Sumitra - The Noble Mother of Lakshmana and Shatrughna

Among the many compelling characters in the Ramayana, Sumitra stands out as one of the most unique and quietly powerful figures. Of King Dasharatha’s three queens, Sumitra was the most composed and serene, always responding to events with remarkable dignity.

Though she was Dasharatha’s second wife, fate did not grant her the recognition she deserved. The elder queen Kausalya was revered as the mother of Rama, and the youngest, Kaikeyi, held Dasharatha’s affection and influence. But Sumitra, ever graceful, remained in the background, overlooked, yet unmatched in her strength.

Even her marriage was conducted with quiet simplicity. But it is in the division of the divine payasa received during the Putrakameshti Yajna that Sumitra’s special destiny becomes clear.

According to texts like Adhyatma Ramayana, Raghuvamsha, Champu Ramayana, and Kṣemendra’s Ramayana Manjari, the payasa was divided into four parts:

• One part was given to Kausalya.

• Half of that was then given to Sumitra.

• One portion of the remaining half was given to Kaikeyi.

• The last remaining part, which still lay in Dasharatha’s bowl, was again given to Sumitra — thus she received two portions, while the others had one each.

  
  

Valmiki uses the Sanskrit term “Anuchintya” to describe Dasharatha’s action, meaning “after thoughtful consideration.” It is said Dasharatha already knew four sons would be born, and therefore divided the payasa accordingly. He believed Sumitra, with her serene nature and unwavering virtue, was the right person to raise two children. And so she received the final, unclaimed share.

Thus were born Lakshmana and Shatrughna, who became devoted companions to Rama and Bharata, respectively.

• 🌺 Mother of Devotion and Duty

Sumitra’s strength of character is seen most clearly in her parenting. She raised her sons to embody obedience, loyalty, and humility. Lakshmana was inseparable from Rama, while Shatrughna became Bharata’s constant companion. Through her upbringing, Sumitra instilled in them the values of service and sacrifice.

Her spiritual depth, sense of dharma, and detachment are revealed when Lakshmana seeks her blessings to accompany Rama to the forest. As he bows at her feet, she lifts his head, blesses him with tears in her eyes, and says:

"My son, it seems I have given birth to you only for this moment — to serve Rama in exile. Consider Rama as your father Dasharatha, Sita as your mother, and the forest as your Ayodhya. Go, my child, and serve him with joy."

This moment captures the essence of Sumitra’s motherhood — not possessive, but purposeful, rooted in dharma and cosmic understanding.

• 🌺 Dharma in Action

After Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita depart for exile, it is Sumitra who consoles the grieving Kausalya. Valmiki refers to her with the phrase "dharme sthitā" — “firmly established in dharma.” Her words soothe Kausalya’s pain by reminding her of Rama’s virtues and strength, assuring her that no harm would befall him.

Though her own son went into exile without any personal obligation to do so, Sumitra did not express bitterness. Instead, she offered strength and clarity — a testament to her spiritual discipline and inner balance.

Even when Kaikeyi’s schemes led to Rama’s exile, and Dasharatha’s death followed, it was Lakshmana who stood as Rama’s unwavering support, and Shatrughna who remained calm and composed in Ayodhya, supporting Bharata during a time of turmoil. Both sons reflected their mother’s steadiness, making Sumitra a true matriarch of dharma.

• 🌺 Sumitra – The Silent Pillar of Ayodhya

Queen Sumitra may not have sought attention, but her composure, wisdom, and quiet strength left a lasting legacy. She did not lament her fate, nor did she grasp for status. Instead, she nurtured two sons who embodied selfless service — Lakshmana, the shadow of Rama, and Shatrughna, the strength behind Bharata.

In choosing her to receive the final share of the divine offering, Dasharatha had shown remarkable foresight. For only a mother like Sumitra could raise sons who would serve without hesitation, love without condition, and act without ego.

Indeed, Sumitra was not just a queen or a mother — she was Ayodhya’s quiet anchor, and the soul of selfless dharma.