Chudamani is referred to in the Sundara Khanda of the
Ramayana. The divine Chudamani was in the possession of Sita. Mata Sita was
held captive by Ravana in the Ashokavana of Lanka. Hanuman met Sita as an emissary
of Rama. She then gave the Chudamani to Hanuman and asked Him to carry it to
Sri Rama.
Chudamani is an ornament worn on the head. It was round in
shape and studded with jewels and pearls.
Legend has it that the ornament was first found by Indra in
the ocean. He gave it to Dasharatha, father of Sri Rama, for helping him in
defeating the demons. Another version has it that Indra gave it to Dasharatha
on the successful completion of an important yajna.
Chudamani became a family ornament. Dasharatha had given it to
Kaushalya. She gave it to Sita who was her daughter in law.
It is stated in Ramayana that on seeing Chudamani, Sri Rama
felt as if he was seeing Mata Sita herself.