सुमित्रा
Sumitra is the youngest wife of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and the mother of twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna. When Dasharatha performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice to obtain sons, the divine nectar was divided among his wives: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kausalya and Kaikeyi each gave half of their portion to Sumitra, resulting in the birth of twins. Lakshmana became especially devoted to Rama (Kausalya’s son), while Shatrughna remained loyal to Bharata (Kaikeyi’s son).
Connections to Other Entities:
| Character | Relation to Sumitra | Role in Ramayana |
|---|---|---|
| Dasharatha | Husband | King of Ayodhya, father of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna |
| Lakshmana | Son | Devoted brother of Rama, accompanied him in exile |
| Shatrughna | Son | Loyal brother to Bharata |
| Kausalya and Kaikeyi | Co-wives | Shared the divine nectar with Sumitra |
Themes in the Story:
- Divine Allocation: The sharing of the divine nectar symbolizes unity among the co-wives and a shared destiny for their children, who remain closely connected.
- Loyalty and Brotherhood: Lakshmana’s deep devotion to Rama, and Shatrughna’s to Bharata, reflect the close bonds formed between the sons of the three queens, representing ideal relationships.
Sumitra’s role as the mother of the devoted Lakshmana is crucial in the Ramayana, as it underscores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and familial duty.