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Sita: A Tale of Ancient Love
The vibration of the sacred sound of her beloved’s name, ‘Ram’, filled her mind as it emanated from the tiny Vanara. ‘His being is filled with Rama,’ she pondered, ‘but does he know me?’
Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila, is one of the most revered women in Indian history; so well known, yet probably the least understood. At every crossroad of her life, she chose acceptance and grace over self-pity. Her life was filled with sacrifice yet wherever she was, there was abundance. It was as if she was carved out of an intense longing for Rama, yet she had infinite patience. In every situation she reflected his light and he reflected her love.
In her, we find someone who is so divine yet so human.
In this poignant narration, Bhanumathi shows us the world through the eyes of Sita. We think what Sita thinks, we feel what she feels, and for these few special moments, we become a part of her. And perhaps, through this perspective, and Sita’s immortal story, we will discover the true strength of a woman.
Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila, is one of the most revered women in Indian history; so well known, yet probably the least understood. At every crossroad of her life, she chose acceptance and grace over self-pity. Her life was filled with sacrifice yet wherever she was, there was abundance. It was as if she was carved out of an intense longing for Rama, yet she had infinite patience. In every situation she reflected his light and he reflected her love.
In her, we find someone who is so divine yet so human.
In this poignant narration, Bhanumathi shows us the world through the eyes of Sita. We think what Sita thinks, we feel what she feels, and for these few special moments, we become a part of her. And perhaps, through this perspective, and Sita’s immortal story, we will discover the true strength of a woman.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
54 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Bhanumathi Narasimhan
11 books36 followersBhanumathi Narasimhan is the younger sister of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Innocently at first, and with joyful awareness later, she has followed her brother, her Master throughout her life. She shares his vision to put a smile on every face on the planet.
Gurudev says,“ Meditation is smiling at yourself.” Bhanumathi is a meditation teacher. Her workshops have brought an experience of deep inner peace to thousands worldwide. The outer expression of this peace is Service to humanity.
Bhanumathi leads the women welfare and child-care initiatives of the Art of Living. From a small free school with 30 children of construction workers, the gift-a-smile project now supports 435 schools with over 58000 underprivileged children.
Trained in her younger days as a Carnatic singer, people across the world wake up to her melodious voice in which she has rendered sacred chants and soulful bhajans through several albums.
She has previously authored two books, Tejasvini and Lalitha that expound the spiritual significance and mystical meaning behind popular Hindu scriptures and practices.
As the chairperson of the International Women’s Conference (IWC), her vision is to make a global connection of responsible women to catalyze positive transformation in society. Over 5000 women from 80 nationalities have participated in these conferences so far.
When asked about how she balances so many roles, she says, “My mother continues to be a great source of inspiration to me. She taught me by her example how to take responsibility for one’s own life. My grandmother taught me to see the smoother and happier side of life. My aunt taught me the value of independence. My husband taught me the value of freedom, my children and grandchildren, the value of innocence, my father, friendliness and my brother, love and compassion towards the whole of humanity. My guru has taught me to combine all these values appropriately and move on joyfully in the journey called life. When you have the right guidance, your life is an ocean of contentment.”
She holds a Masters Degree in Sanskrit Literature from Bangalore University and lives in Bangalore, India.
Gurudev says,“ Meditation is smiling at yourself.” Bhanumathi is a meditation teacher. Her workshops have brought an experience of deep inner peace to thousands worldwide. The outer expression of this peace is Service to humanity.
Bhanumathi leads the women welfare and child-care initiatives of the Art of Living. From a small free school with 30 children of construction workers, the gift-a-smile project now supports 435 schools with over 58000 underprivileged children.
Trained in her younger days as a Carnatic singer, people across the world wake up to her melodious voice in which she has rendered sacred chants and soulful bhajans through several albums.
She has previously authored two books, Tejasvini and Lalitha that expound the spiritual significance and mystical meaning behind popular Hindu scriptures and practices.
As the chairperson of the International Women’s Conference (IWC), her vision is to make a global connection of responsible women to catalyze positive transformation in society. Over 5000 women from 80 nationalities have participated in these conferences so far.
When asked about how she balances so many roles, she says, “My mother continues to be a great source of inspiration to me. She taught me by her example how to take responsibility for one’s own life. My grandmother taught me to see the smoother and happier side of life. My aunt taught me the value of independence. My husband taught me the value of freedom, my children and grandchildren, the value of innocence, my father, friendliness and my brother, love and compassion towards the whole of humanity. My guru has taught me to combine all these values appropriately and move on joyfully in the journey called life. When you have the right guidance, your life is an ocean of contentment.”
She holds a Masters Degree in Sanskrit Literature from Bangalore University and lives in Bangalore, India.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 28, 2021
Sita : A Tale of Ancient Love by Bhanumathi Narasimha a beautiful tale of pure love and Ramayana based on the Lord Rama & Devi Sita. The gorgeous and so delightful cover illustrated by Pratibha Kumari sold me to read this book.
Through Bhanumathi Narasimha's flawless writing both in verse and prose, we get to see the world through Devi Sita's eyes this time. I use to watch the Ramayana show when I was a kid, and this book took me back to those days.
Sita's feelings and actions, Rama's love for his wife and Laxman's devotion to his brother has been so purely depicted in this book through Bhanumathi Narasimha's narration. Sita depicts both courage as well as gentleness.
I don't think so if this book can be called as a re-telling, but we definitely get to hear Sita's perspective through author's words. If you're a fan of Indian mythology then definitely pick this up. It will not disappoint you.
Through Bhanumathi Narasimha's flawless writing both in verse and prose, we get to see the world through Devi Sita's eyes this time. I use to watch the Ramayana show when I was a kid, and this book took me back to those days.
Sita's feelings and actions, Rama's love for his wife and Laxman's devotion to his brother has been so purely depicted in this book through Bhanumathi Narasimha's narration. Sita depicts both courage as well as gentleness.
I don't think so if this book can be called as a re-telling, but we definitely get to hear Sita's perspective through author's words. If you're a fan of Indian mythology then definitely pick this up. It will not disappoint you.
February 4, 2024
I was looking for an honest mainstream version of the Ramayana, if possible, told from a different perspective and I am very happy I found this book (author Bhanumathi Narasimhan, is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s sister). This is a time when many authors are going berserk with their retellings, significantly changing the character profiles and motivations, due to which the profound lessons you would draw from the moral dilemmas outlined in the mainline epic are lost. I am all for retellings provided they at least loosely align to the original ethos & intent, else why do a retelling?
This is a story, as evident from the title, told from Sita’s perspective. Since the epic is well-known and deeply ingrained in the psyche of most Indians (and many people in Southeast Asia), I will cover what the book emphasizes rather than the story itself. The book starts with Sita’s thoughts when she is Ravana’s prisoner in Lanka. Sita, was the adopted daughter of King Janaka and Queen Sunayana, and grew up in a family who adored her, along with her sister Urmila. In the contest to lift the bow to win her hand in marriage, Rama succeeds (as she desired), after Ravana (thankfully) fails. I liked the confrontation between Parashurama & Lakshmana here which the book describes. The book covers events since – her marriage to Rama, exile to the forest with Rama & Lakshmana, abduction by Ravana, her liberation, and her subsequent life with sons – Luv & Kush (the Uttara Kanda). The Uttara Kanda is a later addition is the opinion of many experts and hence many authors have not included that in their commentaries, though this book does.
The book intersperses the literal aspects of the story with deeper philosophical questions around the events very well. There are many impressionable passages which will stay with me for long, covering – the discussion between Sage Yagnavalka & Gargi, witnessed by Sita with keen interest; Sita rescuing the lost cattle from the forest; Sita’s brief interaction with Mandodari (Ravana’s wife); Bharata’s sense of right and devotion to Rama; Sita’s many interactions with Trijata, daughter of Vibhishana; Rama’s sense of propriety as he does a puja before commencement of building of the bridge to Lanka, also inviting Ravana; Sage Atri’s wife Anasuya diverting river Mandakini and ensuring Chitrakoot is rich with vegetation; Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman’s devotion to Rama; Rama’s respect for family, the vanara army and his selflessness in always keeping the greater good in mind; the contrast between Vibhishana and Kumbakarna as they make choices between family/loyalty & dharma (similarly with Angad, Vali’s son).
Sita’s portrayal is excellent - her strength of character (calm, compassionate, one with nature), devotion to Rama, the purity of her inner thoughts through turbulent times comes across very powerfully. The narrative ensures that warfare does not overpower the overall story & message. The messages are in short bursts but beautifully worded. For instance, as Trijata discusses the impending assault on Lanka, Sita gently explains how Rama’s attack on Lanka would be for ending adharma and not for eliminating all asuras. As she gets to know Sita well, Trijata says "While Ravana thinks he has imprisoned you, but he is the one whose mind is without freedom". This book does not shy away from including Sita’s agnipariksha (ordeal by fire) and keeps it simple by explaining that the events had a purpose – with lessons for rulers & common people for generations to come.
In a gentle way, you can move the world. That is Sita's enduring legacy, and there is this line near the end of the book:
"When you see the world through the eyes of wisdom, there is only love, only One".
There are some beautiful illustrations and few backstories at the end of the book.
I felt a deep sense of calm when I finished reading. Most Indians would have read a version of the Ramayana, and so this is an easy book to read. For others, I suggest C Rajagopalachari 's Ramayana before reading this.
This is a story, as evident from the title, told from Sita’s perspective. Since the epic is well-known and deeply ingrained in the psyche of most Indians (and many people in Southeast Asia), I will cover what the book emphasizes rather than the story itself. The book starts with Sita’s thoughts when she is Ravana’s prisoner in Lanka. Sita, was the adopted daughter of King Janaka and Queen Sunayana, and grew up in a family who adored her, along with her sister Urmila. In the contest to lift the bow to win her hand in marriage, Rama succeeds (as she desired), after Ravana (thankfully) fails. I liked the confrontation between Parashurama & Lakshmana here which the book describes. The book covers events since – her marriage to Rama, exile to the forest with Rama & Lakshmana, abduction by Ravana, her liberation, and her subsequent life with sons – Luv & Kush (the Uttara Kanda). The Uttara Kanda is a later addition is the opinion of many experts and hence many authors have not included that in their commentaries, though this book does.
The book intersperses the literal aspects of the story with deeper philosophical questions around the events very well. There are many impressionable passages which will stay with me for long, covering – the discussion between Sage Yagnavalka & Gargi, witnessed by Sita with keen interest; Sita rescuing the lost cattle from the forest; Sita’s brief interaction with Mandodari (Ravana’s wife); Bharata’s sense of right and devotion to Rama; Sita’s many interactions with Trijata, daughter of Vibhishana; Rama’s sense of propriety as he does a puja before commencement of building of the bridge to Lanka, also inviting Ravana; Sage Atri’s wife Anasuya diverting river Mandakini and ensuring Chitrakoot is rich with vegetation; Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman’s devotion to Rama; Rama’s respect for family, the vanara army and his selflessness in always keeping the greater good in mind; the contrast between Vibhishana and Kumbakarna as they make choices between family/loyalty & dharma (similarly with Angad, Vali’s son).
Sita’s portrayal is excellent - her strength of character (calm, compassionate, one with nature), devotion to Rama, the purity of her inner thoughts through turbulent times comes across very powerfully. The narrative ensures that warfare does not overpower the overall story & message. The messages are in short bursts but beautifully worded. For instance, as Trijata discusses the impending assault on Lanka, Sita gently explains how Rama’s attack on Lanka would be for ending adharma and not for eliminating all asuras. As she gets to know Sita well, Trijata says "While Ravana thinks he has imprisoned you, but he is the one whose mind is without freedom". This book does not shy away from including Sita’s agnipariksha (ordeal by fire) and keeps it simple by explaining that the events had a purpose – with lessons for rulers & common people for generations to come.
In a gentle way, you can move the world. That is Sita's enduring legacy, and there is this line near the end of the book:
"When you see the world through the eyes of wisdom, there is only love, only One".
There are some beautiful illustrations and few backstories at the end of the book.
I felt a deep sense of calm when I finished reading. Most Indians would have read a version of the Ramayana, and so this is an easy book to read. For others, I suggest C Rajagopalachari 's Ramayana before reading this.
November 28, 2021
Goosebumpy, ethereal, anecdotal, super knowledgable and meditative - all rolled into one!
We all know the eternal, classic "Ram - Sita" story, but this book blows the lid on the spiritual fairy tale and dives deep, deep, deep into the Devi (Goddess) that Sita was.
Written by a highly accomplished meditator, spiritual teacher & prolific writer, this book surpassed all my expectations.
Bhanumathi richly relives the life of Sita for her readers and takes them on a journey of surreal reality.
This book is adorned and glorified with stories, wisdom and takeaways that we can all keep contemplating on forever.
Some of the writings I found profoundly moving:
"The world is full of opposites. But it is not birth that makes one an asura. One's thoughts, words and deeds are important."
On Laxman - "The only break he took was to meditate."
On Sita's father carrying her as a baby, "Though he was carrying her, he felt like he was holding empty space in his hands."
"Kaushalya was a gunagrahi. She only saw the positive in every person or situation. This trait was essential to maintaining harmony in a family as large as theirs living in a huge palace-like Ayodhya's."
"Being with nature is liberation, isn't it?' asked Sita. 'Being in your nature is liberation,' said Rama."
"At the end of the puja, as was custom, Rama and Sita bowed to Ravana to take his blessings. 'Vijayi bhava,' said Ravana to Rama."
"People believe that just a dip in the confluence here is enough to wash away their sins.' 'If just one dip in these waters can wash away all sins, it is enough to show that sins are indeed superficial,' said Rama, 'and the consciousness is ever-pure and can never be sullied.'
My complete notes - https://bit.ly/dkb-sita
This is a MUST BUY and Must read and re-read book!
We all know the eternal, classic "Ram - Sita" story, but this book blows the lid on the spiritual fairy tale and dives deep, deep, deep into the Devi (Goddess) that Sita was.
Written by a highly accomplished meditator, spiritual teacher & prolific writer, this book surpassed all my expectations.
Bhanumathi richly relives the life of Sita for her readers and takes them on a journey of surreal reality.
This book is adorned and glorified with stories, wisdom and takeaways that we can all keep contemplating on forever.
Some of the writings I found profoundly moving:
"The world is full of opposites. But it is not birth that makes one an asura. One's thoughts, words and deeds are important."
On Laxman - "The only break he took was to meditate."
On Sita's father carrying her as a baby, "Though he was carrying her, he felt like he was holding empty space in his hands."
"Kaushalya was a gunagrahi. She only saw the positive in every person or situation. This trait was essential to maintaining harmony in a family as large as theirs living in a huge palace-like Ayodhya's."
"Being with nature is liberation, isn't it?' asked Sita. 'Being in your nature is liberation,' said Rama."
"At the end of the puja, as was custom, Rama and Sita bowed to Ravana to take his blessings. 'Vijayi bhava,' said Ravana to Rama."
"People believe that just a dip in the confluence here is enough to wash away their sins.' 'If just one dip in these waters can wash away all sins, it is enough to show that sins are indeed superficial,' said Rama, 'and the consciousness is ever-pure and can never be sullied.'
My complete notes - https://bit.ly/dkb-sita
This is a MUST BUY and Must read and re-read book!
December 30, 2021
The vibration of the sacred sound of her beloved's name, 'Ram', filled her mind as it emanated from the tiny Vanara. 'His being is filled with Rama,' she pondered, 'but does he know me?'
This is the tale of ancient love by the emminent author Bhanumathi Narasimhan.
Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila, is one of the most revered women in Indian history; so well known, yet probably the least understood. At every crossroad of her life, she chose acceptance and grace over self-pity. Her life was filled with sacrifice yet wherever she was, there was abundance. It was as if she was carved out of an intense longing for Rama, yet she had infinite patience. In every situation she reflected his light and he reflected her love.
In her, we find someone who is so divine yet so human.
In this poignant narration, Bhanumathi shows us the world through the eyes of Sita. We think what Sita thinks, we feel what she feels, and for these few special moments, we become a part of her. And perhaps, through this perspective, and Sita's immortal story, we will discover the true strength of a woman.
This book can prove to be an enthralling read if you are into mythology books. Go for it if your interests surround such genres.
This is the tale of ancient love by the emminent author Bhanumathi Narasimhan.
Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila, is one of the most revered women in Indian history; so well known, yet probably the least understood. At every crossroad of her life, she chose acceptance and grace over self-pity. Her life was filled with sacrifice yet wherever she was, there was abundance. It was as if she was carved out of an intense longing for Rama, yet she had infinite patience. In every situation she reflected his light and he reflected her love.
In her, we find someone who is so divine yet so human.
In this poignant narration, Bhanumathi shows us the world through the eyes of Sita. We think what Sita thinks, we feel what she feels, and for these few special moments, we become a part of her. And perhaps, through this perspective, and Sita's immortal story, we will discover the true strength of a woman.
This book can prove to be an enthralling read if you are into mythology books. Go for it if your interests surround such genres.
May 11, 2023
Loved it with all my heart.💙 specially the poetry
December 5, 2021
From the moment Sita had met Rama, she constantly felt the vastness of his presence. And those who met her felt his energy and presence strongly through her.
We have all read varied versions of Ramayana and yet reading Sita : A tale of ancient love felt like reading about it the first time all over again. We are known about Sita who was the princess of Mithila, married to Rama who later on went on to become the King of Ayodhya. We have read about their exile and their war with Ravana and their children Luv and Kush but what was more unique in this version was that while Sita was in Ashoka Vatika in Lanka she went back with the flashbacks as to how she was born and about her childhood with her mother Sunayana and her sister Urmila after which she takes us towards her divine union with Rama and finally towards their reunion after being abducted by Ravana.
The tale flows with purity, innocence and full of devotion of every character towards Lord Rama. In most tales, we rarely hear about the love of Lakshmana and Urmila which we can get a bit more glimpse in this book. There were poems imbibed in some places and they were as beautifully as every character that resides in this book.
We have all read varied versions of Ramayana and yet reading Sita : A tale of ancient love felt like reading about it the first time all over again. We are known about Sita who was the princess of Mithila, married to Rama who later on went on to become the King of Ayodhya. We have read about their exile and their war with Ravana and their children Luv and Kush but what was more unique in this version was that while Sita was in Ashoka Vatika in Lanka she went back with the flashbacks as to how she was born and about her childhood with her mother Sunayana and her sister Urmila after which she takes us towards her divine union with Rama and finally towards their reunion after being abducted by Ravana.
The tale flows with purity, innocence and full of devotion of every character towards Lord Rama. In most tales, we rarely hear about the love of Lakshmana and Urmila which we can get a bit more glimpse in this book. There were poems imbibed in some places and they were as beautifully as every character that resides in this book.
January 5, 2022
An extremely beautiful interpretation of Sita by Bhanumathi Narasimhan.
The wisdom and the spiritual insight that the author has provided adds beauty to the already beautiful tale. The readers would look at Rama and Sita from a whole new perspective after reading the wonderful book. The book transports the readers to a whole new plane where only beauty and divinity exists. Being a lover of Ramayana, I could witness a beautiful phenomenon in my being.
The marvelous description of the nature would transport the reader to Ashoka Vatika or to wherever Sita was present.
The book offers peace to a restless soul, quenches our spiritual thirst and nourishes our hearts with divine beauty. I feel blessed at having received an opportunity to read this sacred book.
I sincerely pray and hope that Lord Rama and Devi Sita blesses every single soul on Earth to read this divine saga and be enlightened.
The wisdom and the spiritual insight that the author has provided adds beauty to the already beautiful tale. The readers would look at Rama and Sita from a whole new perspective after reading the wonderful book. The book transports the readers to a whole new plane where only beauty and divinity exists. Being a lover of Ramayana, I could witness a beautiful phenomenon in my being.
The marvelous description of the nature would transport the reader to Ashoka Vatika or to wherever Sita was present.
The book offers peace to a restless soul, quenches our spiritual thirst and nourishes our hearts with divine beauty. I feel blessed at having received an opportunity to read this sacred book.
I sincerely pray and hope that Lord Rama and Devi Sita blesses every single soul on Earth to read this divine saga and be enlightened.
October 8, 2024
Sita, A Tale of Ancient Love, is the story of Devi Sita. Through her book, Bhanumathi Narasimhan has not only shed light on the various aspects of Maa Sita. Whether it's her unconditional love towards Shri Ram but also her virtues such as patience, her bond with the mother earth, and her all-inclusive nature.
The Ramayana, the tale of Bhagwan Ram. But, without Goddess Sita, even his tale is incomplete. And when we read this book, we'll feel that both are different entities, but yet they are one. And this is because of their divine and eternal love, which can't be described through words. But one has to feel it to understand their connection with each other.
The Ramayana, the tale of Bhagwan Ram. But, without Goddess Sita, even his tale is incomplete. And when we read this book, we'll feel that both are different entities, but yet they are one. And this is because of their divine and eternal love, which can't be described through words. But one has to feel it to understand their connection with each other.
January 23, 2023
4.75/5
If love could be embodied in something tangible, it is this book. If love could encapsulated, it has been done so in every word written in it. <33
If love could be embodied in something tangible, it is this book. If love could encapsulated, it has been done so in every word written in it. <33
November 5, 2021
This book reminded me of Ramayana which I had watched in childhood, watching that show had left many questions in my mind regarding Sita and the difficulties of her life. But, this book by Bhanumathi ji has shown us how beautiful her life was and how as a female she was both courageous and tender-hearted.
Got my copy from Madhurya's website sharing the link in case if someone is interested to read the book
https://www.madhurya.com/product/sita...
Got my copy from Madhurya's website sharing the link in case if someone is interested to read the book
https://www.madhurya.com/product/sita...
December 14, 2021
Sita A Tale of Ancient Love narrates the story of Sita, the beloved princess of Mithila. Her life and struggles from being a daughter, a wife to a mother. She is an image of reverence and grace, of modesty and of love. The author has done a phenomenal job of giving a stage to Sita's emotions and senses setting a book that transcends magic.
The dreamlike passages and heart touching poems make the book both lyrical and magical. I enjoyed the refreshing take on a story that is the inspiration of many books. The author has successfully given a unique and heavenly touch to the story, giving us life lessons and advices along the way. I fell in love with Sita all the more thanks to this book.
The dreamlike passages and heart touching poems make the book both lyrical and magical. I enjoyed the refreshing take on a story that is the inspiration of many books. The author has successfully given a unique and heavenly touch to the story, giving us life lessons and advices along the way. I fell in love with Sita all the more thanks to this book.
April 9, 2022
This has to be one of the most enchanting books I have ever read! It is so very beautiful, so pristine, so lofty, and in some respects very relatable too, as the heart and life of one in love is described, especially someone who spends several difficult long years alone in nature and in their minds, all the time managing to maintain unflinching inner strength. One feels great admiration for Sita upon reading this, and is reminded to honour and stand by the best in themselves in their lives, whatever one's true value system, the focus of one's love, might be, because that is our real source of strength. There is oodles of wisdom to be gleaned from this book for the discerning reader. I love the way the story is told - it's light, clear, fluid and spontaneous. A few words convey profound meanings. If there is one word for this book, it's Beauty. The Ramayana was the first epic poem of India, and this book is Poetry through and through. It's so refreshing and elevating! I highly recommend everyone to read it.
April 13, 2025
A profound and graceful retelling of Sita’s life, weaving forgotten nuances into timeless wisdom. From her tender relationship with the Shiva Dhanush to her clever act of saving both cows and tiger simultaneously, the book reveals Sita’s strength and compassion. Her dialogues with Gargi and Trijata are thought-provoking, and her deep appreciation for Urmila shines a light on the unsung heroes of the Ramayana.
The depiction of Sita’s bond with Rama is particularly moving, providing fresh, empathetic answers to critics, especially regarding the Agnipariksha episode. Insights from the Yoga Vasishtha and King Janaka’s visit to Chitrakut add depth to Rama’s and Sita’s shared spiritual journey. One reservation, however, is the portrayal of Ravan’s behavior, which could mistakenly suggest a lack of forcefulness in his actions toward Sita.
Nevertheless, Sita invites readers to experience the Ramayana through an inspiring, rejuvenated lens. Definitely recommended and a good read for youngsters.
The depiction of Sita’s bond with Rama is particularly moving, providing fresh, empathetic answers to critics, especially regarding the Agnipariksha episode. Insights from the Yoga Vasishtha and King Janaka’s visit to Chitrakut add depth to Rama’s and Sita’s shared spiritual journey. One reservation, however, is the portrayal of Ravan’s behavior, which could mistakenly suggest a lack of forcefulness in his actions toward Sita.
Nevertheless, Sita invites readers to experience the Ramayana through an inspiring, rejuvenated lens. Definitely recommended and a good read for youngsters.
March 31, 2023
“The Fire of doubt destroys the joy of any relationship”
“Love is not an emotion. It is your very existence”
What do you need more than love in your life. add compassion, devotion to a story of ancient love between gods in Indian mythology and you get a poetic read from an author who brought an ancient tale into a very easy and absorbing read.
Main Characters: Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, Urmila, Hanuman and all the Rishis.
Places: Ayodha, Lanka, Mithila, Chitrakuta, Ashoka Vatika - Ancient India
This book is to be read by everyone because the message of love is pure and unconditional and we need this in today's world of problems and suffering.
“Love is not an emotion. It is your very existence”
What do you need more than love in your life. add compassion, devotion to a story of ancient love between gods in Indian mythology and you get a poetic read from an author who brought an ancient tale into a very easy and absorbing read.
Main Characters: Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, Urmila, Hanuman and all the Rishis.
Places: Ayodha, Lanka, Mithila, Chitrakuta, Ashoka Vatika - Ancient India
This book is to be read by everyone because the message of love is pure and unconditional and we need this in today's world of problems and suffering.
February 5, 2025
The character of 'Sita' in Ramayana , is often seen as helpless, someone who has gone through utmost suffering of being separated from her beloved, has to go through agni pariksha, to prove her purity . I had lot of compassion for Sita in my heart all these years . But the way Bhanumathi has expressed Sita in the book , it has changed my whole perception about her. Sita possess the qualities and patient which is so remarkable , she had faced what all life had in stored for her with utmost positivity and valour. There's so much to adore and learn from the strongest and beautiful character of Sita for all of us.
June 26, 2025
As a childhood fan of ancient stories and various kinds of fairytales, this was relaxing and enjoyable, even if the timeline got confusing by jumping back and forth through narration.
This book is mainly about a strong, powerful woman whose faith and devotion in her partner is unshakable. A story of selflessness and humility and believing that higher forces will protect those who have no ill will.
Yes - if you like fairytales, epic ancient stories and magic
No- if you prefer to read books in faster pace
This book is mainly about a strong, powerful woman whose faith and devotion in her partner is unshakable. A story of selflessness and humility and believing that higher forces will protect those who have no ill will.
Yes - if you like fairytales, epic ancient stories and magic
No- if you prefer to read books in faster pace
January 19, 2025
MY FAVOURITE LINE:
“A mango is different from an apple. But the water element in a mango is the same as the water element in an apple. At that level, you see that all of creation is connected. As you go deeper, it is just the play of one consciousness in many names and forms. Within the consciousness, the interplay of time and forms gives rise to this leela. When you recognize this truth and are established in the self, negative tendencies cannot come near you”
“A mango is different from an apple. But the water element in a mango is the same as the water element in an apple. At that level, you see that all of creation is connected. As you go deeper, it is just the play of one consciousness in many names and forms. Within the consciousness, the interplay of time and forms gives rise to this leela. When you recognize this truth and are established in the self, negative tendencies cannot come near you”
January 3, 2022
Surreal. Brings clarity to unanswered questions about Sita and clarifies some of the commercial narratives set about Ramayan or Sita-Ram. Gives depth to what you happen to know of Sita on a superficial level, if so. Very interesting narration, detailed visuals. Simply beautiful.
January 11, 2025
The sita I wanted to see was Epitome of grace, self possession. I wish they showed more that it was all her inner strength instead most of it is shown as Rama’s strength. Most of it is true to Valmiki’s Ramayana too…. Except for some minor things.
January 7, 2022
This is a beautifully written book! The beautiful descriptions, the lovely verses, it just transports the reader to a different dimension! Such a beautifully written book to start 2022!
July 3, 2022
Loved it !! It will take you to a journey where you will experience range of emotions and feelings.
September 17, 2023
A bit boring, suitable for teenager girls, teatch them to be gentle
February 2, 2024
Best book for understanding Devi Sita
December 31, 2022
The title of the book does not do it full justice it shall be called “A tale of primordial, eternal and divine love. Love in its essence is all that and what we really are difficult to define and express but easy to experience.
Sita is a beloved character, and a lot has been written about her in the scriptures, but Bhanu Didi has included her own sweetness in presenting her character to a reader unknown to all of the mythology. As per the scriptures, the Divine never comes on earth alone. They always have their entourage or retinue which gets reassembled over a period of time, to tell the story or the message behind their appearance or Avatar. It's all a play of Divine or Lila.
Sita’s story is told as a sweet daughter first, then a loving sister, a dutiful wife and responsible daughter-in-law / sister-in-law and then a nurturing mother. In all her relationships she is always “giving”. She represents mother earth and was born of it. She has that immense power hidden inside her and makes everything move without even making an effort. She has that immense power hidden inside her. She is the epitome of all representations of a female or Devi. Her devotion to her lord is unparalleled and unquestionable.
The book separates Sita as person from divine but still lots of minute details are presented to bring that aspect of Divinity into the character.
An epic like Ramayana always brings forward some controversies like Sita’s ritual of fire and Sita’s exile, and in the end the war between Rama's army and his sons Love and Kush. The book has been able to explain the real reasons behind all those incidents and provides an enlightening viewpoint to the reader to see these events in the right perspective.
You will be able to feel the pull of divine love and its existence just by reading about the various interactions of Sita with living beings or any inanimate objects e.g. Sita’s interaction with the Shiva’s bow which was broken by Rama to meet the condition of marrying her during the Swyamvar.
She’s the one who looks after everyone around her including plants, birds and animals and even Rama finds refuge in her. A simple act of combing Sita’s hair and adorning it with flowers shows the respect and admiration Rama had for her.
As you turn the pages you will have new definition for all your relationships, and you will be able to get an insight into how to best manage your relationships. Your heart will be brimming with love as you turn the pages and will be soaked thoroughly by the time you finish the book.
Happy reading. May your life will also be filled with such love and realisation.
Sita is a beloved character, and a lot has been written about her in the scriptures, but Bhanu Didi has included her own sweetness in presenting her character to a reader unknown to all of the mythology. As per the scriptures, the Divine never comes on earth alone. They always have their entourage or retinue which gets reassembled over a period of time, to tell the story or the message behind their appearance or Avatar. It's all a play of Divine or Lila.
Sita’s story is told as a sweet daughter first, then a loving sister, a dutiful wife and responsible daughter-in-law / sister-in-law and then a nurturing mother. In all her relationships she is always “giving”. She represents mother earth and was born of it. She has that immense power hidden inside her and makes everything move without even making an effort. She has that immense power hidden inside her. She is the epitome of all representations of a female or Devi. Her devotion to her lord is unparalleled and unquestionable.
The book separates Sita as person from divine but still lots of minute details are presented to bring that aspect of Divinity into the character.
An epic like Ramayana always brings forward some controversies like Sita’s ritual of fire and Sita’s exile, and in the end the war between Rama's army and his sons Love and Kush. The book has been able to explain the real reasons behind all those incidents and provides an enlightening viewpoint to the reader to see these events in the right perspective.
You will be able to feel the pull of divine love and its existence just by reading about the various interactions of Sita with living beings or any inanimate objects e.g. Sita’s interaction with the Shiva’s bow which was broken by Rama to meet the condition of marrying her during the Swyamvar.
She’s the one who looks after everyone around her including plants, birds and animals and even Rama finds refuge in her. A simple act of combing Sita’s hair and adorning it with flowers shows the respect and admiration Rama had for her.
As you turn the pages you will have new definition for all your relationships, and you will be able to get an insight into how to best manage your relationships. Your heart will be brimming with love as you turn the pages and will be soaked thoroughly by the time you finish the book.
Happy reading. May your life will also be filled with such love and realisation.
May 1, 2025
Sita: An Ancient Tale of Love by Bhanumathi Narasimhan is a gentle retelling of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective, emphasizing her strength, devotion, and quiet resilience. The book follows her journey from Janaka’s palace to exile, captivity, and eventual return, portraying her as a symbol of love and dharma. While the tone is lyrical and devotional, the narrative lacks depth and complexity, especially for readers familiar with multiple mythological retellings. The storytelling feels simplistic and better suited for newcomers. I gave it 3/5, as it didn't offer the maturity or nuance expected by seasoned readers of this genre.
June 8, 2022
A very beautiful book which shows us the world through the eyes of Sita.
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