Sítá

Also known as: Maithil Queen / Maithil dame / Maithil lady / Maithil queen / Maithil spouse / Maithil wife / Queen Sítá / Sitá / Vedehan bride / Videhan / Videhan Queen / Videhan bride / Videhan lady / Videhan queen / Videhan spouse · Family: Videha · Role: queen · First appears: Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad

In Nárad’s summary of the poem, Sítá is of Janak’s lineage and joins Ráma in exile, living with him and Lakshmaṇ at Chitrakúṭa before Rávaṇ abducts her. The poet’s summary tells how Ráma won her as his wife; in the tale told by Janak in Book I, Canto 66, he recalls finding her as an infant beneath his plough and cherishing her as his daughter. After Ráma breaks the bow, Janak gives her to him in marriage.

In Book II, when Ráma is ordered into exile, Sítá insists on accompanying him. He initially refuses, but agrees to take her to the forest; she leaves with him and Lakshmaṇ, receives robes and ornaments for the journey, and promises Kauśalyá that she will follow her teachings. In Book III, she lives with the two brothers in the forest. After Lakshmaṇ leaves to aid Ráma, Rávaṇ abducts her and carries her to Lanká, where she rejects his offers and threats. In Book V, Hanumán finds her captive, gives her Ráma’s ring, and carries her message and gem back to him.

In Book VI, Sítá is consoled by Saramá when a magical illusion falsely suggests that Ráma has been killed. After Ráma defeats Rávaṇ, they are reunited, but Ráma tells her to go where she wishes, not with him. Sítá enters the fire; Agni brings her out alive and unharmed, and Ráma takes her back as his queen. In Book VI, Canto 130, she is consecrated with him as queen and gives her pearl chain to Hanumán.