Sita phal is named after the Goddess Sita. Sita was an avatar of Lakshmi as Rama was an avatar of Vishnu. Both were born as mortals in the Ramayana. There is an interesting story about the origin of Sita phal.

When Ravan abducted Sita, he took her in his Pushpak Viman to Sri Lanka. The Pushpak Viman was a flying chariot crafted by Vishwakarma for Brahma and later owned by Kubera. Vishwakarma was the divine architect of the Gods and he constructed Ravan’s golden city of Lanka. Kubera was the king of Sri Lanka. The Pushpak Viman was a flower shaped craft which flew at the speed of thought and it could carry any number of passengers. Ravana conquered his brother Kubera (God of Wealth) and took the chariot.

While Sita was traveling in the Pushpak Viman, she was distraught and she shed copious tears. Her tears fell on the Earth and instead of being absorbed by the Earth, a special plant started growing with each tear drop and her sweat, which moistened the ground. These plants grew very rapidly and also started fruiting. The fruit was delicious, it tasted like cream and the fruit had many seeds in it which were covered with white flesh. The Vanars (monkeys), plucked these fruits and split them open. The pulp of the custard apple looked like tear drops.

Custard apples are enjoyed by all as they are very delicious. We have custard apple ice cream also. Be sure not to miss eating this delicious fruit, when you visit India and think of the origin of Sita Phal.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture by Muhammad Mahdi Karim – Own work, GFDL 1.2, Link