Mother

http://kirtimukha.com/Krishnaswamy/Rama/Sumitra.htm

Among the three wives of Dasaratha, not much has been said about the second wife, Sumitra, anywhere in history. Kausalya attained a good reputation because of her son Rama. Her name figures first in the Suprabhatam, which begins with the words, "Kausalya supraja Rama (Oh! The noble son of mother Kausalya)". Kaikeyi wanted her son Bharata to be the crown prince, but Sumitra had absolutely no desire whatsoever. Sumitra was the epitome of all virtues. She was mitha bhashi and hitha bhashi (one who talks less and in a pleasing manner). Her behaviour was in consonance with her name Su-mitra (good friend). She had two sons, Lakshmana and Satrughna, and there was no way that 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 Lord Rama becomes king, my first son Lakshmana should dedicate himself to His service." This was her desire. Likewise, she wanted her second son Satrughna to be in service of Bharata. The servant is always by the side of the master. That is why Lakshmana followed Lord Rama and Satrughna was always in the company of Bharata. She understood the sacredness of service and exhorted her sons to follow the same path. When you carefully go through the sacred story of Lord Rama, you will be able to understand and appreciate the noble and ideal feelings of mother Sumitra. When Lord Rama was leaving for the forest, mother Kausalya was inconsolable. It was only Sumitra who did not shed a tear. She tried to pacify Kausalya and instil courage in her saying, "Dear sister, my son Lakshmana will accompany Rama to the forest to look after His needs. He will make sure that Rama is put to no inconvenience under any circumstances. Just as an eyelid protects the eye, Lakshmana will constantly engage himself in Rama's service. You don't need to be worried about Rama's safety and security." She willingly sent her son to the forest along with Rama. Will any mother act in such a courageous and selfless manner? As per the boons granted by Dasaratha to Kaikeyi, only Rama was supposed to go in exile. 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." This was her feeling. 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, Satrughna had no information whether to stay back or follow. Yet, Satrughna got ready to accompany Bharata, since he knew it was his duty to serve him. In the history of Bharat (India), there are many noble mothers like Sumitra, who encouraged their sons to take to the path of service.

For Sita, Rama was her life. She could not bear separation from Him even for a minute. So, she begged to be allowed to accompany Rama to the forest.

As in the case of Sumitra, the name of Urmila, Lakshmana's wife, does not find a place of prominence in the Ramayana. Both Sumitra and Urmila were highly sacred. They lead a life of sacrifice. She was a very good painter. She used to spend most of her time in painting. She was not aware that Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana were going on exile. At that time, she was painting a beautiful picture with the paint pot by her side. Lakshmana went to her and called her by her name in a raised voice. She was afraid and at once stood up; in the process the paint accidentally spilled over the picture she was painting. She felt sad that the picture was spoiled. Lakshmana asked her as to what she was painting. Urmila replied, "I am painting the picture of Sita Rama's coronation as it is going to take place. I want to send this picture to my father Janaka. The whole world will enjoy seeing this beautiful picture." Lakshmana was dejected and told her about the events that took place. He said, "The coronation of Sita Rama is canceled because of Kaikeyi, and the picture you are painting is spoiled because of me." He told that he was accompanying Rama to the forest. Will any lady keep quiet when she comes to know that her husband is going to the forest for 14 years? She would ask many questions --"Why should you follow him? You are under no obligation to go to forest. Only Rama is ordered to go. So, you need not go with him." Any ordinary lady would have argued in this manner. But Urmila did not raise any objection. In fact, she was very happy that her husband got an opportunity to serve Sita and Rama. She said, "You are very lucky to have got this great opportunity. Please follow them without wasting a minute." Lakshmana told her, "You will not be able to see Sita and Rama for the next 14 years. So, go to Sita's residence at once and take her blessings." But Urmila did not move from there. On the other hand, she pushed him to go with Sita and Rama, saying, "I don't want to come in the way of your going with Sita and Rama. Please don't waste even a minute. Go with them at once and be in their service." Before going, she wanted Lakshmana to give her a promise. She said, "You are going to live in the forest without me for fourteen years. It is possible that you would think of me and mention my name at some time or other. So, I want you to promise that you will not think of me or mention my name at any point of time. Contemplate constantly on the divine Names of Sita and Rama and serve them with all sincerity and devotion. If I accompany you to the forest, you may not be able to devote your entire time to their service. I will stay back so as not to become an impediment in your way." Hearing Urmila's words, Lakshmana was surprised and elated. "Can one find such a noble and devoted wife anywhere else," he exclaimed to himself. He took leave of her and left the place immediately. In this land of Bharat (India), there are many noble mothers like Sumitra and virtuous wives like Urmila. Many incidents that speak of the nobility of Sumitra and Urmila are not mentioned in the epic Ramayana. When Lakshmana fainted in the battlefield, in order to revive him, Hanuman had to bring the Sanjivani herbs from a mountain. Since he was unable to locate the required herbs, he lifted the entire mountain and was on his way back to the battlefield. He had to fly over the Nandigrama en route. Bharata mistook him for a demon and shot an arrow at him. Hanuman fell down along with the mountain. He offered his salutations to Bharata and explained to him the situation in the battlefield and the purpose of his carrying the Sanjivani mountain. Bharata was happy to note that Lakshmana would be revived. Immediately, he sent word for his mothers and all his subjects. Urmila also came. Everyone except Sumitra felt sad that Lakshmana had fainted in the battlefield. But Urmila was not perturbed. She bent her head and listened to Hanuman's narration. On hearing all this, mother Kausalya broke down. Then Sumitra consoled her saying, "Sister, why do you worry? No danger can ever befall Rama. Lakshmana will take good care of him. Both my sons are born to render service to Rama. In case Lakshmana dies in the battlefield, I will send my other son Satrughna to help Rama in the battle." Will any mother be prepared for such a sacrifice? Bharata said to Urmila, "Mother, you may be grief-stricken that your husband Lakshmana has fainted in the battlefield." In those days people used to address women as mother. Urmila replied, "I am not at all worried about this, for my husband is with Lord Rama Himself. In fact, every cell of his body is filled with the divine Name of Rama. Hence, I am sure that nothing untoward can happen to him." Then Hanuman told her, "Mother, none can say for sure that your husband will be revived. It is a very difficult situation. Rama loves Lakshmana most dearly. He considers him as His very life. Hence, Rama is grief-stricken." Hearing this Urmila laughed and said, "Hanuman, no one in this world can understand the Divinity of Rama and the nature of my husband. Rama is verily the Paramatma (highest Atma). There is no question of his worrying at all. All this is His Divine play. Even my husband Lakshmana has no worries at all. Perhaps he might have been hurt a little by the arrows shot at him by Ravana and his sons. Since every cell of his body is filled with the divine Name of Rama, there is absolutely no danger to his life. In fact, he has not fainted; he is enjoying a good and peaceful sleep." None can understand the bond of sacred love that existed between Rama and Lakshmana. When Lakshmana fainted in the battlefield, Rama lamented, saying, "If I were to search in the world, I may get another wife like Sita, but not a brother like Lakshmana". In the Ramayana, not much has been said about the greatness of Lakshmana and Satrughna. Since this world is physical in nature, people give importance only to physical aspects. They talk only about Sita and Rama but do not bother to note the sacrifices made by Lakshmana, Satrughna and their wives. Urmila told Hanuman to proceed without further delay, since Rama and others would be waiting for his return. She said, "I am the daughter of the King Janaka, the daughter-in-law of the King Dasaratha, and the wife of Lakshmana. Since these three are men of truth and righteousness, no danger can ever befall on my husband." Her resolve was such that she remained in the same place where she was when her husband Lakshmana left for the forest. She had told Lakshmana that she would remain in the same place till his return from the forest. She spent all her time in painting. Even Sumitra was worried a bit, but Urmila was unperturbed. Urmila's nature was pure, unsullied, and totally selfless. But to this day, Bharatiyas have not known the nobility of Sumitra and Urmila. Mother Sumitra had no ambition that her sons should occupy positions of authority. She wanted them to follow the path of service. It is not enough if you think of Rama and Sita. You should also remember the great ideals demonstrated by Lakshmana and Urmila. The four brothers --Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna-- are like the four Vedas. Once, Sage Vasishta said that the four Vedas assumed the forms of these four brothers and played in the house of King Dasaratha.

What you have to realise or understand today is that the Lord can never be put to any danger. He enacts a divine drama in order to set an ideal to the world. Only those whose hearts are pure can understand His ways. Only Urmila could understand the sacred heart of Lakshmana. Only mother Sumitra knew the greatness of her sons Lakshmana and Satrughna. It is but natural that the mother understands the nature of her sons. This sacred land of Bharat has given to the world the most precious gems in the form of ideal mothers and ideal wives. Many more wonderful and mysterious events took place, but they are not revealed in the Ramayana.