Shatrughna
शत्रुघ्नYoungest brother of Rama; twin of Lakshmana. Also called Slayer of enemies | Son of Sumitra | Companion of Bharata.
Shatrughna was the youngest of Rama's brothers and twin of Lakshmana, the quiet, loyal prince who served Bharata, punished the schemer Manthara, and slew the demon Lavanasura, founding Mathura.
Who was Shatrughna?
Who is Shatrughna?
Shatrughna was the youngest of the four sons of King Dasharatha, born to Queen Sumitra together with his twin Lakshmana. His name means “slayer of enemies”. Where Lakshmana devoted himself to Rama, Shatrughna was the steadfast companion of Bharata.
The loyal brother
Shatrughna is the quietest of the four princes, but his loyalty is total. When Bharata refused the throne and went to live in austerity at Nandigram during Rama’s exile, Shatrughna stayed by his side. It was Shatrughna who, in his anger at the suffering caused, is said to have seized and punished the maid Manthara whose scheming had begun it all.
The slaying of Lavanasura
After Rama’s return and coronation, Shatrughna was sent to destroy the demon Lavanasura, who terrorised the region of Madhuvana with a trident given by Shiva. Waiting until the demon was without his weapon, Shatrughna slew him and founded the city of Mathura (or Madhura) on that spot, ruling it justly for many years.
His place in the Ramayana
Shatrughna embodies quiet service without ambition — the brother who seeks no glory for himself, content to support others and to act decisively when dharma requires it.
