Second wife of Dasharatha and mother of Lakshmana and Shatrughna. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Among the three wives of Dasharatha, not much has been said about the second wife, Sumitra, anywhere in history.

But Sumitra had absolutely no desire whatsoever. She was the epitome of all virtues. She was Mitha Bhashini and Hitha Bhashini (one who talks less in pleasing manner). Her conduct was appropriate to her name Su-mitra (good friend)

She had two sons- Lakshmana and Shatrughna. There was no way either of them could become the crown prince. Yet Sumitra was not worried. She demonstrated the ideal of service to the rest of the world. ‘When Rama becomes the king, my first son Lakshmana should dedicate himself to His service’. This was her desire. Likewise, she wanted her second son, Shatrughna be in the service of Bharata. The servant is always by the side of his master. That is why Lakshmana followed Lord Rama, and Shatrughna was always in the company of Bharata. She understood the sacredness of service and exhorted her sons to follow this divine path. When you carefully go through the sacred story of Lord Rama, you will be able to understand and appreciate the noble and ideal character of mother Sumitra. (SSS Vol.35, pp.95-96)

Dasharatha marries Sumitra who has Companionable Virtues

The pang of being childless saddened Dasharatha. The King consulted the priests, pundits, and ministers and when he knew that their desires confirmed the earnest prayer of Kausalya, he married another wife, Sumitra. Sumitra lived up to her name, for she was indeed full of companionable virtues. Kausalya and Sumitra were bound to each other by the ties of affection, far stronger than those between a mother and a child. Each yearned to give joy to the other; each had deep fortitude, detachment and sympathy. (RKRV Part I, p.32)

Numerous noble qualities

 Greatness of Sumitra- mp3

Sumitra was not given much importance in spite of her numerous noble qualities. In fact, the qualities of Sumitra and her sons cannot be described in words. (SSS Vol.35, p.122)

When Lakshmana decided to accompany Rama to the forest, mother Sumitra told him, ‘My son, it is God’s will that I am your mother and you are my son. We should play our roles according to divine destiny. Don’t feel bad that you are going to the forest. Ayodhya without you is a forest for us and a forest in your company, is Ayodhya.’ These were the ideals upheld by the great women of those days. (SSB 2002, p.47)

Sumitra counselled Lakshmana thus: ‘Never be under the impression that you are going to the forest. Wherever Rama and Sita are present, that itself is Ayodhya. This Ayodhya without Sita and Rama is a veritable forest. Consider Sita and Rama as your mother and father and serve them to the best of your ability with all love, sincerity, faith and devotion.’ You cannot find a woman greater than Sumitra in this world. She blessed her son to serve God wholeheartedly. The term Sumitra means good friend (Su - good, Mitra - friend). Such noble mothers like Sumitra and sons like Lakshmana with total devotion to God are needed today. (SSS Vol.32 Part1, p.111-112)

Great Virtue

Sumitra was one of great virtues. True to her name ‘Su-mitra’ (good friend), she was the friend of all. She went to Kausalya and spoke words of great encouragement. ‘Dear elder sister, why should worry? What do you think of Rama? He is Lord Narayana Himself. How does it matter to Him, whether He is in Ayodhya, or in a forest? Wherever He is, He is always with us. For Rama, Ayodhya and Aranya (forest) are one and the same.’

Kausalya was somewhat comforted to hear the words of Sumitra. Her mind also became peaceful. Sumitra added, ‘Dear elder sister, two sons were born to me, while both you and Kaikeyi gave birth to one son each. Do you know why? The reason is that my sons will have opportunity to serve their elder brothers; Lakshmana will serve Rama, and Bharata will be served by Shatrughna. Therefore, pay attention to my resolve. Lakshmana will go to forest with Rama and will protect Rama as the eyelids protect the eyes. Therefore, do not have any fear. (SSS Vol.40, p 110)

This entire Drama is the master plan of God:

Kausalya was highly distressed at the turn of events. At this juncture, Sumitra’s noble qualities need to be recalled. As her name, so was her character. She has a pure heart. She did not weep at the turn of events. Instead, she consoled Kausalya thus: ‘Sister, why are you so sad. Rama, who has incarnated for the emancipation of mankind, can never come to any harm. If you are concerned about his physical welfare, my son Lakshmana is going to be there with Rama always. He will be Rama’s attendant and aide. You must not give any scope for fear or anxiety.’ Yet Kausalya’s womb that bore Rama. Her pain at his exile was therefore, immense. In this context, the noble and courageous counsel of Sumitra to Kausalya was much more laudable. However, while dealing with the epic Ramayana, hardly anyone discusses these noble attributes of Sumitra. She further told Kausalya, ‘This entire Drama is the master plan of God, You and I cannot add or change any of this. For the welfare of the world and the establishment of Dharma, God has enacted this mission. Hence sister! Do not shed tears. Your tears at the time of departure of your sons will only prove inauspicious to them. With cheer and joy, bless them and send them.’ Thus, did Sumitra stand by Kausalya and gave her a great deal of courage. The princes and Sita soon left. (SSB 2002, p.62-63)

Instilling the notion of service in her sons:

As per the promises extracted by Kaikeyi from Dasharatha, only Rama was obliged to go forest. It was not obligatory for Lakshmana to accompany Him. Sumitra could have argued in this manner and prevented Lakshmana from going to the forest. But Sumitra did not raise any objection whatsoever. ‘Lakshmana is born only to serve Lord Rama. He is an instrument in Rama’s hands. So, Rama is taking His instrument with Him. Who am I to send Lakshmana with Him and who is Lakshmana to decide about his going with Rama? Rama has every right to take Lakshmana with Him’. These were her feelings. She blessed her son Lakshmana and said, ‘My dear, take proper care of Sita and Rama’. When Bharata was proceeding to his uncle’s kingdom of Kekaya, Shatrughna had no information whether to stay back or follow. Yet, Shatrughna got ready to accompany Bharata, as he knew it was duty to serve him. In the history of Bharat, there are many noble mothers like Sumitra who encouraged their sons to take to the path of service. (SS May ’02, p.140-141)

Sumitra s illustriousness as a noble mother

Lakshmana prostrated before his mother Sumitra. The noble lady told her son: ‘Only the place where Rama is not is the forest. The forest in which Rama stays will be your Ayodhya. Without Rama in Ayodhya, we will be living in wilderness. Redeem your life to the service of Rama.’ Because there were such illustrious mothers, fathers and preceptors in those days, the Upanishads could exhort the people to revere the mother as God, the father as God and the Guru as God and the guest as God. (SSS Vol.21, p.89)

Lessons of unity:

The four brothers, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata,  Shatrughna and their consorts had perfect unity and harmony among themselves. They were like different carpels of the orange fruit. One-day Sumitra peeled out the skin of an orange fruit. As she took out each slice, she was saying, ‘This is Rama, this is Lakshmana ... She considered each slice of the fruit to represent the four brothers and their wives. She was very happy to have such virtuous daughters-in-law like Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakirti. The daughters-in-law also served their mothers-in-law with utmost love and care. (Dasara Discourses 2004, p.77)

Sumitra’s Character Through the Eyes of Others:

Rama:

Did my mother act against his will and his feelings? Mother Kausalya will never behave like that, And, Sumitra? I am more certain about her. She will not at all acts so. (RKRV Part I, p.272).

Sage Vashistha and Sage Vishwamitra extolled her noble qualities

The name of Sumitra does not find a place of prominence that it deserves in the Ramayana. She was a paragon of virtues and, true to her name, she was a good friend of all. The sacrifice made by Sumitra was greater compared to the sacrifice made by Kausalya. Some of the virtues of Sumitra were not to be found even in Kausalya and Kaikeyi. Before leaving for the forest, Rama sought the blessings of Kausalya. Then he went to the residence of Sumitra. Rama prostrated before her and said, ‘Mother, I am very happy to obey father s command and go to the forest, but I feel sad to leave you and go. I pray to you to shower your love and blessings on me. I do not require anything else.’ So, saying, he offered his salutations to her again and again, took leave of her and left for the forest. Among the three queens, Sumitra was the noblest. Even Sage Vashistha and Sage Vishwamitra had extolled her noble qualities. We should accept others greatness and not indulge in self-glorification in order to glorify others greatness, sometimes; we need to be modest and self-effacing. (Dasara Discourses 2004, p.76-77)

Lakshmana 

Lakshmana said. ‘Brother, the great Dasharatha is my father and the noble Sumitra is my mother, who had blameless characters. The blood flowing in my body is theirs. They never could do anything contrary to dharma in their word or deed. How can I being their son, do it?’ As is the seed, so is the tree. As is the food taken, so is the belch. What parents are, that embodies itself in their children too. (DD on 17.8.1991)

Hanuman:

Hanuman turned to Bharata and said, ‘Your brother Lakshmana has fallen unconscious in the battlefield. The physician there wanted Sanjivini herb to be brought in order to revive Lakshmana. As I could not locate the exact herb, I am carrying the entire mountain with me.’ On coming to know that Lakshmana had fainted and Rama was grief stricken, everyone assembled there started shedding tears; the ladies in particular were inconsolable. When Hanuman looked around, he found everyone in tears except for one lady. She was none other than Sumitra, the mother of Lakshmana. ‘Lakshmana can never be put to any harm. He constantly chants Rama’s name. Every cell of his body is filled with the divine name of Rama. So, nothing untoward can happen to him.’ With such conviction, she was composed. (SSS Vol.35, p.125)