Sita Jayanti 2018: Significance, rituals, tithi and all you need to know

Sita Jayanti, also known as Sita Navami or Janaki Navami, marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita. It is celebrated on Navami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Vaisakha month that corresponds to April or May month in the Gregorian calendar. Sita is also known as Janaki and is believed to be the adopted daughter of King Janaka of Mithila. According to Valmiki’s Ramayana and Kamban’s Tamil epic Ramavataram, Sita was found by King Janaka, King of Mithila, in a furrow in a plowed field and adopted her. The place is believed to be Sitamarhi in Mithila region and the present day Bihar. A plowed land is called Sita, hence King Janaka named her Sita and since she was found on the earth she is also called ‘Bhumi Devi’ (the goddess of the earth). She was adopted and brought up by King Janaka and his wife Sunaina. In 2018, Sita Jayanti falls on April 24.

Significance
Sita Jayanti holds a great significance for Hindu devotees, especially married women, who observe fast to seek long lives of their husbands. Sita is considered to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who took birth in the kingdom of Mithila in the Treta Yuga. She is also known by the names Siya, Maithili, Vaidehi, Bhoomija or Janaki. She is recognised for her dedication, purity, courage, self-sacrifice, patience, and dedication towards her husband. She married Lord Rama in a ‘Swayamvar’ organised by King Janak in Mithila. It is believed that one who observes fast on the Sita Jayanti is blessed with a contented married life.

Rituals

• On Sita Navami, devotees worship Goddess Sita along with Lord Ram and Laksmana. A small mandap is set and decorated with colourful flowers.
• Idols of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, King Janaka and Sunaina are placed in the mandap.
• Goddess Earth is also worshipped on the day as Goddess Sita emerged from the earth.
• Devotees perform the puja and offer sesame seeds, rice, and barley to the goddess.
• Fruits and satvik food are offered as bhog to the goddess, which is later distributed as prasad.
• Devotees chant the Sita mantra.
• Processions are also carried while chanting ‘Jai Siya Ram’ and singing devotional songs.
• There is also a tradition of reciting Ramayana and organising bhajan programmes on the day.
• Women observe a strict fast and refrain from intaking even a single grain of food before the completion of puja rituals.

Tithi
Puja Muhurta: 11:21 am to 1:52 pm on April 24
Tithi begins: 2:16 pm on April 23
Tithi ends: 12:25 on April 24