A Critical Analysis of the Character of Sita in Valmiki’s Ramayana

Abstract

Aims: Sita, the heroine of the Ramayana, was the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and Queen Sunaina. She was found in a furrow as a baby. Sita grew up to be a beautiful, compassionate and wise princess, embodying grace and virtue. Her marriage to Prince Rama was arranged through a contest where suitors had to string a powerful bow. With divine strength, Rama broke the bow and won Sita’s hand in marriage. Their union symbolized a loving and ideal relationship, grounded on mutual respect and duty.

Methodology and Approaches: When Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, Sita chose to accompany him instead of staying in the luxurious palace. They endured isolation and hardship in the forest, living righteously and a simple life. From the forest Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, abducted her, driven by his infatuation. Rama, with the help of Hanuman, waged a great war against Ravana to rescue Sita.

Outcome: Later on, when Sita returned to Rama she faced the trial of Agni Pariksha to prove her chastity. However, Sita was exiled once again, this time to the forest alone, where she found refuge with Sage Valmiki and gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha. At last, Sita was summoned by the Earth, her divine mother, to return to her original home. The earth opened and took her in, ending her earthly life.

Conclusion and Suggestions: In order to know the character of Sita clearly, it is analysed at five levels as shown in this article. The five levels are: (A) Sita as a daughter, (B) Sita as a wife, (C) Sita as a daughter-in-law, (D) Sita as a mother, and (E) Sita as a woman.