CharacterRaghuvamsha
Sita: FAQ & Sources
सीताPrincess of Mithila, queen of Ayodhya; wife of Rama. Also called Janaki, Vaidehi, Maithili, Bhumija, Siya, Janakanandini.
Sita, found in a furrow by King Janaka of Mithila, married Rama when he broke Shiva's bow and followed him into exile. Carried off to Lanka by Ravana, she resisted him in the Ashoka grove until Rama's victory. She is honoured as a form of Lakshmi and a model of courage.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Sita?
Sita is the wife of Rama and the heroine of the Ramayana, the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila, honoured as a form of Lakshmi.
Why is Sita called Bhumija?
Because King Janaka found her in a furrow of the earth while ploughing.
How long was Sita in Lanka?
The Valmiki Ramayana suggests she was held for about ten months to a year before Rama's victory.
What is the Agni Pariksha?
Sita's ordeal by fire after the war, from which Agni returned her unharmed, proclaiming her purity.
Who were Sita's sons?
The twins Lava and Kusha, born in Valmiki's hermitage.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Bala, Aranya, Sundara, Yuddha and Uttara Kandas
- Tulsidas, Ramcharitmanas
- Adbhuta Ramayana
Read our editorial policy on how scripture, Purana and folk tradition are labelled.
Continue exploring
Open the explorerConnected to Sita
Appears inRamayanaरामायण
Stories & mythsThe Breaking of Shiva’s Bowशिव धनुष भंग
Places & templesPanchavati, Nashikपंचवटी, नासिक
Stories & mythsSita’s Agni Parikshaसीता की अग्नि परीक्षा
Stories & mythsLava and Kusha: Sita’s Sons and Her Return to the Earthलव-कुश: सीता के पुत्र और पृथ्वी में लीन होना
Stories & mythsThe Golden Deer and the Abduction of Sitaस्वर्ण मृग और सीता हरण
Places & templesAyodhyaअयोध्या
Stories & mythsHanuman’s Leap to Lankaहनुमान की लंका यात्रा
ConsortRamaराम
Related figuresUrmilaऊर्मिला