Sumitra


Sumitra is the third consort and the queen of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya among his three wives. She is the mother of twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna as mentioned in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
She came from the ancient Kingdom of Kashi. She is considered as the wisest amongst the wives of Dasaratha. She is said to be the one who encouraged Lakshmana to accompany Rama and serve him during his exile. Sumitra often helped Dashratha with his problems. She was very much attached to her daughter-in-law Urmila and considered her above all. During Lakshman's exile, she only stood by her side all the time.

Personality

Sumitra is described as being fiercer and more powerful than Kaikeyi. However servitude is one of her many characteristics. In spite of being neither the principal queen or the favored one, she is single-minded in her devotion to her husband and principal queen Kaushalya. She is also known for her sacrifice of letting her son Lakshmana go to exile with Rama. She was from a Shoodra family.

Etymology

Sumitra is broken into Su meaning good and Mitra meaning friend. Thus, her name means 'a good friend' or 'one with friendly nature'. She is known as, Tamil: சுமித்திரை, Burmese: Thumitra, Malay: Samutra, Khmer and สมุทรเทวี Samutthra Thewi).

Portrayals Of Sumitra In Mass Media

Sumitra has been portrayed by several actresses television adaptations of Ramayana: