Vivaha Panchami on December 17, 2023 commemorates the celestial union of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita, an event of profound significance that resonates with millions of devotees worldwide. It is an annual celebration observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the month of Margashirsha (November-December), which holds an exalted place in Hindu culture. As we delve into the layers of Vivaha Panchami’s importance, we unveil not just a celebration but a spiritual journey that transcends time, weaving together threads of devotion, duty, and enduring love.

Many in the younger generations evaluate the marital union of the two disapprovingly. Those critical of Hinduism see their union as flawed due to half-baked knowledge gathered from television serials, partial and biased interpretation of Hindu texts, feminist rhetoric, and an incomplete understanding of the nature of the divine union. Alas, even the devoted see their marriage as one characterized only by trials, tribulations and separation.

Notably, the elderly and the enlightened unlettered still bless newlyweds as “Sita-Rama ki Jodi”.
To begin with, Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita happily lived in Ayodhya for twelve years after their marriage. During the period of Vanavaasa, they lived happily together for another thirteen years in the forest. Were there challenges to be faced and sacrifices to be made? Undoubtedly! After all, which great saga is complete without them? Did the divine couple face them together, with fortitude and happiness? Again, undoutedly!

The Ramayana is an epic of unparalleled significance in Hindu mythology. It is rightly and widely regarded as a story that epitomizes righteousness, duty, sacrifice, and devotion. At its heart, however, lies the eternal love story of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita; a divine saga that transcends the boundaries of time and serves as the very essence of the epic. It is enriching to explore the enduring narrative of the devotion and commitment of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita to each other, delving into the depths of their love that forms the core of the Ramayana. While doing so, I briefly recap the milestones of the divine union of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita; followed by my summary and reflections on love and devotion.

The Divine Context

Prabhu Shri Rama, the seventh avatar of Bhagwaan Vishnu, incarnated on Earth to vanquish the Rakshasa king Ravana and restore Dharma, or righteousness. Mata Sita, an incarnation of Devi Lakshmi, accompanied Prabhu Shri Rama on this divine journey. Their love story, far from being a mere mortal romance, was a cosmic alignment of souls destined to fulfill a greater purpose, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of the Ramayana.

Meeting in Mithila

The tale begins with Prabhu Shri Rama emerging victorious in the bow-breaking contest, the Dhanusha Yagnya, in Mithila, the kingdom of Raja Janaka, to win Mata Sita’s hand in marriage. Prabhu Shri Rama’s valour and humility captured the heart of Mata Sita, and the exchange of glances during the Swayamvara spoke of an unspoken connection that surpassed the material realm.

The courtship leading to the marriage of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita was not just a union of two individuals but a celestial event witnessed by gods and sages. The sacred fire bore witness to their vows, echoing with hymns and mantras that sanctified their bond. The love between Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita was not confined to mere physical or emotional realms; it was a spiritual connection that epitomized divine companionship, forming the very core of the Ramayana.

Exile

The bliss of their union was interrupted, as the duty-bound Prabhu Shri Rama had to fulfill his destiny. The couple faced the test of separation when Prabhu Shri Rama was banished to the forest for fourteen years. In an act of unwavering devotion, Mata Sita chose to accompany him, exemplifying the depth of their commitment to each other.

Mata Sita’s Abduction

The plot thickened with the cunning schemes of Ravana, who engaged Rakshasa Maricha to kidnap Mata Sita. Maricha, disguised as a golden deer, lured Prabhu Shri Rama away from their hermitage. In Prabhu Shri Rama’s absence, Ravana kidnapped Mata Sita, leading to her confinement in the Ashoka Vatika. Despite the trials, their love endured, and the strength of their connection remained unbroken, becoming a driving force in the unfolding drama of the Ramayana.

Bhakta helps Bhagwaan

Enter Mahaveer Hanuman, the devoted Bhakta of Prabhu Shri Rama. His selfless devotion and unwavering loyalty to Prabhu Shri Rama led him to find Mata Sita in Lanka. The exchange of the Choodamani (head jewel) reinforced the connection between Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita, providing solace and hope to Mata in the face of adversity.

The Battle of Lanka

The narrative reaches its climax with the Battle of Lanka, where Prabhu Shri Rama, aided by the mighty Hanuman and Sugreeva’s Vanar Sena, waged war against Ravana to rescue Mata Sita. The triumph of Dharma and the defeat of Ravana showcased the power of love, righteousness, and the eternal bond between Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita, becoming the crescendo of their love story within the Ramayana.

Reunion and the Agni Pariksha

After Ravana’s defeat, Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita were joyously reunited. However, Mata Sita, aware of societal expectations and to dispel any doubts about her chastity during her captivity, underwent the Agni Pariksha. Emerging unscathed, she proved her purity, reaffirming the sanctity of their divine union. This pivotal moment in the Ramayana encapsulates the resilience and purity of their love, demonstrating that it could withstand the fires of doubt and scrutiny.

Reflections on Love and Devotion

The love story of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita is not just a mythological tale but a profound exploration of love, duty, and sacrifice. Their saga encapsulates the profound values of righteousness, duty, and unwavering devotion, providing a timeless guide for generations to come.

In reflecting upon the divine connection between Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita, one cannot ignore the subtle nuances that make their love story timeless. It goes beyond the conventional notions of love and romance, delving into the realms of spirituality, sacrifice, and cosmic alignment. The sacred vows taken amid the celestial witnesses signify a union that transcends the mortal coil.

Mata Sita’s unwavering commitment to accompany Prabhu Shri Rama into exile exemplifies the depth of their bond, showcasing a love that endures even in the face of adversity. The couple’s separation during the Vanavaasa serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of Dharma. Their separation becomes a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that love must sometimes endure, testing its resilience and strength.

The abduction of Mata Sita by Ravana poses a serious challenge and becomes a test of emotional fortitude and the strength of their spiritual connection. Ravana appears as the villain of their love story. Their separation, a poignant chapter in the Ramayana, became a testament to the enduring power of love amid adversity. Prabhu Shri Rama’s relentless pursuit and the eventual victory in the Battle of Lanka underscore the power of love to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

Mahabali Hanuman’s role in the narrative emphasizes the universality of love. His selfless devotion to Prabhu Shri Rama and his journey to find Mata Sita in Lanka showcase that love knows no bounds; and trascends relationships, gender and community. The exchange of the Choodamani between Hanuman and Mata Sita and his role in her rescue underlines the divine love that accompanies friendship, devotion and commitment.

The Agni Pariksha adds a layer of complexity to their relationship. Perhaps, modern day marriages and relationships also undergo a trial by fire of their own kind. Mata Sita’s willingness to undergo Agni Pariksha not only reaffirms her purity but also symbolizes the sacrifices women have historically made to uphold societal expectations. It becomes a powerful statement on the strength and resilience of Mata Sita’s character.

Conclusion

To quote Mata Sita from Sunderkanda of the Valmiki Ramayana:

“Ananyā Rāghaverāh bhāskarenā prabhā yathā”
(I am not separate from Raghava like the sunshine from the sun.)

The love story of Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita is more than a sidenote or subtext; it is the very essence of the Ramayana. Their saga encapsulates the profound values of righteousness, duty, and unwavering devotion, providing a timeless guide for generations to come. Prabhu Shri Rama and Mata Sita’s divine connection serves as the beating heart of the epic, illuminating the path of love, virtue, and eternal devotion that resonates through the verses of the Ramayana. To delve into the intricacies of their love story, means to uncover layers of meaning and significance that continue to inspire and guide seekers on the path of righteousness and love.

Jai Shri Rama.