MangalMandirJagrati Class Lesson 6 February 9, 2014 Birth of

The word Sita means furrow, the impression left by a plough. King ruled the kingdom of Videha with as its capital. He had no children. Once, while preparing land for a yagna, he found Sita Maa in the ploughed field. He brought her home to Mithilapur, in present day , and raised her as his own. The many names of Sita are:

Janaki – found and adopted by Janaka Maithili – princess of Mithila Vaidehi – princess of Videha kingdom Bhumija – born of earth Ramaa – dear to

The story of Sita Swayamvar is very dear to our hearts. Demons, Mareech and , wreaked havoc on Sage Vishwamitra’s hermitage. Rama and helped Sage Vishwamitra continue with his yagya and protected him from the demons. At the end of the yagya, they proceeded to Mithilapur.

King Janaka had organized a Dhanushya Yagya, a grand swayamvara of his beautiful daughter Sita. A swayamvara was a ritual where kings and princes' from far and near would visit the king's court to ask for the princess's hand, but only the bravest would be selected. King Janaka announced that he had a mighty bow, which was blessed by Shiva. The one who could string the bow would marry Sita.

Many princes' tried but all failed. No one could even move the bow from its place leave alone string it. The wise kings did not even try. Seeing this, King Janaka was disheartened and wished he had never laid down this condition for the swayamvara. Lakshmana got upset and pleaded with Rama to show his glory and might. After receiving Sage Vishwamitra’s blessings, Rama proceeded to the spot where the bow was kept. Rama lifted the bow effortlessly. As He started to string the bow, it broke into two pieces. Sita walked up to Rama and garlanded Him. King Janaka immediately sent his ministers to Kosala and the marriage preparations began.

When King Dashrath came to Mithilapur, Rama was married to Sita, Lakshmana was married to , Sita’s sister. was married to and Shatrughana was married to , daughters of King Janak’s brother. They returned to where they were warmly welcomed. There was joy and merriment all over the kingdom. MangalMandirJagrati Class Lesson 6 February 9, 2014

MangalMandirJagrati Class Lesson 6 February 9, 2014