Aug 18, 2007

Chapter 52: Sita is born

Upon getting word from Narada, Lakshmi descends to Earth. Welcoming speech by “Maa, Dharthi Maa” (Mother Earth), who puts her into a casket and into earth. Mother Earth is highly honored by Lakshmi's presence and Lakshmi is deeply indebted for taking birth on Mother Earth.

King Janak's kingdom is one such kingdom which is struck by famine due to Ravan's feat of throwing sages' blood. In order to avoid this famine, the royal sage asks King Janak to plough the fields just like a farmer. King agrees. So carpenters make a golden plough for the king - which the king refuses. He wants the local plough used by the farmer. The down-to-earth attitude of the King is praiseworthy.

Mithila Naresh starts plowing the Earth, as advised, and finds this casket with the baby girl. He and Co all are happy that now they got a daughter to the Kingdom.

Janaka announces that the baby girl he received from Mother Earth shall be his daughter. His wife is happy about it. But not the Brahmins in the city. They argue with him about ‘Kula, gothra’ (caste) of the baby girl.

Janaka counter argues that there is no ‘kula, gothra’ to a girl/woman, who is in fact the Supreme and a motherly or godly status has to be given to her. Brahmins agree. All do ‘Naamkaran’ (naming ceremony) to kid. Upon characteristics, she is named ‘Vaidehi’, Janaka’s daughter ‘Janaki’ and finally ‘Sita’ which means something (like a margin) got from Earth by plowing.

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