Shatrughna

Birth and Early Life

Shatrughna, meaning "destroyer of enemies," was born as the younger twin to Lakshmana from Queen Sumitra and King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, following the divine payasam ritual allocating halves to Sumitra. Regarded as Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra avatar—symbolizing dharma's protective disc—he grew alongside brothers Rama, Bharata, and Lakshmana in royal splendor, mastering warfare, statecraft, and scriptures under gurus like Vashistha. Deeply devoted to Bharata, his closest sibling, Shatrughna mirrored Lakshmana's Rama-bond, prioritizing fraternal duty from childhood.​

Marriage and Family Role

Shatrughna wed Shrutakirti, Sita's youngest sister and daughter of Janaka's brother Kushadhwaja, during the grand quadruple wedding in Mithila, cementing Ikshvaku-Janaka alliances. Father to sons Subahu (ruler of Mathura) and Shrutasena (Vidisha), he balanced family life with kingdom responsibilities. Unlike his exiled brothers, Shatrughna remained in Ayodhya as the three queens' solace amid Dasharatha's grief.​

Administration During Exile

Post-Kaikeyi's boons exiling Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita—followed by Bharata's Kekaya sojourn—Shatrughna managed Ayodhya's affairs under Bharata's Nandigram regency, ensuring prosperity and order. He banished Manthara, Kaikeyi's instigating maid, upholding justice. For 14 years, as Bharata symbolized Rama's rule with sandals on the throne, Shatrughna executed governance tirelessly, embodying administrative dharma.​

Heroic Exploit: Slaying Lavanasura

Rishis Bhargava and Chyavana sought Rama's aid against Lavanasura, Ravana's nephew terrorizing Madhupura (Mathura) with a divine trident from Shiva. Volunteering, Shatrughna received Rama's Vishnu-empowered arrow; en route, he visited Valmiki's ashram, coinciding with Lava-Kusha's birth. After fierce combat—dodging the trident thrice—Shatrughna felled the demon at dawn sans weapon, earning celestial praise and kingship over Madhupura. He built a flourishing city there, promoting agriculture and peace for 12 years.​

Later Contributions and Ashwamedha Yagna

Returning to Ayodhya, Shatrughna revisited Valmiki's, hearing Lava-Kusha's Ramayana recital without disclosure. During Rama's Ashwamedha, he guarded the sacrificial horse, defeating rakshasas Vidyunmali, Ugrasharma, and Vindhya kings like Viramani (aided by Rama-Shiva reconciliation). At Ganga's ashram, he battled but yielded to Kusha, recognizing Sita's lineage.​

End and Legacy

As Rama's earthly avatar concluded, Shatrughna joined Bharata in Sarayu Jal Samadhi post-Lakshmana's, ascending divinely while sons inherited realms. Worshipped in Rama temples as dharma's guardian, his saga highlights unsung support roles, inspiring Tulsidas and regional retellings. For Veergatha curation, Shatrughna represents steadfast brotherhood in Indian epics.