half of the Vaisakh month. She was suffering from hunger and begged for food at several houses, but no one paid attention to her.

Then, a man came out and said, "Today is Sita Navami, giving food today is considered a sin. Come tomorrow, and you will receive a meal as prasad (sacred offering)." Despite this, she did not accept his offer. Another person gave her Tulsi leaves and water to drink. Afflicted by hunger, that woman gave up her life right there. By fate, her vow was already fulfilled. Offering Tulsi leaves and water, she pleased Mother Sita, who blessed her with attaining heaven.

As a result of Mother Sita's blessings, she boarded a golden chariot and ascended to heaven. Following this, due to the influence of Mother Sita's fast, in the city of Kaushal Puri, she became the queen of King Jaya singh from Kamrup Desh. Whoever observes this fast, Mother Sita fulfills all their desires.

"Performing the worship and rituals of Sita Navami brings well-being to everyone. The blessings of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Janaki are always present. Mother Sita bestows long life upon the husbands of married women and brings happiness and prosperity to their lives. She blesses them with a happy and abundant life.