Sita, (also spelled Seeta or Seetha, meaning "furrow") is the central female character of the Hindu epic Ramayana and was born in Janakpurdham present day Mithila, Nepal. She is the consort of the Hindu God Sri Rama (avatar of Vishnu) and is an avatar of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and wife of Vishnu. She is esteemed as a paragon of spousal and feminine virtues for all Hindu women. 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 of Mithila and Queen Sunayna. In her youth, she marries Sri Rama, the prince of Ayodhya.