Sita

Sita is the heroine of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Seen as an avatar (incarnation) of the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), she is the consort of the god Rama (an avatar of god Vishnu).

Esteemed for her wifely and womanly virtues, Sita is known for her dedication, self-sacrifice, courage and purity. Sita is described as the daughter of the earth goddess Bhumi and the adopted daughter of King Janaka and Queen Sunayna. She marries Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, and accompanies Rama when he is forced into exile soon after her marriage.

While in exile she is abducted by Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. Sita is eventually rescued by Rama in the climactic war, where Rama slays Ravana.

Sita proves her chastity by undergoing a trial by fire. Thereafter, Rama and Sita return to Ayodhya, where they are crowned king and queen. However, Rama abandons the pregnant Sita, when one of his subjects casts doubt over her chastity. In the refuge of Sage Valmiki’s hermitage, Sita gives birth to twins Lava and Kusha. After her sons grow up and unite with their father, Sita returns to her mother, the Earth's womb for release from a cruel world.