| Shrutakirti | |
|---|---|
 Wedding ceremony of Shrutakirti and Shatrughna | |
| Affiliation | Avatar ofLakshmi's disc (chakra) |
| Abode | Ayodhya |
| Texts | Ramayana andits other versions |
| Genealogy | |
| Born | |
| Died | |
| Parents | Kushadhvaja (father) Chandrabhaga (mother) |
| Siblings | Sita (adoptive cousin) Urmila (cousin) Mandavi (sister) |
| Spouse | Shatrughna |
| Children | Subahu Shatrughati |
| Dynasty | Videha(by birth) Raghuvamsha-Suryavamsha(by marriage) |
Shrutakirti (Sanskrit:श्रुतकीर्ति,romanized: Śrutakīrti) is a princess ofVideha, in the Hindu epicRamayana. She is the wife ofShatrughna and is considered an incarnation of the discus of goddessLakshmi.[1] Shrutakirti is known for her foresight and dedication.[2][3]
The name Shrutakirti is ofSanskrit origin. Her name means 'renowned and reputed'.[4]
Shrutakirti was born as the younger daughter of KingKushadhvaja and his wifeChandrabhaga. She is the younger sister ofMandavi.[5] Shrutakirti is considered as the incarnation ofLakshmi's disc.[6] Her father was the ruler of Samkasya, but Shrutakirti and Mandavi were brought up in Mithila, along withSita andUrmila.[7]
AfterRama won the hand of Sita at hersvayamvara, his father, KingDasharatha arrived in Mithila for his son's wedding. King Dasharatha noticed thatLakshmana had feelings forUrmila, but according to tradition,Bharata and Mandavi had to marry first. King Dasharatha arranged for Bharata to marry Mandavi and for Shatrughna to marry Shrutakirti, allowing Lakshmana to marry Urmila. Ultimately, all four sisters married the four brothers, strengthening the alliance between the kingdoms.[8] The wedding ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Shatananda.[9]
Shatrughna and Shrutakirti had two sons namedSubahu andShatrughati. While, Subahu became king ofMathura, Shatrughati ruled overVidisha.[10]
Later, Shrutakirti became the queen of Madhupura (Mathura), when her husband Shatrughna captured the capital after killingLavanasura.[11] Shatrughna came to her every night, worried about his every inexperienced decision regarding the kingdom, and confided in her. She acted as an advisor to her husband and was fully dedicated in his service.[12][13]
According to a legend inTulsidas'sRamcharitmanas, Shrutakirti along with her sister Mandavi, became Sati with her husband, and died after her husband's samadhi. While, Urmila stayed in Ayodhya to look after her son'sAngada andChandraketu, and Sita's sonsLava andKusha.[14]
Though she finds little mention in the original epic, Shrutakirti is known for her foresight. She supported her husband during his brothers exile and often advised her husband on state matters, as the queen of Madhupura. Kavita Kane said, "Shrutakirti stays in the royal palace, living a life of celibacy like her husband Shatrughan."[6]
In theMedak district ofTelangana, there is a temple called Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Sannadhi that is dedicated to Shatrughna and Shrutakirti. This temple is the only one in India that has installed statues of Rama's brothers and their wives.[15][16]
The following person portrayed Shrutakirti in the film adaptation ofRamayana.
The following people portrayed Shrutakirti in the television adaptation ofRamayana.
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