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Why is Sita kidnapped?

Sita was kidnapped because of a series of unfortunate events that occurred in the epic tale of Ramayana. According to the mythological story, Sita was the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and the wife of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The main reason behind Sita’s abduction was Ravana’s desire to possess her, which arose out of his desire for revenge and his arrogance of being the most powerful king in the world. Ravana, the king of Lanka, was a demon who had a special power due to a boon from Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe.

Being arrogant, he wanted to have Sita, who was considered the epitome of beauty and grace, as his queen. Hence, he decided to kidnap her.

Ravana kidnapped Sita while Lord Rama was away from their home in the forest, searching for a golden deer that Sita had expressed her desire to own. Sita, along with Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, was in exile in the forest for fourteen years as per their father’s promise to Kaikeyi, Ram’s stepmother.

It was during this time that Hanuman, the monkey god, along with his army, helped Lord Rama in finding Sita, who was locked up in Ravana’s palace in Lanka.

Sita’s abduction was not just a personal tragedy but a social and political one as well. It resulted in a big war between Ravana’s powerful army and Lord Rama’s army, which included various other kingdoms who supported him in defeating Ravana and bringing Sita back. The war is known as the battle of Ramayana, which ultimately led to the defeat of Ravana and the reinstatement of Lord Rama as the king of Ayodhya.

Sita’S kidnapping was a major turning point in the story of Ramayana, which represents a battle of good over evil. The abduction of Sita became the reason for the conflict between Lord Rama and Ravana, which eventually resulted in the victory of Lord Rama, the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Why did Ravana took away Sita?

In the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Ravana was the king of Lanka and an extremely powerful demon. He had a deep desire for power and wealth, and would do anything to get what he wanted. In the story, Ravana saw Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, and was struck by her beauty. He decided that he wanted her to be his queen and knew that he could use her as a way to gain power and control over Rama.

Ravana made a plan to abduct Sita with the help of his sister, Surpanakha. Surpanakha went to the forest where Rama and Sita were living in exile and tried to seduce Rama. When Rama refused her advances, Surpanakha became angry and tried to attack Sita. However, Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, came to her rescue and injured Surpanakha.

Enraged by this, Ravana decided to take revenge on Rama and kidnapped Sita while Rama was away looking for food. Ravana took Sita to Lanka and tried to convince her to marry him. Sita, being a devoted and loyal wife, refused to even look at Ravana and remained true to Rama.

This act of kidnapping was seen as a heinous crime and sparked the beginning of a great war between Rama and Ravana. The war ended with Rama’s victory and the return of Sita to her rightful place as queen.

In short, Ravana took away Sita because he was driven by his desire for power and saw her as a means to an end. He plotted and executed the abduction to gain control over Rama and bring Sita into his kingdom as his queen. However, his actions ultimately led to his downfall and the victory of good over evil.

Why did Ravana kidnap Sita according to Sri Lanka?

According to Sri Lankan mythology and the Ramayana epic, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, for several reasons.

One reason behind Ravana’s kidnapping of Sita was his desire for revenge against Lord Rama. Ravana was humiliated by Lord Rama when he cut off Ravana’s sister Surpanakha’s nose for trying to seduce him. Ravana sought to exact revenge on Lord Rama by abducting his wife, Sita.

Another motive behind Ravana’s kidnapping of Sita was his desire to possess her beauty and character. Ravana was enchanted by Sita’s exquisite beauty, and he believed that she was the ultimate embodiment of femininity and chastity. He had a deep desire to add Sita to his harem of wives and concubines, which he believed would enhance his status and reputation as a powerful king.

Furthermore, Ravana also wanted to prove his superiority over Lord Rama by showing that he could take away what Rama valued most, his wife. By kidnapping Sita, Ravana hoped to humiliate and defeat Lord Rama, and to establish himself as the dominant ruler in the region.

Ravana’S motivations for kidnapping Sita were multifaceted and complex. He was driven by a desire for revenge, a lust for power and beauty, and a wish to establish his dominance over Lord Rama. However, ultimately, his actions led to his downfall, as Lord Rama eventually defeated him and rescued Sita.

Is it true that Ravana didn’t touch Sita?

The answer to this question is complex and dependent on various interpretations of the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Rama, Sita, and Ravana. In some versions of the story, Ravana does not touch Sita, while in others, he does.

One interpretation of the story suggests that Ravana did not physically touch Sita. This interpretation is based on the fact that Ravana was depicted as a highly disciplined ascetic who had the power to control his desires. According to this interpretation, Ravana tried to win Sita over with his charm, but he never tried to force himself upon her.

Another interpretation of the story suggests that Ravana did touch Sita. This interpretation is based on the fact that, according to some versions of the story, Ravana disguised himself as a hermit, approached Sita when she was alone, and tried to woo her. When Sita refused him, Ravana revealed his true identity and physically took her away with him.

Regardless of whether or not Ravana touched Sita, what is clear is that he abducted her and held her captive in his kingdom of Lanka. This act sparked a war between Ravana’s army and Rama’s army, with Rama ultimately prevailing and rescuing Sita.

While the question of whether or not Ravana touched Sita is a subject of interpretation, what is important to remember is that Ravana kidnapped her and held her against her will, which is a deeply troubling act regardless of the specifics.

Why did Sita burn herself?

The act of Sita burning herself is a highly controversial and debated topic in Hindu mythology. According to the Ramayana, Sita was the wife of Lord Rama and was held captive by Ravana, the king of Lanka. After being rescued by Lord Rama, Sita was subjected to public scrutiny and humiliation as there were doubts over her purity during her captivity.

To prove her innocence, Sita consented to undergo the Agni Pariksha, a test by fire, in which she had to walk through fire unscathed to prove her virtue.

While Sita successfully passed the Agni Pariksha and proved her virtue, her life was never the same again. She was constantly subjected to criticism and questioned about her purity, and even her husband Lord Rama, who had promised to protect her, banished her from his kingdom, citing public opinion as his reason.

It is believed that in the face of constant humiliation and rejection, Sita chose to end her life by immolating herself in a fire. Some interpretations suggest that this was an act of self-sacrifice and devotion to her husband, as she believed that her presence was causing him pain and distress. Others view it as an act of defiance and assertion of self-respect, as Sita refused to live in a world that did not value or respect her womanhood.

There are multiple interpretations of why Sita burned herself, but all of them underscore the immense suffering and discrimination faced by women in patriarchal societies. Her tragic fate serves as a reminder of the harmful gender biases and expectations that continue to plague our society today.

Who protected Sita in Lanka?

In the epic Ramayana, it is often emphasized that Lord Hanuman played the most significant role in protecting Sita in Lanka. Lord Hanuman was a key lieutenant and devotee of Lord Rama, who was the husband of Sita. When Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, Lord Hanuman was sent by Lord Rama to search for her.

Lord Hanuman, who possessed extraordinary strength and intelligence, crossed the sea to reach Lanka and eventually discovered Sita at the Ashoka Vatika garden. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Lord Hanuman succeeded in reassuring Sita and conveying Lord Rama’s message of love and encouragement to her.

Moreover, Lord Hanuman played a crucial role in helping Lord Rama and his army in their battle against Ravana’s forces. Lord Hanuman’s immense strength and skills were instrumental in overcoming Ravana’s army and ultimately defeating Ravana.

Therefore, it is widely believed that Lord Hanuman protected Sita in Lanka by ensuring her safety and providing her with comfort and support during her captivity. His heroic actions in freeing Sita and aiding Lord Rama demonstrate his immense devotion and unwavering loyalty towards him.

How many years Sita stayed in Sri Lanka?

As per mythology, Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka, while her husband Lord Rama was in exile. She was held captive in Lanka for nearly 10 months before being rescued by Lord Rama with the help of his army of monkeys and bears. However, there are different versions of the story and in some, it is believed that Sita was held captive by Ravana for several years.

As per the Valmiki Ramayana, which is considered the original version of the epic, Sita was kidnapped in the month of Chaitra and rescued in the month of Ashwin, which are about six months apart. In another version of Ramayana, namely Ramcharitmanas, it is stated that Sita stayed in Lanka for a period of one year, eight months, and fourteen days.

Furthermore, some scholars believe that Sita spent around 12 or 13 years in Lanka, as many other incidents took place during the time of her captivity. For instance, it is said that Ravana tried to woo Sita and convince her to marry him, which she vehemently refused. Also, during her stay in Lanka, Sita gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha, who were later reunited with their father Rama.

Considering the various versions of the story, it is difficult to determine the exact number of years Sita stayed in Sri Lanka. However, what remains constant is her unwavering devotion to her husband and her immense strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Who impregnated Sita?

This is a controversial and sensitive topic that has been debated among scholars and devout followers of Hinduism for centuries. According to the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, Sita was impregnated by her husband Lord Rama during their thirteen-year exile in the forest.

However, there are alternative versions of events that suggest that Sita’s pregnancy was not a natural occurrence. Some believe that it was the result of a curse placed on her by a sage named Durvasa, who was angered by her refusal to accept a fruit that had been offered to her. Others contend that Sita was abducted and violated by the demon king Ravana, who held her captive in his palace.

Despite the varying interpretations of what happened, the fact remains that Sita’s pregnancy led to the birth of her sons Lava and Kusha, who played a pivotal role in the Ramayana’s climactic battle between Rama and Ravana.

In contemporary times, discussions surrounding Sita’s pregnancy have also raised important questions about consent, gender dynamics, and the representation of women in Hindu mythology. Some scholars have criticized the traditional portrayal of Sita as a passive and obedient wife who is subjected to the whims of her husband, while others have emphasized her strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The answer to the question of who impregnated Sita depends on one’s cultural, spiritual, and philosophical beliefs. However, what is clear is that her story continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world, and serves as a testament to the enduring power of myth and storytelling.

Is there any evidence of Ravana in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there is ample evidence of Ravana in Sri Lanka, both in the form of historical records as well as in folklore and mythology. Ravana is a well-known figure in Sri Lankan culture and is considered to be one of the most important characters in the country’s ancient mythology.

One of the most famous pieces of evidence for Ravana’s existence in Sri Lanka is the ancient city of Sigiriya, which is believed by many to be the site of Ravana’s palace. The city is located in the central part of the country and is known for its stunning rock formations and intricate architecture.

According to legend, Ravana used to live in the palace at Sigiriya, and this has led many people to believe that this is the actual location of his palace.

In addition to Sigiriya, there are many other places in Sri Lanka that are associated with Ravana. One of the most well-known is the Ravana Ella waterfall, which is located in the central part of the country. According to legend, Ravana used to bathe in the waterfall, and it was here that he met Sita, the consort of Lord Rama.

There are also many temples and shrines throughout Sri Lanka that are dedicated to Ravana. These include the Ravana Rajaharamaya temple in Kandy and the Ravana Cave temple in Ella. In these places, people come to pay their respects to Ravana and to offer prayers to him.

Despite the many pieces of evidence for Ravana’s existence in Sri Lanka, there are some who dispute his historical accuracy. Some historians argue that Ravana is nothing more than a mythological figure, created by ancient storytellers to explain natural phenomena and social issues.

However, regardless of whether or not Ravana was an actual historical figure, there is no doubt that he has had a profound impact on Sri Lankan culture and history. His story continues to be told and retold in many different forms, and he remains an important cultural icon in Sri Lanka to this day.

How does Sita’s life end?

Sita is one of the most revered and beloved characters in Hindu mythology. She is the wife of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is worshipped as a symbol of purity, chastity, and devotion. However, the end of Sita’s life is one of the most tragic events in the Ramayana, the epic story of Lord Rama’s life and his battle against the demon king Ravana.

In the Ramayana, Sita is kidnapped by Ravana and taken to his kingdom of Lanka. Lord Rama, with the help of his brother Lakshmana and the monkey army led by Hanuman, mounts a rescue mission to bring back Sita. After a fierce battle, Lord Rama kills Ravana and rescues Sita, but their joyous reunion is short-lived.

Lord Rama begins to doubt Sita’s purity and accuses her of having been unfaithful during her captivity. Sita is heartbroken by these accusations and decides to prove her innocence by undergoing a trial by fire. She walks through the fire unscathed, proving her purity, but Lord Rama still doubts her and decides to send her into exile.

Sita wanders in the forests alone for many years, raising her twin sons Luv and Kush. Eventually, she comes across the sage Valmiki, who takes her in and gives her shelter. Valmiki helps Luv and Kush to meet their father Lord Rama and the family is finally reunited. However, Lord Rama’s doubts and suspicion towards Sita remain, and he asks her to undergo another trial by fire.

This time, Sita has had enough. She refuses to undergo another trial and calls upon Mother Earth to help her. Mother Earth splits open and Sita disappears into the earth. Lord Rama is grief-stricken by Sita’s disappearance and realizes the error of his ways. He realizes that true love and devotion cannot be tested by trials or accusations.

Sita’S life comes to an end in a tragic and emotional way. Despite being a symbol of purity and devotion, she faces numerous trials and tribulations throughout her life. However, her legacy remains strong, and she serves as a beacon of inspiration for women all over the world, who look up to her as a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

What were the curses of Sita?

Sita, the beautiful and virtuous wife of Lord Rama, is a prominent character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. She is revered for her piety, loyalty, and devotion to her husband, but she also faced many challenges and curses throughout her life.

One of the most well-known curses of Sita is the one she received from Lord Rama himself. According to the epic, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana and kept captive in Lanka. Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and an army of monkeys, rescued her from Ravana’s clutches and brought her back to Ayodhya.

However, when they returned, Lord Rama heard rumors that Sita had been unfaithful to him during her captivity. Despite Sita’s protestations of innocence, Lord Rama banished her from his kingdom, citing his responsibility as a king to uphold his principles and avoid any appearance of impropriety. Sita, heartbroken and alone, wandered the forests until she was taken in by Sage Valmiki.

Years later, when Lord Rama learned of Sita’s whereabouts and the fact that she had borne him twin sons, he sought to bring her back to Ayodhya. However, Sita, having endured so much hardship and humiliation, was reluctant to return to her husband’s side. She challenged Lord Rama to prove that she was still pure and chaste, and asked Mother Earth to bear witness to her virtue.

In response, the ground split open and Sita descended into it, disappearing forever. Though Lord Rama begged her to return, she refused, saying that her honor and dignity were more important than her love for him.

Another curse that Sita faced was from the sage Gautama, after she was falsely accused of being unfaithful to her husband. In the Ramayana, Sita and Lord Rama went to visit the sage’s ashram during their exile in the forest. While they were there, Sita went to fetch water from the river and was seen by the king of the gods, Indra, who was disguised as a Brahmin.

When Sita offered to give him some of the sacred water, he refused unless she stood closer to him. Sita complied, but the sage Gautama, who had been doing penance nearby, saw them and mistakenly thought that his wife Ahalya was being unfaithful to him once again. Furious, he cursed Sita to be banished from his sight and for her to be abandoned by Lord Rama when she needed him most.

The curses of Sita in the Ramayana highlight the injustices and hardships faced by women, no matter how devout and virtuous they may be. Sita’s banishment and subsequent disappearance into the earth epitomized the idea that women were expendable and disposable, and that their honor was often used as currency in political and social dealings.

However, even in the face of these curses and challenges, Sita remained steadfast in her grace, dignity, and loyalty, inspiring generations of women to emulate her example.

Who made Sita pregnant?

There is no clear consensus in Hindu mythology or in academic studies on who made Sita pregnant. In the Ramayana, Sita is depicted as being the wife of the god Rama, and in most versions of the story, Rama and Sita are said to have been married for about 13 years before Rama was forced to exile himself from his kingdom along with Sita and his brother Lakshmana.

During their years in exile, Sita is captured by the demon king Ravana and held captive in his kingdom for several months until Rama kills Ravana and rescues Sita.

However, there are some versions of the Ramayana that suggest that Sita may have been impregnated by someone other than Rama. One such version is the Adbhuta Ramayana, which describes Sita as being impregnated by the sun god Surya while she was still in Ravana’s captivity. In this version, Sita gives birth to a son named Karna, who later becomes a Hindu warrior.

Another possible explanation for Sita’s pregnancy is that it was a result of her own meditative powers. In some versions of the Ramayana, Sita is depicted as a powerful woman who is capable of performing miracles and creating things through her meditation. It is possible that her pregnancy was a result of her own magical powers.

It is important to note that the question of who made Sita pregnant is a matter of interpretation and belief, and there is no one definitive answer. Different versions of the story and different interpretations may offer different explanations for Sita’s pregnancy, and ultimately it is up to each individual to decide which version they find most compelling.

Where did Sita go after death?

The fate of Sita after her death is a matter of great debate and speculation. According to the Indian epic, Ramayana, Sita was abandoned by her husband, Lord Rama, on the grounds of suspicion raised by his subjects, and she was forced to raise her two sons alone. Eventually, she returned to the earth, and there are different accounts of how and where it happened.

Some sources suggest that Sita walked into the fire to prove her devotion to Rama, and this act of self-immolation was rewarded by the gods. According to Hindu mythology, Sita was transformed into the goddess of earth, Bhumi Devi, and was worshipped as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

Other sources argue that Sita was taken back by her mother, the earth goddess, to her abode in the heart of the earth to live in peace with her sons, Kush and Lava. There are also accounts that suggest that after her death, Sita went to heaven, where she was reunited with Rama and was granted a place among the gods.

In some versions of the story, it is said that Sita was reborn as a river named Sitabani, who flowed through the forests of Uttarakhand, India, and is still worshipped by the locals as a manifestation of the goddess herself.

The fate of Sita after her death remains a mystery, and different beliefs exist, depending on the interpretation of the texts and traditions. However, regardless of what happened to her after her passing, Sita remains an iconic figure of Hindu mythology, revered for her virtues and her unwavering devotion to her husband and principles.

What were Sita’s last words?

According to Valmiki Ramayana, after being abandoned by her husband, Lord Rama, due to a public doubt on her chastity, Sita underwent immense suffering and trials. She was later taken care of by Sage Valmiki and delivered her twin sons, Lava and Kusa, in the ashram. When Lord Rama visited there to perform Aswamedha Yagna, he encountered his sons, who sang the story of Rama in his own presence, revealing Sita’s hidden existence.

A pleased Rama then sent message-bearers to invite Sita to return to Ayodhya.

Sita, who had undergone the agony of social rejection and the loss of her dignity, expressed her anguish to Rama and questioned his satisfaction with her purity. She denounces Rama for his cowardice and lack of trust despite her loyal and virtuous character. However, Rama was concerned that his citizens might raise similar doubts and refused to take her back.

Hurt and rejected, Sita finally uttered her famous last words, “I take refuge in Mother Earth and appeal to her to let me be by her side forevermore.”

Upon her utterance, the earth splits open, and Sita disappeared into the depths. The legend says that Mother Earth received her back and embraced her. Rama was then stunned and realized his mistake, and repented for his actions. The Vaishnavites also consider this incident as proof of Sita’s divinity and purity, as she gets absorbed into the earth that bore her.

Sita’S last words signify the pain, agony, and endurance of A woman who is subject to the cruelty of society and domestic violence, despite her piety and innocence. Her words also convey her willingness to end her life rather than live with injustice and dignity-taking.

How long did Sita live on Earth?

Sita is a significant character in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, where she is portrayed as the wife of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the epic, Sita was born out of the earth and was found by King Janaka while he was plowing his field. She was then adopted by Janaka and his wife Sunayana, who raised her as their own daughter.

In Ramayana, it is mentioned that Sita lived on Earth for a considerable period, but the exact number of years is not specified. However, it is believed that Sita’s life on Earth can be divided into three significant intervals.

The first interval was from her birth until her marriage with Lord Rama. It is thought that Sita was around 16 years old when she married Rama. During this period, Sita was residing at her father’s palace in Mithila, where she was trained in various skills such as archery, music, and dance.

The second interval began after her marriage when she accompanied Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana to the forest during their fourteen-year exile. During this period, Sita lived in the forest with Rama and Lakshmana and faced numerous challenges, including the abduction by the demon king Ravana.

It is believed that Sita lived for around ten years in the forest during the exile period.

The final interval began after Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita from captivity. Sita was exiled by Rama when he doubted her purity and devotion towards him, and she went on to live in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki for several years. According to some versions of Ramayana, Sita spent around 12 years in Valmiki’s ashram, where she gave birth to her twin sons, Lava and Kusha, and raised them.

Sita’S life on Earth can be estimated to be around 16 years before her marriage, ten years in the forest during Rama’s exile, and approximately 12 years in Sage Valmiki’s ashram, where she lived with her sons. Therefore, it is believed that Sita lived for almost four decades on Earth.

Resources

  1. Princess Sita’s Kidnap – The British Library
  2. Why did Raavan kidnap Sita? – Quora
  3. Story of How Ravana Kidnapped Sita – Devi Mandir
  4. Why Ravana kidnapped Sita? (The actual Story)
  5. Mythological Story : Sita’s Abduction – KidsGen