सीतानाथ समारम्भां रामानन्दार्य मध्यमाम्।
अस्मदाचार्य पर्यन्तां वन्दे श्रीगुरू परम्पराम् ।।
Śrī Sītānavamī
॥ ॐ श्रीं सीतायै नमः ॥
उद्भवस्थितिसंहारकारिणीं क्लेशहारिणीम्।
सर्वश्रेयस्करीं सीतां नतोऽहं रामवल्लभाम्॥
(Ved Saar Śrīmad Rāmcharit Manas, Balkānd 5th Shlokā)
udbhava-sthiti-saṃhāra-kāriṇīṃ klēśa-hāriṇīm ।
sarva-śrēyaskarīṃ sītāṃ natō'haṃ rāma-vallabhām ॥
“I bow to Sita, the beloved consort of Shri Rama, who is responsible for the creation, sustenance and dissolution (of the universe), removes afflictions and begets all blessings.”
Śrī Dulari Sītā Maharani is alone for whome Brahma Sutra has been depicted as said by Vedās ITSELF in Atharvavedā Shäkhayam Sitopanishad 1.7/8
श्रीरामसान्निध्यवशाज्जगदानन्दकारिणी । उत्पत्तिस्थितिसंहारकारिणी सर्वदेहिनाम् सीता भगवती ज्ञेया मूलप्रकृतिसंज्ञिता प्रणवत्वात्प्रकृरिति वदन्ति ब्रह्मवादिन इति अथातो ब्रह्मजिज्ञासेति च ॥
Śrī Sītā has the constant company of Lord Śrī Rāma, because of which she is the benefactor of the world. They are the origin, condition and destruction of all living beings. Bhagwati Sita should be known as the original form of nature. because of their promiscuous nature Brahmoists call them ‘Prakriti'. In the Brahmā Sütrā, “Athatö Brahmā Jīggyasā”, her form has been depicted.
Srímati Sitā Maharani is Par-Brahmā whose menifestation are other Shakti's as said in Vedas and other scriptures;
जासु अंस उपजहिं गुनखानी। अगनित लच्छि उमा ब्रह्मानी॥
भृकुटि बिलास जासु जग होई। राम बाम दिसि सीता सोई॥
(Ved Sāar Śrīmad Rāmcharit Mānas, Balkānd 148.2)
From whose Portions (अंशों से) the innumerable mines of virtues Lakshmi, Parvati and Brahmani are menifested and from whose brow the world is created, that Śrī Sītā Ji is situated on the left side of Śrī Rāmachandrā.
Śrī Sītā has been depicted as the Original form of all Shakti in Vedās as shown below,
सा देवी त्रिविधा भवति शक्त्यासना इच्छाशक्तिः क्रियाशक्तिः साक्षाच्छक्तिरिति इच्छाशक्तिस्त्रिविधा भवति श्रीभूमिनीलात्मिका भद्ररूपिणी प्रभावरूपिणी सोमसूर्याग्निरूपा भवति
Athârvavedā Shäkhayam Sītōpänīshad 1.11/12
Śrī Sītā is threefold through Her power, namely the power of desire, the power of action, and the power of knowledge. Taking the incarnation of Śrī Devi, Bhudevi, Neeladevi, the one who benefits everyone with her influence, shines in the form of moon, sun and fire.
That's why in Śrīmad Vālmiki Rāmayan which is itself Incarnation of Vedās clearly says that Śrī Sītā is even Śrī of Bhagwāti Śrī.
वसुधाया हि वसुधां श्रियः श्रीं भर्तृवत्सलाम् ।
सीतां सर्वानवद्याङ्गीमरण्ये विजने शुभाम् ।।(Valmiki Ramayan 6.111.24)
Same is said by Brahmānd Purān,
सीतायाश्च त्रिविधाशाः श्री भूनीलादिभेदतः ।
श्री भवेद् रुक्मिणी भूः स्यात् सत्यभामा वृढव्रता ॥
नीलास्याद् राधिका देवी सर्वलोकैक पूजिता ।
In short, Śrī Sītā manifests herself in three form Śrī, Bhu and Nila. By Śrī she becomes Rukmini by Bhu she becomes Satyabhama and by Nila she becomes Radha Rani.
Vedās called Śrimati Sītā Maharani alone Mool-Prakriti !!
चरण-वन्दना
caraṇa-vandanā
(propitiating the lotus feet of Sita Ji)
वन्दे विदेहतनया पद पुण्डरीकं कैशोर-सौरभ-समाहृत-योगि-चित्तम् ।
हन्तुं त्रितापमनिशं मुनि-हंस-सेव्यं सन्मानसालि परिपीत-पराग-पुञ्जम्॥
vandē vidēhatanayā pada puṇḍarīkaṃ kaiśōra-saurabha-samāhṛta-yōgi-cittaṃ ।
hantuṃ tritāpamaniśaṃ muni-haṃsa-sēvyaṃ sanmānasāli paripīta-parāga-puñjam॥
“I propitiate and adore Bhagwati Śrī Sītā Jī, the divine fragrance of whose lotus-feet encaptures the minds of even great Yogis; whom, a great many divine sages forever continually serve, to eliminate their three-way sorrows of the worldly ocean and who is like a golden yellowish nectar for the hearts of noble persons; I adore that Sītā , the daughter of King Videha, who is forever youthful.”
अथ ध्यानम्
atha dhyānam (now meditate upon Śrī Sita)
सकलकुशलदात्रीं भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदात्रीं
त्रिभुवनजनयित्रीं दुष्टधीनाशयित्रीम्।
जनकधरणिपुत्रीं दर्पिदर्पप्रहर्त्रीम्
हरिहरविधिकत्रीं नौमि सद्भक्तभर्त्रीम्॥
sakala-kuśala-dātrīṃ bhukti-mukti-pradātrīṃ
tribhuvana-janayitrīṃ duṣṭadhī-nāśayitrīm।
janaka-dharaṇi-putrīṃ darpi-darpa-prahartrīm
hari-hara-vidhi-katrīṃ naumi sadbhakta-bhartrīm ॥
“Who does all well-beings, and gives all prosperity, pleasures, and liberation (Mukti);
Who is the creator (origin) of all the three worlds;
Who is the destroyer of the intelligence of wickeds and the ego of egoists;
Who is the daughter of King Janak and the mother earth;
Who is the origin (cause) of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva;
Who ensures safety and well-being of devotees;
I bow to that Sita (the daughter of Janaka and earth).”
Śrī Sītānavamī represents the appearance day anniversary of Sita Ji, the consort of Supreme Purusa Lord Rāma, in this Vibhuti-Loka. On this day in Treta Yuga, the Parashakti Sita herself appeared directly from the earth to accompany his consort Lord Rama and help him in establishing the Dharma. Śrī Sītānavamī falls in the Vaishakh Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day in the bright half of the month of Vaishakh in the Hindu calendar. It is also known as Janaki Navami. Since divine mother of universe, Maa Sita directly appears from earth, not from anyone's womb, therefore she is called Ayonija (non-uterine birthed).
Here Sita Ji herself tells Anusuya that She is Ayonija, not born from anyone's womb:-
अयोनिजां हि मां ज्ञात्वा नाध्यगच्छद्विचिन्तयन् ।
सदृशं चानुरूपं च महीपालः पतिं मम ॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण २.११८.३७)
ayōnijāṃ hi māṃ jñātvā na ādhyagacchad-vicintayan।
sadṛṡaṃ ca ānurūpaṃ ca mahīpālaḥ patiṃ mama ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.118.37)
“Knowing me to be the one not emerged from a mother's womb i.e. Ayonija (अयोनिजाम्), the king Janaka after a deep reflection, was unable to find a suitable and worthy husband for me.”
(Shri Rama broke the Shiva's bow and accepted her as wife.)
How did King Janaka accept Sita as his own child?
When Maharaj Janaka was doing Som-Yajna, and he was furrowing a territory of land, holding a plough in his hand, then Sita came forth, splitting up the land, as a daughter of that king. [VR 2.118.28]
स मां दृष्ट्वा नरपतिः मुष्टिविक्षेपतत्परः ।
पांसुगुण्ठितसर्वाङ्गीं जनको विस्मितोऽभवत् ॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण २.११८.२९)
sa māṃ dṛṣṭvā narapatiḥ muṣṭi-vikṣēpa-tatparaḥ ।
pāṃsu-guṇṭhita-sarvāṅgīṃ janakō vismitō'bhavat ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.118.29)
Sita Ji tells Anusuya : “That king of men, Janaka, who was then set to scatter a fistful of seed was was surprised to see me (emerging from earth), well formed with all limbs, covered in dust.”
अनपत्येन च स्नेहात् अङ्कमारोप्य च स्वयम् ।
ममेयं तनयेत्युक्त्वा स्नेहो मयि निपातितः ॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण २.११८.३०)
anapatyēna ca snēhāt aṅkamārōpya ca svayam ।
mamēyaṃ tanayētyuktvā snēhō mayi nipātitaḥ ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.118.30)
“Being childless, King Janak took me personally on his lap, impelled by love saying "this is my daughter", his all whole heart fall in love for me.”
अन्तरिक्षे च वागुक्ता अप्रतिमाऽमानुषी किल ।
एवमेतन्नरपते धर्मेण तनया तव ॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण २.११८.३१)
antarikṣē ca vāguktā apratimā'mānuṣī kila ।
ēvamētannarapatē dharmēṇa tanayā tava ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.118.31)
“Thereupon, a voice from the skies said: "As you said, O, King! Let it be so. This divine (amānuṣī) child without a match (apratimā) is a legitimate daughter to you, rightly.”
Thus the divine Sita who has no match in whole universe became the legitimate daughter of King Janaka and princess of Videha.
Since then Janaka became a great fond of Sita Ji.
(Śrī Sītā-Rāma on throne)
Śrī Sītānavamī is one the most important festival for all Hindus and especially Vaishnavas, and also for Shakta tradition in Sanatan Dharma. It has one of the most important status in Vaishnava celebration as on this day, the Parashakti who is Sita in her ultimate original form, herself appears on Navami the ninth (9th) day. It is also evident as "9" number is the most sacred number in Sanatan Dharma and it is largest one digit number. It is the number which represents the perfectness. So Navmi is the day chosen by the perfect personality, the best one among women, the absolute and ultimate reality to manifest itself for creating bliss in heart of devotees . Only the most superior, the supreme personality appears on Navmi for example Janaki Navami and Ram-Navami.
Any devotee who will observe fast on Sita-Navami (Śrī Sītānavamī) with full devotion and without any attachment towards the worldly fruits then S/he gets the eternal abode of Sita Ji i.e. Sita-Vaikuntha (which is within Saket Loka, and most su region full of mellow .
Śrī Sītā Ji - The Ishta Devi of all the worlds
सीतां पद्मपलाशाक्षीं मन्मथस्य रतिं यथा ।
इष्टां सर्वस्य जगतः पूर्णचंद्र प्रभामिव॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण ५.१३.३०)
sītāṃ padmapalāśākṣīṃ manmathasya ratiṃ yathā ।
iṣṭāṃ sarvasya jagataḥ pūrṇacaṃdra prabhāmiva ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 5.13.30)
“Śrī Sītā Jī with eyes like full-blooming-lotuses, in her beauty, elegance and charm, she is like Rati, the consort of cupid - the love-god (As Śrī Sītā Jī has no match, therefore to tell about her beauty, Śrī Sītā Jī can be utmost given similitude of another devi most renowned for beauty, charm and elegance). Just as the radiance of the full moon is dear to whole world, Śrī Sītā Jī is the Ishta-devi (the tutelary deity, the dearest worshipable goddess) of all the worlds.”
Therefore, it is duty of everyone to observe Shri Sitanavami Vrata, for men and women alike, even gods in heaven celebrate the appearance of Sita Ji and observe vrata on this day.
Shri Sitanavami Vrat Nirupan
On which day and how should a Vaishnava observe Shri Sitanavami Vrata?
पुष्यान्वितायां तु कुजे नवम्यां
श्रीमाधवे मासि सिते हलेन ।
कृष्टा क्षितिः श्रीजनकेन तस्याः
सीताविरासीद् व्रतमत्र कुर्यात् ॥
(श्रीवैष्णव-मताब्ज-भास्कर ४.२४)
puṣyānvitāyāṃ tu kujē navamyāṃ
śrīmādhavē māsi sitē halēna ।
kṛṣṭā kṣitiḥ śrījanakēna tasyāḥ
sītāvirāsīd vratamatra kuryāt ॥
(Śrī Vaiṣṇava-Matābja-Bhāskara 4.24)
“In the month of Mādhava (i.e. Vaishakha), in Shukla-Paksha (i.e. bright half of the month), on the Navami (i.e. 9th day), in Pushya-Nakshatra, on Tuesday, Śrī Sītā Jī appeared from the furrow in the earth by Shri Janak Maharaj while He was tilling the earth. On this day (Vaishakh Shukl Navami), one should observe the Vrata (fast).”
Vaishakh Shukla Navami with Navami present during mid-day is celebrated as the aappearance day of Shri Janaki, Sitanavami is also known as Shri Janakinavami. If Navami is present during two consecutive days during afternoon, then a Vaishnava should leave the first day and celebrare and keep fast on the second day.
Sitanavami bestows the eternal world of Shri Rama
वैशाखे शुक्लनवम्यामुत्पन्ना साऽवनीसुता ।
सीतामुखात् सा सञ्जाता पालिता जनकेन च ॥
रामपत्नी महाभागा सीता नामेति विश्रुता ।
तस्मिन् दिने रामभक्ताः श्रद्धाभक्तिसमन्विताः ॥
महोत्सवपराः सर्वे वित्तशाठ्यविवर्जिताः ।
गीतवादित्रनृत्याद्यै राम्भक्तिपरायणाः ॥
वैशाखसितनवम्यां पुराणपठनं तथा ।
लक्ष्मीसूक्तं पठंस्तत्र याति राम सनातनम् ॥
सौभाग्यं धनधान्यञ्च पुत्रसन्ततिविस्तृतम् ।
रामप्रसादाल्लभते मुच्यते सर्वपातकात् ॥
(महासुन्दरी-तन्त्र)
vaiśākhē śukla-navamyām-utpannā sā'vanī-sutā।
sītā-mukhāt sā sañjātā pālitā janakēna ca॥
rāma-patnī mahābhāgā sītā nāmēti viśrutā।
tasmin dinē rāma-bhaktāḥ śraddhā-bhakti-samanvitāḥ॥
mahōtsavaparāḥ sarvē vitta-śāṭhya-vivarjitāḥ।
gīta-vāditra-nṛtyādyai rām-bhakti-parāyaṇāḥ॥
vaiśākha-sita-navamyāṃ purāṇa-paṭhanaṃ tathā।
lakṣmī-sūktaṃ paṭhaṃstatra yāti rāma sanātanam॥
saubhāgyaṃ dhana-dhānyañca putra-santati-vistṛtam।
rāma-prasādā-llabhatē mucyatē sarvapātakāt॥
(mahāsundarī-tantra)
“On the ninth (9th) day of the bright half of the Vaishakh month, Sita - the daughter of earth appeared from the earth when the tip of the plough split up the earth while King Janak was furrowing (for Som Yajna). She was then accepted by King Janaka as his daughter. That Sita - the most fortunate and auspicious one became the wife of Shri Rama. She became renowned by the name 'Sita' in the world (due to appearance from the plough's tip). On this day (the ninth day of the bright half of the Vaishakh month), people with Shraddha (reverence) and Bhakti (devotion) should generously celebrate the great festival of the appearance of Sita, discarding all avariances. One should sing, play musical instruments, dance in the devotion of SitaRama. On the Sitanavami, one should recite Ramayana (purāṇa-paṭhanaṃ) and Sri-Sukta (Vedic hymns in praise of Sri Sita and Lakshmi devi), etc. Whoever celebrates the Sitanavami in this way achieves the eternal Rama (in his eternal Saket loka). And also by grace of Shri Rama, one gets great fortune, wealth & prosperity, and children etc and becomes freed of all sins.”
How to observe Sitanavami Vrata?
Sage Markandeya, in Bhavishya Purana, narrates the glory of Sitanavami Vrata, and there he tells how to observe it.
त्रेतायुगे उत्तराशां गते कमलिनीपतौ ।
सर्व्वर्त्तुनिकरश्रेष्ठ ऋतौ तु कुसुमाकरे ॥
मासि पुण्यतमे विप्र माधवे माधवप्रिये ।
नवम्यां शुक्लपक्षे च वासरे मङ्गले शुभे ॥
सार्प्य ऋक्षे च मध्याह्ने जानकी जनकालये ।
आविर्भूता स्वयं देवी योगेषु गतिरुत्तमा ॥
एतद्योगे कृतञ्चैतद्व्रतं प्रोक्तमनन्तकम् ॥
(श्रीभविष्य महापुराण)
trētāyugē uttarāśāṃ gatē kamalinīpatau ।
sarvvarttunikaraśrēṣṭha ṛtau tu kusumākarē ॥
māsi puṇyatamē vipra mādhavē mādhavapriyē ।
navamyāṃ śuklapakṣē ca vāsarē maṅgalē śubhē ॥
sārpya ṛkṣē ca madhyāhnē jānakī janakālayē ।
āvirbhūtā svayaṃ dēvī yōgēṣu gatiruttamā ॥
ētadyōgē kṛtañcaitadvrataṃ prōktamanantakam ॥
(śrībhaviṣya mahāpurāṇa)
“In the last quarter of Treta Yuga, in the best of all seasons - Spring season, when the earth is full of flowers and fruits, in the most auspicious and holy month - Maadhava maas (Vaishaakha month) which is very dear to Lord Maadhava (Shri Rama), on the ninth day of Shukla-paksha (bright half of the month), on the most auspicious day of Tuesday, in Sarpya lunar mansion in pushya Nakshatra, in the afternoon time, when there such best Yoga of everything, then Janaki, the goddess herself appeared in the abode of King Janaka. Observing Vrata on this day in such Yoga gives infinite fruits.”
Markandeya Rishi further says in Bhavishya Purana says the person who wants to observe fast on Sitanavami should prepare self one day before Vaishakh Shukla Navami (Sitanavami) i.e. Vaishakh Shukla Ashatami. On the Vaishakh Shukla Ashtami, devotee should take bath early in the morning and pray to Sita and Rama, should restrain senses from Ashtami, and eagerly wait for the Navami to celebrate the appearance day of Sita Ji. Sage Markandeya says Sitanavami is best among all Vratas, and everyone should observe Vrata on Sitanavami, It is for one and all, from gods in heaven to humans, Gandharva, Yaksha, Naaga, all celebrate Sitanavami and keep fast on that day to get the mercy of Jaanaki and Raghunandan.
अष्टम्यां यदि विद्धा स्यान्नवमी माधवे सिते ।
कुर्य्यान्नेदं व्रतं तस्यां कृतञ्चेन्न्युनता भवेत् ॥
मध्याह्नव्यापिनी ग्राह्या व्रतेऽस्मिन्नवमी तिथिः ।
दिनद्वयगतायान्तु तस्यां कार्य्या परा नरैः ॥
एतैर्योगैर्विनापि स्यात् तद्दिनं पापनाशनम् ।
व्रतानां नित्यमाम्नातं कर्त्तव्यं व्रतमुत्तमम् ॥
(श्रीभविष्य पुराण)
aṣṭamyāṃ yadi viddhā syānnavamī mādhavē sitē ।
kuryyānnēdaṃ vrataṃ tasyāṃ kṛtañcēnnyunatā bhavēt ॥
madhyāhnavyāpinī grāhyā vratē'sminnavamī tithiḥ ।
dinadvayagatāyāntu tasyāṃ kāryyā parā naraiḥ ॥
ētairyōgairvināpi syāt taddinaṃ pāpanāśanam ।
vratānāṃ nityamāmnātaṃ karttavyaṃ vratamuttamam ॥
(śrībhaviṣya purāṇa)
“If Ashtami (8th day) has presence of Navami (9th) day of Shukla paksha, one, then that navami should be discarded as it destroys the fruits (as it is taken 8th day only, not Navami (9th) day. One should celebrate Sitanavami on the next day in which navami (9th) day is present during afternoon time if ninth (9th) date is present during two days (as Sita Ji appeared during afternoon time). And if such Yoga (occurrence having ninth day presence during afternoon time) is not present the next day which is free of 8th day, still that day should be celebrated as Sitanavami, that day destroys all sins of the person. Sitanavami is the Nitya Vrata means should be done by all and every year without any miss, It is best among all Vratas.”
यस्तु नो कुरुते मोहात् जानकीजन्मसम्भवम् ।
व्रतं स पच्यते घोरे नरके नात्र संशयः ॥
तस्मिन्नहनि मूढात्मा भुक्त्वाप्यन्नन्तु यो नरः ।
मुने स कृमिसङ्घातं सपूयं खादति स्फुटम् ॥
न करोति हि यः श्रुत्वा व्रतानामुत्तमं व्रतम् ।
स महापातकी ज्ञेयः सर्व्वधर्म्मबहिष्कृतः ॥
(श्रीभविष्य पुराण)
yastu nō kurutē mōhāt jānakījanmasambhavam।
vrataṃ sa pacyatē ghōrē narakē nātra saṃśayaḥ॥
tasminnahani mūḍhātmā bhuktvāpyannantu yō naraḥ।
munē sa kṛmisaṅghātaṃ sapūyaṃ khādati sphuṭam॥
na karōti hi yaḥ śrutvā vratānāmuttamaṃ vratam।
sa mahāpātakī jñēyaḥ sarvvadharmmabahiṣkṛtaḥ॥
(śrībhaviṣya purāṇa)
“However, one who does not observe vrata on the appearance day of Shri Jānakī, due to intentional moha or arrogance, then one falls in Naraka (lower world). A foolish person who eats grains on the appearance day of Shri Jānakī (Jānakīnavamī), he is like clearly eating the groups of worms. They who, even after listening about it, do not keep Vrata on Sitanavami - the best Vrata among all Vratas, they are known as the great fallen ones, and they are ousted of all dharmas.”
कुरुते यो व्रतं सोऽपि पृथ्वीदानफलं लभेत्।
महाषोडशदानानां यज्ञानां मुनिपुङ्गव ! ॥
प्राप्नोति सर्व्वतीर्थानां प्राप्नुयात् सकलं फलम्।
सर्व्वभूतदयां कृत्वा फलमाप्नोति यज्जनः॥
तत्प्राप्नोति व्रतादस्मात् नात्र कार्य्या विचारणा।
(श्रीभविष्य पुराण)
kurutē yō vrataṃ sō'pi pṛthvīdānaphalaṃ labhēt।
mahāṣōḍaśadānānāṃ yajñānāṃ munipuṅgava ! ॥
prāpnōti sarvvatīrthānāṃ prāpnuyāt sakalaṃ phalam।
sarvvabhūtadayāṃ kṛtvā phalamāpnōti yajjanaḥ॥
tatprāpnōti vratādasmāt nātra kāryyā vicāraṇā।
(śrībhaviṣya purāṇa)
“They who observe Sitanavami Vrata, they get the fruits of donating entire earth, and the fruits of sixteen types of great donation Yajnas, Oh great sage ! One gets the fruits of visiting all sacred regions. By doing Vrata on Sitanavami, One gets all fruits which are desired, One gets the fruits which are received after showing the benevolence, grace and mercy to all Jivas, there is no doubt in this.”
Definitely, one would get all desired fruits and even without desiring, Yet the main motive behind Sitanavami Vrata should be to please Janaki and Raghunandan, to get their devotional-service.
वैशाखशुक्लपक्षे त्वष्टम्यां संयमनं कुरु ।
परेद्युर्विकुरुष्वै तज्जानकीजन्मनो व्रतम् ॥
सन्तुष्टा जानकी तेन भविष्यति न संशयः ।
एतद् व्रतं ममाप्यस्ति कर्त्तव्यं श्वो द्विजोत्तमः ॥
माहात्म्यं तस्य गदितुं नास्ति मे निश्चलं मनः ।
(श्रीभविष्य पुराण)
vaiśākhaśuklapakṣē tvaṣṭamyāṃ saṃyamanaṃ kuru।
parēdyurvikuruṣvai tajjānakījanmanō vratam॥
santuṣṭā jānakī tēna bhaviṣyati na saṃśayaḥ।
ētad vrataṃ mamāpyasti karttavyaṃ śvō dvijōttamaḥ॥
māhātmyaṃ tasya gadituṃ nāsti mē niścalaṃ manaḥ।
(śrībhaviṣya purāṇa)
Lord Shiva says to Gautama Muni “A day before Sitanavami i.e. on ashtami (8th day) of Shukla Paksha (bright half of month of Vaishakha), one should restrain the senses (to keep self pure) to do Janakinavami vrata the next day. By Janakinavami (Sitanavami) Vrata, Janaki becomes definitely satisfied, there is no doubt in it. Oh wise sage ! It is Kartavya (duty) for me (Shiva) also to observe Sitanavami Vrata. I (Shiva) can not speak entirely the glory (māhātmyaṃ) of Sitanavami, such is my firm understanding about its great glory.”
On the early morning of Sitanavami, devotee should take the Sankalpa (a pious vow in heart) that Oh' Sita, to get devotion in your lotus feet and Your consort Lord Shri Rama, I shall observe fast for whole day today (Śrī Sitanavami).
Sankalp-Mantra
Here is the Sankalpa-mantra customised for taking resolution on Shri Sita-Navami (2023) to observe Vrat for pleasing Bhagavan Shri Rama:
श्रीसीताराम । ॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः श्रीमद्-भगवतो महापुरुषस्य विष्णोराज्ञया प्रवर्तमानस्य ब्रह्मणो द्वितीयपरार्धे श्रीश्वेतवाराहकल्पे वैवस्वतमन्वन्तरे अष्टाविंशतितमे कलियुगे कलिप्रथमचरणे “0. जम्बूद्वीपे भारतवर्षे भरतखण्डे आर्यावर्तैकदेशे” “1. पाटलिपुत्र” नगरे (/ग्रामे) “2. गङ्गातीरे” “3. श्रीसंवत् द्विसहस्राशीतिः (२०८०)” वैक्रमाब्दे वर्तमाने “4. नल” नामसंवत्सरे श्रीसूर्ये “5. उत्तरायणे” “6. वसन्त” ऋतोः महामांगल्यप्रदे “7. माधव (वैशाख)”-मासे शुभे “8. शुक्ल” पक्षे “9. नवम्यां” तिथौ “10. भौमवासरे ” “11.कश्यप” गोत्रोत्पन्नो “12....नामोऽहं” “13. श्रीसीतारामप्रीत्यर्थं” “14.श्रीसीतानवमीव्रतं” करिष्ये । ॐ तत्सत्।
(change according to your requirement)
śrīsītārāma । oṃ viṣṇur-viṣṇur-viṣṇuḥ śrīmad-bhagavatō mahā-puruṣasya viṣṇōrājñayā pravartamānasya brahmaṇō dvitīya-parārdhē śrī-śvēta-vārāha-kalpē vaivasvata-manvantarē aṣṭāviṃśatitamē kaliyugē kali-prathama-caraṇē “0. jambū-dvīpē bhārata-varṣē bharata-khaṇḍē āryāvartaika-dēśē” “1. pāṭaliputra”-nagarē (/grāmē) “2. gaṅgātīrē” “3. śrīsaṃvat Dwishasrashiti (2080) ” vaikramābdē vartamānē “4. nala-” nāma-saṃvatsarē śrīsūryē “5. uttarāyaṇē” “6. vasanta”-ṛtōḥ mahā-māṃgalya-pradē “7. mādhav”-māsē śubhē “8. śukla”-pakṣē “9. navamyāṃ”-tithau “10. bhaumavārē” “11.kaśyapa”-gōtrōtpannō “12 tell Your (Vaishnava) name ...nāmō'haṃ” “13. śrī-sītārāmacandra-prītyarthaṃ” “14.śrī-sītānavamī-vrataṃ” kariṣyē । oṃ tatsat।
Sankalpa is done by taking some water, some grains of rice and flowers in the palm of right hand, and then one should utter the Sankalpa mantra (keeping the meaning in heart). After reading the Sankalp mantra, one should leave the water (with rice-grains, and flowers) of the right palm in front of self. A Vaidic Sankalpa comprises person's identification along with his lineage, particular geo location, purpose, (wish/desire and determination), target (Deity). Therefore, it needs to be customized by the person as per one's Vaidic identification, time, place and the wish and the determination. For Rama-navami-Vrata, the Sankalpa-mantra is provided above. Those devotee who are not living in Bharat-Varsha (India), they should say the name of country in place of 0. जम्बूद्वीपे भारतवर्षे आर्यावर्तैकदेशे - jambūdvīpē bhāratavarṣē āryāvartaikadēśē' e.g. america-dēśē or russia-dēśē etc.
Similary say at
1. the name of Your city or village in which one is living presently;
2. if one is living on the bank of some river, then utter the name of river in plance of Ganga;
3. the century of Vikram-Samvat as given for this year;
4. the name of Samvatsara i.e. nala;
5. the name of summer-solastice or winter solastice (Uttarayana or Dakshinayana), currently Uttarayana on Shri Sitanavami day;
6. the name of season i.e. Vasanta. ( Six seasons are Vasant - Spring; Grishma - Summer; Varsha - Monsoon; Sharad - Autumn; Hemant - Prewinter; Shishir - Winter);
7. the month i.e. Maadhav or Vaishaakh (as per the month of Vrata, learn the name of 12 months);
8. the phase (Paksha) of month i.e. Shukla-Pakshe or sitē-pakṣē here (there are two phases [Paksha] in month Shukla-Pakhsa or Sitē-pakṣa - bright-half; krishna-paksha - dark-phase);
9. Tithi [date] i.e. navamyAm for Sitanavami; (ekAdashyAm for ekAdashai; learn the dates);
10. the day of Vrat i.e. Bhauma-vaar (Tuesday) here for Sitanavami day in India;
11. One's gotra ;
12. One's name (tell the Vaidic name given by gurudeva);
13. The purpose of doing Vrata i.e. here śrī-sītārāmacaṃdra-prītyarthaṃ - means for pleasing Bhagavan Shri SītāRāma (one can always tell the same for all Vratas and sacred observations or while doing pious activities that I am observing Vrata for pleasing Bhagavan Shri SītāRāma.);
14. the name of Vrata i.e. Shri-SitaNavami-vratam or Shri-JanakiNavami-vratam.
If one wants to get some fruits from observing fast on Sitanavami, one should take vow (Sankalpa) in this way
"मम भगवत्प्रीतिकामनया ( वामुकफलप्राप्तिकामनया ) सीताजन्मोत्सवव्रतमहं करिष्ये "
That I am going to fast on
सीता नवमी
Sita-Navami Vratam for ------- tell your desire). After doing Sankalpa in this way one should abstain self from anger, lust, greed and desire, etc on that day.
In the morning of dashami (i.e. the next day of Sitanavami), one should worship Bhagavan Shri SitaRama with devotion, and donate something to some Rama-devotee and feed them etc, as per one's financial capability (vittānusārataḥ). And thereafter, one should open the vrata.
Sitanavami Vrat bestows the supreme abode of Shri Rama, as well as fulfills all desires on the earth even without asking, if done properly with the Shraddha (reverence) and Bhakti (love and devotion).
What to do on Shri Sitanavami?
On Sitanavami, a devotee should observe fast, and do worship of SitaRama in morning, afternoon and evening. The main Puja of Sitanavami is in afternoon. In afternoon, one should do especial shodashopachar worship of Sita Ji, her consort Shri Rama and her father Shri Janak Maharaj, her mother Sunayana and mother earth and Guru Shatananda, etc. In the morning, a devotee should establish the Idols or image of Sita (or SitaRama) in center, and her father King Janaka, her mother Sunayana and Bhu Devi, and her Kulguru priest Sage Shatananda on the four corners, and in afternoon one should worship all. One should do shodashopachar Puja of Sita and Rama in afternoon, for step by step Shodashopachar Puja, one can refer the Ramanavami Vrat Page here. One should worship her in various ways, offer her bath, sandalwood paste, new clothes, ornaments, fragrance, flowers, fruits, Naivedyam (sweets), light of ghee etc.
Throughout the day, One should chant the mantra received from one's gurudeva as much as possible, more particularly Yugal-mantra of Shri Shri SitaRama, recite Janaki-Stavraja, Sita-Sahasranaam, and do swadhyay of Sitaayanam, Janaki-Charitamrit etc, and sing and dance in night to please Shri Shri SitaRama. One should meditate upon the lotus feet of Sita and Shri Rama at intervals throught the day on Sitanavami.
Study of scriptures like Sitayanam, Janaki-Charitamrit, Ramacharitmanas, Ramayana etc can be done regularly from the 1st day of Vaishakh Shukla-Pakhsa and should be concluded on either Janakinavami or Vaishakha-Purnima as there are the appearance days of Sarveshvari Shri Chandrakala Sakhi and Sarveshvari Sri Charusheela Sakhi of Sita Ji on Vaishakh-Trayodashi and Vaishakha-Purnima respectively. Sarveshvari Shri Chandrakala Sakhi is the head of the groups of Sakhis on Sita's side and Sarveshvari Sri Charusheela Sakhi is the head of the groups of Sakhis on Shri Rama'side.
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Avahan and Pranaam Mantras to Sita Ji
After establishing the deity or image of SitaJi and her relatives, devotee should do Avahan and give them Asanas (seats), and waters for Paadyam (washing feet), Arghyam (washing hands), Achamanam (washing mouth) and then one should give them bath.
Vedic Avahan-Mantra and eulogy to Sita Ji:-
(ॐ) अ॒र्वाची॑ सुभगे भव॒ सीते॒ वन्दा॑महे त्वा ।
यथा॑ नः सु॒भगास॑सि॒ यथा॑ नः सु॒फलास॑सि॥
(ऋग्वेद४.५७.६)
oṃ) arvācī subhage bhava Sīte vandāmahe tvā ।
yathā naḥ subhagāsasi yathā naḥ suphalāsasi ॥
(ṛgvēda4.57.6)
O' auspicious Bhagvati Sita! Please come near us. We bow down to You and greet You! O supreme deity endowed with the supreme fortune and auspiciousness! Please be kindly disposed towards us in such a manner that You be compassionate-hearted towards us and as a result You be a bestower of beautiful charming fruits for us!! (Commentary of Sayanacharya, one of the oldest Commentaries on Rig Veda)
Then devotee should meditate upon Sita who has golden complexion with following verse:-
ताटम मण्डलविभूषितगण्डभागां, चूडामणिप्रभृतिमण्डनमण्डिताम् ।
कौशेयवस्त्रमणिमौक्तिकहारयुक्तां, ध्यायेद् विदेहतनयां शशिगौरवर्णाम् ॥
tāṭama maṇḍala-vibhūṣita-gaṇḍabhāgāṃ,
cūḍāmaṇi-prabhṛti-maṇḍana-maṇḍitām ।
kauśēya-vastra-maṇi-mauktika-hāra-yuktāṃ,
dhyāyēd vidēha-tanayāṃ śaśi-gauravarṇām ॥
After meditating upon lotus feet of Shri Sita Ji, one should make salutations to her with the following verse :-
वन्दे विदेहतनया पद पुण्डरीकं
कैशोर-सौरभ-समाहृत-योगि-चित्तम् ।
हन्तुं त्रितापमनिशं मुनि-हंस-सेव्यं
सन्मानसालि परिपीत-पराग-पुञ्जम्॥
vandē vidēhatanayā pada puṇḍarīkaṃ
kaiśōra-saurabha-samāhṛta-yōgi-cittaṃ ।
hantuṃ tritāpamaniśaṃ muni-haṃsa-sēvyaṃ
sanmānasāli paripīta-parāga-puñjam॥
“I propitiate and adore Bhagwati Śrī Sītā Jī, the divine fragrance of whose lotus-feet encaptures the minds of even great Yogis; whom, a great many divine sages forever continually serve, to eliminate their three-way sorrows of the worldly ocean and who is like a golden yellowish nectar for the hearts of noble persons; I adore that Sītā , the daughter of King Videha, who is forever youthful.”
Then devotee should meditate upon the lotus feet of Lord Shri Rama with following verse:-
ध्यायेदाजानुबाहुं धृतशरधनुषं बद्धपद्मासनस्थम् ।
पीतं वासो वसानं नवकमलदलस्पर्धिनेत्रं प्रसन्नम् ।
वामांकारूढ सीतामुखकमलमिलल्लोचनं नीरदाभम् ।
नानालंकारदीप्तं दधतमुरुजटामंडनं रामचंद्रम् ॥
dhyāyēdājānubāhuṃ dhṛtaśaradhanuṣaṃ baddhapadmāsanastham ।
pītaṃ vāsō vasānaṃ navakamaladalaspardhinētraṃ prasannam ।
vāmāṃkārūḍha sītāmukhakamalamilallōcanaṃ nīradābham ।
nānālaṃkāradīptaṃ dadhatamurujaṭāmaṃḍanaṃ rāmacaṃdram ॥
After meditating upon Sita and Rama, one should make salutations to all the relatives of Sita ji. One should make salutations to the king Janaka with following जनकपूजामन्त्रः Janak-pujan-mantra :-
देवी पद्मालया साक्षादवतीर्णा यदालये।
मिथिलापतये तस्मै जनकाय नमो नम:॥
dēvī padmālayā sākṣādavatīrṇā yadālayē।
mithilāpatayē tasmai janakāya namō nama:॥
“The goddess who has abode in the center of 8 petaled lotus flower (in the Saket Loka), She herself appeared in whose house (palace), to that Lord of Mithila, King Janaka, I bow again and again.”
After Janaka, do salutations to mother Sunayana with following verse :-
सीतायाः जननी मातर्महिषी जनकस्य च।
पूजां गृहाण मद्दतां महामति नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
sītāyāḥ jananī mātarmahiṣī janakasya ca।
pūjāṃ gṛhāṇa maddatāṃ mahāmati namōstu tē॥
“The mother of Sita and the queen of Maharaj Janaka, Oh great wise devi Sunayana, please accept my puja (worship), I make salutations to You.”
After Devi Sunayana, one should make salutations to Kulguru sage Shatananda with following शतानन्दपूजनमन्त्रः Shatananda-pujan-mantra :-
निधानं सर्व्वविद्यानां विद्वत्कुलविभूषणम्।
जनकस्य पुरोधास्त्वं शतानन्दाय ते नम:॥
nidhānaṃ sarvvavidyānāṃ vidvatkulavibhūṣaṇam।
janakasya purōdhāstvaṃ śatānandāya tē namaḥ ॥
“I make salutations to Shri Shatanand Ji who is the purōhita (kulguru) of Shri Janaka Maharaj, and the abode of all wisdom & knowledge, and the ornament of the race of learned ones.”
After Guru Shatananda, one should make saluations to the Goddess earth, the mother of Sita and everyone, with following सुभगापूजनमन्त्रः Subhaga-pujan-mantra:-
त्वयैवोत्पदितं सर्वं जगदेतच्चराचरम्।
त्वमेवासि महामाया मुनीनामपि मोहिनी॥
त्वयायत्ता इमे लोकाः श्रीसीतावल्लभा परा ।
वंदनीयासि देवानां सुभगे त्वां नमाम्यहम्॥
tvayaivōtpaditaṃ sarvaṃ jagadētaccarācaram।
tvamēvāsi mahāmāyā munīnāmapi mōhinī॥
tvayāyattā imē lōkāḥ śrīsītāvallabhā parā ।
vaṃdanīyāsi dēvānāṃ subhagē tvāṃ namāmyaham॥
“Oh mother earth, from You alone this entire animate and inanimate world comes forth, You alone are Mahamaya and the enchanter of the minds of Munis (sages). All these worlds are from You alone, oh mother of Sita, You are reverential for all gods. Oh auspicious one, I do salutations to You.”
After mother earth, one should make saluations to plough from which Sita was appeared with following हलपूजनमन्त्रः Hala-pujan-mantra:-
जीवनस्यखिलं विश्वं चालयन् वसुधातलम्।
प्रादुर्भावयसे सीतां सीत तुभ्यं नमोस्तु ते॥
jīvanasy-akhilaṃ viśvaṃ cālayan vasudhā-talam ।
prādurbhāvayasē sītāṃ sīta tubhyaṃ namōstu tē ॥
“You are verily life(-support) for the whole world, You move on the earth, and because of You, Oh Sīt, Sītā appeared from the earth. Salutations to You, Oh plough !.”
After making salutations to all, one should worship all with flowers, rice-grains, fragrance, dhup, and deep (soft lights) etc. Thereafter, One should chant the Sita-Mantra
"ॐ श्रीं सीतायै नमः"
at least 1008 times. After chanting, one should do one tenth times (1/10 times of total Mantra done) Havan with Ghee, sesame, barley, and other stuffs for Havan.
Then after completion of Havan, One should seek forgiveness for all offenses done and any mistake done during the puja also from Sita Ji. In the end, one should do Aarati of Sita Ji or recite Jaanaki-stotra. And observe fast whole day. On the next day, after worship of Shri Sita-Rama, devotee should open the fast. It is advisable to donate something to the Shri Rama devotees or one's Gurudeva or feed some cows or Brahmina before breaking the fast on Dashami. Janakinavami Vrata is for all, it bestows the Supreme abode of Sita i.e. Sita-loka within Saket Loka, and fulfills all desires on the earth also. They who do not observe and celebrate Janakinavami vrata intentionally, either due to their pramad (laziness) or moha (ignorance), they are called fallen among humans.
The Supreme Absolute truth (brahm) always exist in the divine couple form, as the husband and the wife, for increasing the Rasa. Bhagvati Sita is the eternal consort of Lord Rama, the supreme personality of Godhead. She is perfect match to her consort Shri Rama in all aspects. While Sri Rama is the Purushottama (पुरुषोत्तम), the best among men, so Sita Ji is the best among women of all the worlds, NaariNaamuttama (नारीणामुत्तमा). None could touch even the shadow of Sita Ji in glory, She is the perfectness of all womanly virtues.
रामस्य दयिता भार्या नित्यम् प्राण समा हिता ॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण १.१.२६)
rāmasya dayitā bhāryā nityam prāṇa samā hitā ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 1.1.26)
Divine Sage Narada says to Valmiki: Sita, the most dear to Lord Rama like his own life (प्राण समा हिता ), is his eternal(नित्यम्) consort (भार्या).
सर्वलक्षणसंपन्ना नारीणामुत्तमा वधूः ॥
सीताप्य अनुगता रामम् शशिनम् रोहिणी यथा ।
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण १.१.२७-२८)
sarvalakṣaṇasaṃpannā nārīṇāmuttamā vadhūḥ ॥
sītāpya anugatā rāmam śaśinam rōhiṇī yathā ।
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 1.1.27-28)
Divine Sage Narada tells Valmiki that Sita, the best one among ladies, is a possessor of all best qualities befitting to an ideal lady.
Though Valmiki wrote Ramayana for cherishing the glory of lord Rama, the most superior and his exploits, however when Lord Rama heard very attentively the same melodious Ramayana through the mouths of Luv-Kush, he told that it is even endowing good fortune to him not because of his own saga, but the story is narrating the glory of maa Sita, the eternal consort of Rama, the soul of Rama
(भार्या नित्यम् प्राण समा हिता ॥ १-१-२६).
इमौ मुनी पार्थिव लक्षणान्वितौ
कुशी लवौ च एव महातपस्विनौ ।
ममा अपि तद् भूति करम् प्रचक्षते
महानुभावम् चरितम् निबोधत ॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण १.४.३५-३६)
imau munī pārthiva lakṣaṇānvitau
kuśī lavau ca ēva mahātapasvinau ।
mamā api tad bhūti karam pracakṣatē
mahānubhāvam caritam nibōdhata ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 1.4.35-36)
These two saint-like Kusha and Lava, who also possess kingly features, but they are great hermits... this narration is endowing good fortune to me also, listen to that great efficacious legend [of Sita...]" [So said Rama to his courtiers after listening Ramayana from Kush and Lava] (Valmiki Ramayana 1.4.35)
Here, Shri Rama himself accepts that this legend is 'efficacious' for it is the legend of Sita, and were it be Rama's alone, he will get the blemish of self-glorification, aatma prashamsaa doSa, however Rama being the best among men can't do self-glorification though his own mouths and brave heroes of legends cannot be subjected to such a blemish.
That’s why Valmiki Muni says, in Ramayana the sublime legend of Sita is primary conduct and Ravana's elimination by lord Rama is secondary.
काव्यम् रामायणम् कृत्स्नम् सीतायाः चरितम् महत्।
पौलस्त्य वधम् इति एवम् चकार चरित व्रतः॥
(श्री वाल्मीकि रामायण १.५.७)
kāvyam rāmāyaṇam kṛtsnam sītāyāḥ caritam mahat।
paulastya vadham iti ēvam cakāra carita vrataḥ॥
(Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 1-4-7)
Sita's conduct (Sublime legend of Sita) is the primary aspect and Ravana's elimination is secondary in the epic of Ramayana.
Thus Ramayana’s primary name is Sita-Charitam, सीताचरितम् as indicated by Brahmarshi Valmiki.
Please Chant this Chaupāai,
जनकसुता जग जननि जानकी। अतिसय प्रिय करुनानिधान की॥
ताके जुग पद कमल मनावउँ। जासु कृपाँ निरमल मति पावउँ॥
This will give you wonderful result.
Please Chant SitaRam SitaRam SitaRam
Hail to Priya Pritam Sarkar ❤️
Hail to Ānand Bhāshyakār Śrīmad Jagādgurü Ramānandacharya 🚩
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