Sita Navami marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. It is also known as Sita Jayanti. In many regions, this festival is also popular as Janki Navami. It is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon Period) of the Navami Tithi in the month of Vaishakh (May-June) as per the Hindy calendar. It is interesting to find that Lord Rama was also born on the same Navami Tithi as Mata Sita and his birth anniversary is known as Ram Navami.
Married women fast on this day to pray for the long life of their husbands, just as Sita Mata prayed during her abduction by Ravana for Rama’s well-being.
Mata Sita’s chastity was so powerful that even though she was carried away by Ravana and kept imprisoned, the Demon King Ravana could not able to reach near her as she kept meditating on the name of Lord Rama; and the energy she created out of meditation was powerful enough to burn to death anyone who approached her without her permission.
When she was rescued, Mata Sita had to endure an ordeal by fire to prove her purity. Lord Rama eventually banished her from Ayodhya because his subjects questioned her purity.
She spends the rest of her life in the forest and gave birth to two powerful sons Kusha and Lava. Finally, she called upon Mother Earth, to swallow her up. She returned in the same way as she was born.
Millions of women have been inspired by Mata Sita’s life for centuries.
So, let’s get to know more about the Date, Rituals and Significance of Sita Navami 2023.
Sita Navami 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings
This year, Sita Navami will be observed on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
Sita Navami Madhyahna Muhurat: 10:59 a.m to 01:38 p.m
Duration: 02 hours 38 mins
- Sita Navami Madhyahna Moment: 12:19 p.m
- Navami Tithi Starts: 04:01 p.m on April 28, 2023
- Navami Tithi Ends – 06:22 p.m on April 29, 2023
Find Out the Date and Muhurat of Ram Navami 2023
Significance of Sita Navami
Sita Navami is significant because Sita is a highly revered and respected figure in Hindu mythology. She is considered to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu. Maa Sita is also known for her virtues of purity, devotion and sacrifice, and is regarded as the epitome of ideal womanhood.
On this day, Devotees observe fasts, perform special pujas, and recite prayers and hymns in praise of Mata Sita. They also participate in processions and organise cultural programs to celebrate the occasion. The festival is particularly popular in the northern parts of India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
In essence, Sita Navami is a celebration of the divine feminine and serves as a reminder of the importance of virtues such as purity, devotion and sacrifice in our lives. It is also an occasion to seek blessings from Maa Sita for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual well-being.
Overall, Sita Navami is a day of greater significance and is observed with devotion and rituals aimed at seeking blessings and good fortune.
Also Find: The Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
Sita Navami 2023 Vrat Puja Vidhi
Sita Navami is observed by fasting and performing puja (worship) to honour and seek blessings from Goddess Sita. Here are general guidelines on how to observe Sita Navami vrat.
- Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on Sita Navami. Some may consume only water and fruits, while others may abstain from all food and drink.
- Puja Vidhi: Devotees worship Sita and Lord Rama with devotion and reverence. A special puja is performed in the morning after taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. Offerings of flowers, fruits and sweets are made to the deities.
- Reciting mantras and prayers: Devotees recite hymns and prayers in praise of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, and other deities associated with the festival.
- Charity: Donating to the poor and needy on Sita Navami is considered an act of virtue. Devotees may donate money, clothes or food to charity organisations or individuals in need.
- Spiritual practice: Sita Navami is also an occasion to deepen one’s spiritual practice. Devotees may spend time in meditation, reading spiritual texts or performing other spiritual practices.
It is important to note that the exact rituals and practices for observing Sita Navami vrat may vary depending on the region and tradition. It is advisable to consult a priest or an expert in Hindu rituals for guidance on the specific practices to be followed.
Also Read: The Importance of Maa Saraswati Puja to Gain Wisdom and Intelligence
Mythological Legends Behind Chaitra Purnima
The legend behind Sita Navami revolves around the birth of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, who is a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Here is a brief summary of the legend.
According to the legend, Sita was born to King Janaka and Queen Sunaina of Mithila on the Navami tithi (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Hindu month of Vaishakha. She was found by Janaka while he was ploughing the field and he adopted her as his own daughter.
As Sita grew up, she gained a reputation for her beauty and virtues. She eventually married Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, after he successfully broke the bow of Lord Shiva at a swayamvar ceremony. Maa Sita accompanied Lord Rama to the forest during his exile, where she was abducted by the demon king Ravana. Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and with the help of an army of monkeys led by Hanuman, rescued Sita from King Ravana’s captivity.
The legend of Sita Navami is significant because it celebrates the birth of Sita, who is revered as the embodiment of purity, devotion and sacrifice. Mata Sita’s story is seen as an example of the triumph of good over evil, and her devotion to Lord Rama is regarded as the ultimate expression of love and loyalty. The festival is also seen as an occasion to seek blessings from Maa Sita for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual well-being.
Learn about the Religious Benefits of Fasting on Purnima
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