How We Met: Sita Describing Her Marriage to Rama

By: Krishna's Mercy

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

“I have heard, O Sita, that your hand in marriage was won by the renowned Raghava on the occasion of the self-choice ceremony [svayamvara]. O Maithili, I wish to hear that story in detail. Therefore please narrate to me the entire sequence of events as you experienced them.” (Anasuya speaking to Sita Devi, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya-kanda, 118.24-25) Anasuya, the wife of the famous sage Atri, had the wonderful opportunity to host Sita Devi and her husband Lord Rama at her hermitage many thousands of years ago. For those familiar with Vedic traditions, Sita and Rama are known as two of the most celebrated divine figures, individuals worthy of eternal love, adoration, and respect. Yet for even those who are not acquainted with the events of the Ramayana, the incident of Sita and Anasuya’s meeting provides great insight into the innumerable issues, concerns, and worries that come up in this grand journey known as life. Though Anasuya was well-aware of the unique nature in which Sita and Rama’s marriage was arranged, she still made the most of the opportunity presented to her by asking Sita to give her own accounts of the marriage. How We Met consists of thirteen essays discussing the different verses found in the Ramayana of Valmiki that constituted Sita’s response to Anasuya. The essays cover a wide range of topics including marriage, romance, parenting, spirituality, the meaning of life, knowledge-acquiring processes, and most importantly, how one can go about achieving the highest transcendental pleasure, both in this life and the next.