The Underrated

We are approaching towards the end of my blog-posts of the first season with today's blog that will be followed by the last post next week. In this journey we have came along well, knowing Ramayan with a whole new perspective. We gained cognizance of our glorious past that is perpetual but was discarded due to false perceptions, those being imposed on us from centuries making us believe that we are inferior and backward. Various myths and taboos were challenged with apposite reasoning and we finally have a different point of view to understand the characters of Ramayan. Above all, we got closer to Shri Ram, realizing his divinity, his transcendence.

My apologies for not being there for so long. Been busy with my maiden book's launch. With your blessings and support, #RamAeon is trending in the social circles and my book is now available on Amazon:

{Book Cover: Acharya Shri}

In today's post, we will try to know the characters of the saga, those were sidelined or barely revered:

Kaushalya - Wife of King Dashrath, mother of Shri Ram. She was among the three prime queens of Ayodhya and revered as 'rajmata'. King Dashrath's senior most queen belonged to the kingdom of Southern-Koshal, another kingdom of Suryavanshees. She was an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Vishnu and was known for her composedness and austere lifestyle. When Shri Ram informed her about the exile, like any loving mother, she went went in distress; but soon she recovered from her state of mind and guided both Shri Ram and Devi Sita along with Lakshmarn to live a restrained life in the exile period. In the times of despair, she was always present to counsel in the spiritual matters to Bharat and Shatrughan.

Sumitra - Among the three wives of Dashrath and mother of Lakshmarn and Shatrughan. Sumitra was the princess of Kashi and an ardent devotee of Bhagwan Shiv, she was considered to be the wisest of all the queens. Where Kaushalya was spiritual and calmed in nature and Kaikeyi was an skilled warrior princess and aggressive in nature, Sumitra was a balanced woman and an expert in management of kingdom affairs. She was devoted to both Kaushalya and Kaikeyi and that is why, she happily sent Lakshmarn on exile with Shri Ram and Devi Sita so that he can serve them well. Shatrughan often consulted her in managing the kingdom affairs.

{Image: geni.com}

Shatrughan - The youngest amongst the four princes, Shatrughan never came in the limelight. Yet his devotion towards Bharat can never be ignored, that was similar in the same way Lakshmarn was devoted towards Shri Ram. He was married to Shrutkirti, cousin of Devi Sita, with whom he fathered two sons, Subahu and Shatrughati. In the whole exile period of fourteen years, it was he who took care of Ayodhya like an ideal ruler; but in a role of the caretaker. Though Bharat, kaushalya and Sumitra guided him from time to time but it was certainly he who looked after the whole kingdom proficiently in an authoritative way. He brought Manthara to justice presenting her in front of Bharat knowing what sin she committed.

{Image Source: deviant art}

Shatrughan is also known for eliminating Lavanasur, king of Madhupuri(today's Mathura). Lavnasur was a tremendous demon who owned the trident of Bhagwan Shiv and hence was invincible. He was also the nephew of Raavarn and like him, was a menace to the beings. After killing him, Shatrughan reinstalled Mathura and ruled the kingdom with righteousness.

Now, after going with the above stated descriptive, we can understand the importance of every character to a legend. It were they, who made Ramayan one of the greatest epic serving Shri Ram in accomplishing his divine purpose. Hence, their contribution cannot be disregarded. In our next season, we will continue to explore more characters of the epic. Till then, be proud.