Importance of Sita Navami

Sita Navami, also known  as Sita Jayanti is an auspicious festival which marks the birth anniversary of Sita Maiya, the divine consort of Lord Rama. Sita Navami is celebrated to observe the values and ethics that Goddess Sita set for her devotees.   She is believed to be the embodiment of purity and chastity.  On this day, married women observe a fast for the long lives of their husbands. 

There are many legends associated with the story of Sita Maiya, who is the epitome of compassion, purity, sacrifice, courage and patience.  Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj reveals Sita Mata’s compassionate and benovelent nature in these incidents.

Once, Jayant, son of Indra, appeared in the guise of a crow and had the courage to peck at Mother Sita’s breast in the presence of Lord Rama.  Due to this grave offence, Lord Ram got enraged and sent a blade of grass, in which he invoked the divine weapon, Brahmastra to kill him. Jayant tried all he could to escape from the wrath of Ram’s arrow.  He went to the different celestial abodes, seeking for help, but even Brahma, Shankar and Vishnu could not help him as they had no courage or power to stop it.  

Finally, Narad ji advised him to go to Sita Ji and beg for mercy at her lotus feet.  Sita Maiya, being the epitome of compassion and love asked Lord Ram to forgive Jayant.  Lord Ram, however, was adamant and wanted to teach Jayant a lesson so that he would not repeat such an offence again.  

Sita Ji appealed to him saying,  “Is there any person in the past, present or future in this world, who without having received your Grace, would not commit any offence. Everyone whilst under Maya are bound to commit offences because of Maya.”  Lord Ram calmed down,  realising the truth in her statement and he eventually forgave Jayant.

Shri Maharaj Ji related another incident of Sita Maiya’s merciful nature.  When Sita Maiya was kidnapped by Ravana and taken forcefully to Lanka, she was kept in solitude in Ashoka Vatika, with demonesses guarding her day and night.  No man was allowed to go there.  The women would employ all kinds of methods to scare Sita Maiya so that she may break down  and agree to become Ravana’s wife.  

When Hanuman ji landed into this vatika, looking for Sita Maiya, he saw her being surrounded by these demonesses who were disturbing her in every possible way.  He flew into a rage at their audacity and wanted to punish them by catching hold of their hair and flinging them into the air.  It is a known fact that when Hanuman Ji gets angry, he can literally turn the world upside down.

Sita Ji, sitting under the tree, instantly read Hanuman Ji’s  thoughts and forbade him from harming them. She impressed upon him that these women were innocent, and were doing such acts only at the behest of Ravana.  They cannot be held responsible for their acts.  Such is the benevolence of our compassionate mother.

From these above examples, one can see that even Lord Ram cannot match to the ever-merciful, loving and benevolent nature of Sita Maiya.  Even the Lord is forced to accept defeat in front of her.  Similarly, Radha Rani’s merciful Court also has no equal. 

Today, let us all pay our humble obeisances at the lotus feet of Sita Maiya, who is the quintessence of selfless love to Lord Ram.  As her children, our ultimate goal is to attain selfless love and service for the Supreme Lord.

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.