Sita vs. Shrutkirti: The Most Beautiful in Ramayana?

The ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, is filled with stories of beauty, valor, and devotion. Two of the figures who often stand out due to their remarkable allure are Sita and Shrutkirti. This article explores the beauty of these two characters and their place in the epic tale.

The Background of Sita and Shrutkirti

Sita is renowned as the adopted daughter of Raja Janak of Videha, located in the Mithila region of Nepal. Her true maternal guardian is Bhumi Mata, the mother earth. Sita is married to Sri Rama, the eldest son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Her kindred spirit and sister, Mandavi, is married to Bharata, who is Rama's younger brother.

Shrutkirti, on the other hand, is the princess of Sakasya, with her parentage including King Kushadhvaja, the younger brother of Raja Janak and Queen Chandrabhaga. She is endearingly married to King Dasharatha's youngest son, Shatrughna. Shrutkirti is regarded as an incarnation of the Lotus Flower, a symbol often held by the goddess Lakshmi.

These two sisters are cousins, as Raja Janak and King Kushadhvaja are siblings.

Sita's Beauty in the Ramayana and Ramcharitamanas

The Ramayana, particularly in the Aranya Kanda, portrays an image of Sita so exquisitely that her beauty transcends mayas (material realities) and kinnaraas (divine beings):

"I have not hitherto seen any earthly female with this kind of features on the face of earth, or a goddess - no a gandharva female - no yaksha female - no kinnaraa female - no, none whatsoever!" - Valmiki Ramayana Aranya Kanda Sarga 46

The description found in the Ramcharitamanas expands upon Sita’s celestial beauty:

“Sita’s beauty defies all description, Mother of the universe that She is and an embodiment of charm and excellence. All comparisons seem to me too poor for they have affinity with the limbs of mortal women. Proceeding to depict Sita with the help of those very similes, why should one earn the title of an unworthy poet and court ill-repute?” - Sri Ramcharitmanas 1.247

Shrutkirti’s Symbolic Beauty in the Ramayana

According to the Ramayana, Shrutkirti, akin to a lotus flower, is a symbol of beauty and purity. While Sita's beauty is extensively narrated, Shrutkirti’s narrative is not as elaborate, focusing more on her divine incarnation rather than detailed depictions of her physical appearance.

Shrutkirti’s symbolic beauty is demonstrated during the time of Ravana's abduction of Sita. Although Ravana covets Sita for her beauty and righteousness, his interest in Shrutkirti is less emphasized, indicating a more understated yet profound beauty.

Conclusion and Further Reading

The debate between who is the most beautiful between Sita and Shrutkirti is open to interpretation. While Sita’s beauty is celebrated extensively in the epic, Shrutkirti’s symbolic beauty adds a different dimension to the narrative of the Ramayana.

Further Reading

Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda Sarga 46 Ramcharitmanas 1.247 Encyclopedia Britannica - Ramayana