Sita, a divine incarnation of goddess Lakshmi and consort to Vishnu's avatar Rama, has a birthplace disputed between Sitamarhi, Bihar, India, and Janakpur, Nepal. Discovered as an infant within a furrow by King Janaka during a ritual ploughing, she earns the name "Sita" (Sanskrit for "furrow") and is adopted as princess of Mithila. She grows up in Videha alongside her younger sister Urmila and cousins Mandavi and Shrutakirti. Reaching marriageable age, Sita's hand is promised to whoever can string Shiva's celestial bow. After numerous princes fail, Rama accomplishes this effortlessly, winning her hand. Their wedding, guided by Shatananda, sees her sisters Urmila, Mandavi, and Shrutakirti marry Rama's brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, respectively. Sita insists on accompanying Rama during his 14-year forest exile despite his objections. She lives with Rama and Lakshmana in the Dandaka forest at Panchavati, defined by compassion and adherence to royal duty. Her desire to possess a magnificent golden deer proves critical. She urges Rama to capture it, ignoring Lakshmana's warnings of deception. When Rama leaves to pursue the deer, he instructs Lakshmana to protect her with a magical boundary line. Ravana, demon king of Lanka, seeks revenge for his sister Shurpanakha's disfigurement and desires Sita. Disguised as a frail beggar, he approaches Sita and pleads for water, exploiting her kindness. Persuaded to step beyond the protective boundary, she is forcibly abducted by Ravana and flown to Lanka. Imprisoned in Ashoka Vatika, she steadfastly resists Ravana's advances and endures his threats, maintaining faith in Rama's rescue. Hanuman, monkey lieutenant of Sugriva, locates Sita in Lanka after an extensive search. He delivers Rama's signet ring and offers immediate rescue, which she declines to avoid physical contact and preserve Rama's honor of defeating Ravana himself. Hanuman reassures her of Rama's impending arrival. Rama, aided by an army of Vanaras led by Sugriva and Hanuman, builds a bridge to Lanka. Following a prolonged battle, Rama slays Ravana. Upon rescue, Sita undergoes the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) to publicly prove her chastity during captivity; she emerges unscathed, vindicated by the fire god Agni. Despite passing the trial, lingering doubts among Ayodhya's citizens lead Rama, prioritizing his duty as king, to banish Sita to the forest near Valmiki's ashram. There, she gives birth to and raises her twin sons, Lava and Kusha. Years later, when Rama encounters the boys and recognizes them, Sita is summoned to Ayodhya. To demonstrate her eternal purity, she calls upon her mother, Bhumi (the Earth), to reclaim her if she remained true. The earth opens, and she permanently returns to it, achieving final release and vindication. Throughout her story, Sita embodies unwavering loyalty and devotion to Rama, accompanying him into exile and remaining faithful despite captivity. She demonstrates profound empathy, kindness, and self-sacrifice, evident in her concern for others, including the disguised Ravana. Her resilience enables her to endure abduction, imprisonment, and later banishment with dignity. Her spiritual connection to the earth manifests in her origin and departure. While described as the ideal wife and woman, she displays moments of strong will and perceived vanity, notably her insistence on possessing the golden deer, which indirectly enables her kidnapping.