With the blessings of Divine Mother Sita
and the spiritual grace of Shri Sadguru Datta Chile Maharaj
SITA SHAKTI KAVYA
(SITA’S EMPOWERMENT ANTHOLOGY)
“A poetic Śruti — an inner listening
of Sita’s grace and motherhood,
unveiling timeless wisdom for the modern spirit.”
Humbly offered through :
Author
Dr. Pradeep Wagh, Ph.D
SITA SHAKTI KAVYA
© Pradeep Wagh, 2025
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without prior written permission of the author/publisher.
Edition: 2025
ISBN: (to be allotted)
Author & Correspondence Address:
Pradeep Wagh
B8, Chaitrangan, Kanchangalli, Pune 411 004, India
Email: muktikavya@gmail.com
Phone: +91-9881 364 977
Publisher:
(Name of Publisher / Self-published imprint)
[Publisher’s Address]
Printed & Bound in …..
Cover Design: Mr.Pratap Mullick
Typesetting: By the Author
For permissions, inquiries, or correspondence regarding this book, kindly write to the author at the above address/email.
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For Omkar Wagh — ✧
who held these songs in tender memory,
and whose spirit carries them into eternity.
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Advance Praise for the Book
Not only effort, but a divine inspiration has played a key role in the blossoming of this vibrant Sita Shakti Kavya.
Brig. P.V.Gole (Retd.), AVSM, Chairman,
Development Education (International) Society, Pune, India
SITA has a unique position of respect in the hearts of common people among Indians.
Ms. Lindy Stewart Fors , Canada
This anthology(Sita Shakti Kavya) has got universal applicability
Mr. Kelvin Duncan,New Zealand
I have read this Sita Shakti Kavya on the web with great interest and appreciation.
Mr. Wilfried Claus,The Netherlands
In Sita Shakti Kavya, you (Pradeep Wagh) have introduced an epoch making perspective.
Dr. Siyaram Tiwari, Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan
Dr. Wagh’s poetry is a necessary and significant addition to the timeless Ramayana tradition.
Dr. Prakash Suryakant Atre
(Renowned Scholar of Marathi Scriptures)
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The spiritual grace of Shri Sadguru Datta Chile Maharaj
SITA SHAKTI KAVYA
(SITA’S EMPOWERMENT ANTHOLOGY)
Those revered saints and sages, by whose divine touch of blessings this poem has been sanctified.
Om Datta Shri Thakur Maharaj -------Blessing Year : 1998
Shri Ganapati Sachhidand Swami ----Blessing Year : 2000
Shri Sharad Joshi Maharaj ----------- Blessing Year : 2025
SITA SHAKTI KAVYA, completed copy ,
Offered at ॐ Om Datta Shri Thakur Maharaj Temple ,
Gangapur, September 2025
************************************************************************************************** Foreword
Ramayana, probably the oldest epic in the world, and certainly in India, has been known to project ideal virtues in its heroes and heroines—Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharat, Hanuman, Sita, Lav-Kush, Mandodari and others.
Sita’s role as a dutiful and sacrificing wife naturally comes out as extraordinary, keeping in line with the philosophical and social perceptions of that age. The epic brings out how she devoutly refused to be left behind in the palace at Ayodhya and chose to follow her husband, Lord Rama, into the forests for exile. Even under great duress, Sita remained devoted to her Lord Rama, as is borne out by the way she repulsed all the advances and allurements of the demon-king Ravana when she was abducted by him. Further, after Sita was freed, she went through “Agni Pariksha” (trial by fire) to prove her fidelity to her husband. She underwent all this for her unflinching love for her husband, Lord Rama.
Rama has himself been idolised in the epic as a picture of a perfect son and a perfect king. Kingship was then considered as a form of trusteeship, where the king looked after the entire well-being of the citizens, who placed their whole-hearted trust in him. Therefore, all personal considerations of the king had to be sacrificed to his duties as a king.
Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman have all been depicted as ideals that emphasize various virtues suiting their particular roles. All of them sacrificed their own personal needs in relation to Rama.
Probably because of this, other virtues of Sita’s character—other than that of a faithful and dutiful wife—were not fully portrayed. No wonder, then, that Sita’s role as a strong mother (to bring up her twins, Lav and Kush, as ideal world citizens) has not found sufficient emphasis.
It is this latter aspect which struck Pradeep Wagh, the author of Sita Shakti Kavya. As a result of study, research and introspection, this anthology to depict Sita as a strong mother took shape. Not only effort, but a divine inspiration has played a key role in the blossoming of this vibrant work. The result is that many incidents in the anthology, not recounted in other versions of the life of Rama and Sita, have found place here for the first time.
This aspect has been accepted and noted by eminent scholars of the Ramayana such as Dr. U. M. Pathan, Dr. Umashankar Upadhyaya, and Dr. Siyaram Tiwari.
On a personal level, Pradeep would often discuss with me the bits and pieces of the anthology, sometimes as soon as they were received by him and penned down. It gave me immense happiness to share my perceptions of the anthology as it emerged over a couple of years.
It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to recommend to all—young and old—to peruse this unique Sita Shakti Kavya. I hope that it will give them the same joy and peace as I have received from it.
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Brig. P. V. Gole (Retd.), AVSM
Chairman, Development Education (International) Society
Pune, India
Dated 25 March 2001
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The Sita Shakti Kavya—Sita’s Empowerment Anthology—emerges from the timeless legacy of the Ramayana. This ancient epic, composed thousands of years ago, narrates the life of Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his consort Sita, revered for her strength, purity, and devotion.
When Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, Sita chose to accompany him as a devoted wife, with his brother Lakshmana at their side. During this exile, Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka. She resisted his advances with steadfast courage until Rama, aided by the vanaras (forest allies), waged war, defeated Ravana, and restored her honor. To silence doubts, Sita underwent the trial by fire (Agni Pariksha), from which she emerged unscathed.
Yet, when slander arose among some citizens of Ayodhya, Rama—torn between duty as king and husband—sent Sita away. Pregnant and alone, she found refuge in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki, where she gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha. It was here, in this forest hermitage, that Sita’s deepest strength unfolded—not in palaces or battlefields, but in the quiet nurturing of her children and the transmission of her values.
The Sita Shakti Kavya begins from this moment of exile.
It is received as Bodhamrit Prasad—a nectar of divine revelation—bestowed through the grace of Sadguru Chile Maharaj and expressed in the poet’s inner vision.
This anthology gathers Sita’s voice in intimate songs and conversations: memories of Ayodhya and Janakpuri, laments of exile, and the gentle shaping of her sons with virtues and samskaras. The songs do not follow chronology; instead, they flow like memory itself—circling back, pausing, and moving forward as the heart recalls.
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AUTHOR’S PREFACE
This Sita Shakti Kavya is truly a blessing of Mother Sita and it is a stream of divine grace that descended through my Sadguru, Shri Datta Chile Maharaj of Paijarwadi, Kolhapur. A saint of quiet radiance, he never sought followers or fame; he only guided seekers according to their inner disposition. By his blessings, in the mid-1990s, I began to receive what I can only call Bodhamrut—Nectar of Wisdom—during moments of surrender in meditation. These came as lyrical songs, often with rhythm and melody intact, flowing from my lips without volition. My wife Netra, or other family or helpful friends who were around, would faithfully transcribe them as they arose.
At first, these revelations seemed beyond my comprehension. Some felt like instructions, others like visions of divine events in the lives of Rama, Sita, and other realised souls, as if I were witnessing them directly. With guidance from revered scholars such as Dr. U.M. Pathan and the late Brig. P.V. Gole, I came to understand that my role was only to serve as an instrument—to write faithfully, without doubt or hesitation.
These early songs were published privately as Nectar of Wisdom. In July 1998, my Satguru inspired me to bring together the songs and revelations centred on Lord Rama and Mother Sita into what became Sita Shakti Kavya. Along with the revealed verses, I was permitted to compose linking passages for coherence.
The very first draft of this composition was completed, and by divine coincidence, I was blessed with the darshan of Saint Sadguru Thakur Maharaj during that period. On that auspicious occasion, I had the fortune of offering this poem at his feet. Maharaj blessed the work and remarked: “This poem will shine even more after your lifetime.”
Through the musical compositions of Pt. Uday Deshpande, and the soulful renditions by Shri Ravindra Sathe and other renowned singers, the songs were infused with life.
A dance–drama film based on this poem was also created. It was a matter of great contentment that the film was first presented before Shri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, who graciously blessed it. With this inspiration, the film carried the essence of the poem to a wider circle of connoisseurs, both in India and abroad.
The first edition, in Hindi, appeared in 2000 with about 150 songs across 25 chapters.This was followed by its translations in Marathi, English and Gujarathi.
What distinguishes this kavya is its perspective. The Ramayana has enshrined Sita as the epitome of fidelity and sacrifice. Here, however, she emerges also as a strong and nurturing mother—shaping her sons, Lav and Kush, with values (sanskaras) that outlast ages. This focus drew the attention of eminent scholars such as Dr. Siyaram Tiwari and Dr. Umashankar Upadhyaya, who encouraged me to continue.
Musical compositions by Pt. Uday Deshpande, sung by Shri Ravindra Sathe and other reputed singers , further brought the verses alive. Creative dance-videos brought it closer to audiences in India and abroad.
In due course, Sita Shakti Kavya received public recognition: a national award of Sahitya Shiromani (2004), and international awards at San Francisco and Granada (2006) for its dance-drama video films . Through these journeys, I remained deeply aware of my unworthiness. Whatever value this work holds is due to the divine energy that flowed through the Guru’s grace. If it has touches readers, listeners, or audiences, the thanks is due to that source alone; if there are shortcomings , they are mine.
The journey did not end with the first edition in year 2000. Even after that the flow of Bodhamrut continued, enriching earlier chapters with new depth and detail. What you now hold—the 2025 Edition—contains about 250 songs, still in 25 chapters, but more expansive in voice and scope.
This expanded edition was first offered with reverence at the lotus hands of Sadguru Shri Sharad Joshi Maharaj at Vasudev Nivas Ashram. While bestowing his blessings, Maharaj advised that appropriate illustrations be included throughout the Kavya, and wherever possible, audio-visual or video links/QR codes of the songs be provided. In this way, the work would become more engaging for readers. In accordance with that guidance, QR codes have been added alongside certain songs, through which one can directly access their recordings and audio-visual experience. By using new technology, the visual dimension of this Kavya has been made more appealing for the readers.
And the work is now also available online at www.sita-radha-laxmi.org, for seekers across the world.
I offer this anthology at the lotus feet of my Satguru Shri Datta Chile Maharaj, in the hope that it may kindle in readers a glimpse of the strength, tenderness, and timeless voice of Mother Sita. May it inspire in every heart the values of nurturing love. May it beckon us to unveil the hidden gems of knowledge within ourselves, resonating with the inherent wisdom of the human spirit revealed in this SITA SHAKTI KAVYA. I welcome your critical comments and association in this onward journey of Sita Shakti Kavya.
A word on sources:
As readers may have noted in Preface above , this Kavya comes with the blessings of Mother Sita and Divine grace of Sadguru Chile Maharaj. Its flow came as inner poetic revelations to be received and recorded without recourse to scriptures, study,citation or commentary. The work , SITA SHAKTI KAVYA stands closer to Sruti meaning an inner listening, a transmission, a meditative surrender , and in this way may differ from conventional authorship.For those wishing to understand this context more fully, a Note has been placed at the close of the book.
Humbly offered through the author,
Pradeep Wagh , Ph.D. , 2025
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Acknowledgements
“Though human hands and voices have assisted, the true source remains Sita Devi and Sadguru Chile Maharaj.
To all visible and invisible companions on this journey, I bow.”
With deep gratitude and reverence, I extend my thanks to those whose presence, guidance, and encouragement have sustained the journey of Sita Shakti Kavya across these years:-
To all the guiding scholars and mentors, I remain deeply indebted. Brig. P. V. Gole (Retd.), AVSM, has been a father figure and an ever-inspiring presence. He received every Bodhamrut (Nectar of Wisdom) as it emerged and, with rare insight, would unfold its deeper meanings for me. I also warmly acknowledge Dr. Umashankar Upadhyay and Dr. Richa Sharma, whose scholarship and sensitivity to the nuances of Hindi language and poetics enriched the compositions; Mr. S. Ramakrishnan, Trustee, Brahma Sabha Chicago, for his help with all Sanskrit-related work; and Dr. S. P. Mishra, who provided the first spiritual angle of inspiration by saying, "Let us first see what the Devi (Goddess) wants to say," at a time when I was filled with self-doubt.
To friends beyond India—whose openness of heart and genuine interest in this work offered silent encouragement from afar, affirming its universal resonance: Mr. Wilfried Claus (Netherlands); Mr. Kelvin Duncan (New Zealand); Ms. Lindy Stewart Fors (Canada), and others.
To my family—who were my constant companions, day and night, and often the first listeners to the songs as they blossomed in the stillness of Brahmamuhurta. My beloved mother, Vatsala, with simple devotion, treasured each Bodhamrut as it emerged and lovingly wove many of them into her daily prayers and stotras. With innocence and sincerity, she would say: “Pradeep is but an instrument of Sadguru Chile Maharaj and Sita Devi in penning these verses.” My wife, Netra, and children, Anuya, Kashmira, and Omkar, were my pillars of support.
To the artist, Mr. Pratap Mullick —whose exquisite oil paintings brought the vision of the Kavya into living form, adorning it with timeless beauty.
To my colleagues and team—who quietly and steadfastly shouldered the task of shaping the manuscript and preparing it for print with attention and patience.
To all unnamed friends and well-wishers—whose names may not appear here, but whose goodwill has been no less a blessing.
Finally, I gratefully acknowledge the use of AI-generated images, which have added a new visual dimension to this edition.
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