Janaki Jayanti 2025: Celebrate the birth of Goddess Sita
Janaki Jayanti is a religious Hindu festival that is commemorated to celebrate the birthday of Goddess Sita, the divine spouse of Lord Rama and an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Date and Muharta for Janaki Jayanti is 21 February 2025. Ashtami Tithi is scheduled to begin on February 20 at 9:58 am and will end on February 21 at 11:57 am. On Thursday, 21 February, it will be celebrated according to the custom of celebrating the holidays on the basis of sunrise (Uday Date). It is observed on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) of the Hindu month of Magha. This holy day is mainly celebrated in Nepal and some parts of India.
With the help of Diviniti.com, we examine the history and customs of Janaki Jayanti 2025 in this piece, as well as at places where it is most widely celebrated.
Significance of Janaki Jayanti
Goddess Sita or Janaki is worshipped as a symbol of purity, piety, self-sacrifice, and resilience. She was the embodiment of ideal womanhood and unshakable fidelity to righteousness (Dharma). Janaki Jayanti is deep in spiritual significance, celebrating the birth of a goddess who depicted virtues that led to a rightful and harmonious life.Hindu mythology tells that Sita was found in a furrow by King Janaka of Mithila during the course of a yajna (sacred ritual). Her miraculous conception resulted in the name Janaki, which translates as "daughter of Janaka." As an avatar of Goddess Lakshmi, Sita was a key figure in the Ramayana, a symbol of perseverance and womanly fortitude.
The Legend of Goddess Sita
The existence of Goddess Sita is etched in the pages of the Hindu epic, Ramayana, one of the most sacred books of ancient lore. Born from the womb of earth as the daughter of King Janaka and Queen Sunayana, Sita represented the embodiment of divine origin and purity unparalleled. With innate virtues of humility, mercy, and strong dedication to dharma from her childhood, Sita was known to embody divine qualities. Sita's life changed for the better when she married Lord Ram of Ayodhya in a traditional ritual. His perseverance and devotion to Rama during his exile and adversity demonstrated the ideals of a dedicated wife, which symbolizes the faith of "petty-vrat"-devotion to her husband devotion.Though she went through incredible trials, such as her kidnapping by the demon king Ravana, Sita remained steadfast in her devotion and chastity. Her dedication to Lord Rama, even during times of adversity, is a lasting testament to love, sacrifice, and devotion.
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Rituals and Ceremonies
Janaki Jayanti falls on various rituals and festivals:
Fasting and Prayer: Followers go on fasting and pray in Sita and Lord Rama temples.
Repetition of Ramayana: Special text of Ramayana, especially in the paths, temples and houses describing the birth and qualities of Sita.
Puja and Prasad: The idols of Goddess Sita are decorated with flowers, and fruits, sweets, and traditional food offerings are made.
Bhajan and Kirtan: Praising devotional songs, Sita's qualities and dedication to Lord Rama are sung.
Procession and dramatic performance: In areas where Mithila tradition is strong, cultural performance such as Sita's life is reunited.
Charity functions: Devotea, Sita's kind heart inspired, perform donations like distributing food and clothes to the poor.
Celebrating Janaki Jayanti
Janaki Jayanti is seen with great confidence in the whole of India and among the Hindu population globally. Devotees pray, sing hymns, and attach days to honor Goddess Sita and to participate in a procession and cultural programs. The temples of Sita and Rama are decorated with colored ornaments, and rituals are performed to celebrate the holy association of the heavenly pair. Fasting, rituals, and acts of charity are performed as an expression of gratitude and respect for the goddess. This incident reminds us of exemplary permanent values by Goddess Sita - her unwavering adherence, strength in adverse conditions, and unlimited love and kindness towards all beings.
Relevance in Modern times
The life and teachings of Goddess Sita are very much applicable today and provide deep lessons in values like integrity, compassion and devotion. Sita Mata life inspires one to follow righteousness, challenge injustice, and have faith amidst adversity. On this day, when the devotees gather to worship Goddess Sita, it's a time to go back and ponder her immortal wisdom and seek to imitate her virtues. May her blessings lead us to a righteous, compassionate, and peaceful life.
Janaki Jayanti in Mithila and Nepal
Janaki Jayanti assumes a special importance in the Mithila belt (now divided between Nepal and Bihar, India), which is considered the birthplace of Goddess Sita.In Nepal, Janakpur's Janaki temple is in the center stage, with grand ceremonies that attract thousand pilgrims and worshipers. The temple is excellently decorated, and detailed ceremonies are held to celebrate the event.
Role of women in Janaki Jayanti
Janaki Jayanti is also very important for women, because Goddess Sita is considered a symbol of patience, purity and self-sacrifice. Special prayers and rituals are offered by women to obtain blessings for a happy married life, conjugal harmony, and courage within. Mothers in some communities teach daughters about the virtues of Goddess Sita and instill values of culture and morality in their future generations.
Conclusion
Janaki Jayanti is a celebratory day to commemorate and glorify the divine personification of purity, devotion, and courage—Goddess Sita. Her life still inspires and motivates numerous hearts from generation to generation as a light of righteousness and unshakeable faith. Through the celebration of this sacred festival, the devotees once again commit themselves to upholding her virtues in their daily lives, begging for her divine blessings for wisdom, courage, and tranquility.