Lakshman Rao
After eliminating all threats to his kingdom, Lord Srirama sat in council with his advisors and brothers, contemplating further measures for peace and prosperity. During their discussion, a messenger sought permission to report a pressing matter. Upon receiving consent, the messenger informed them that one hundred sages, led by Chyavana and Bhargava, had arrived from the banks of the Yamuna. They were promptly escorted to the royal court, where Rama and his companions greeted them with humility and reverence. Rama then inquired, “What can I do for you? Speak freely, for I am ready to fulfill your request.”
The sages, pleased by his words, responded, “We have encountered many kings who make promises without hearing our concerns and have suffered many refusals. Yet, we trust that your assurance will free us from fear and oppression. There is a demon king named Madhu, who, though mighty and blessed with kindness, never harmed anyone. His powers were inherited from his mother, Lola, a legend of the Krita Yuga. Due to his gracious nature, he earned the favor of gods, kings, and sages. Lord Sankara (Shiva) gifted him a powerful trident, declaring that no enemy could challenge him while he wielded it. However, the condition was that it must never be used against the innocent or sages, or it would return to Shiva.
Madhu married Kumbhinasa, the cousin of Ravana’s mother, and they had a son named Lavanasura, who, despite his father’s efforts to guide him, grew ruthless and insatiable in his hunger for power. Madhu, fearing for his son’s fate, prayed to Shiva to allow the trident’s power to remain with Lavanasura. Shiva agreed, with the caveat that the trident would return to him upon Lavanasura’s death. Lavanasura now wields the trident and terrorizes the land, killing kings and oppressing all. We live in constant fear and have come to you for salvation, having witnessed your prowess in slaying Ravana.”
Rama, moved by their plea, assured them of his support and dismissed them with honor. The next day, he decided to give his brother Shatrughna an opportunity to prove himself by leading the mission to defeat Lavanasura. Lakshmana had already shown his strength in the war against Ravana, and Bharata had demonstrated his abilities by ruling the kingdom in Rama’s absence. Shatrughna, however, had not yet had such a chance.
Rama asked who would take up this mission—Bharata or Shatrughna. Bharata expressed his readiness, but Shatrughna respectfully said, “O Lord, Bharata has already endured much during your absence; allow me to take on this task.” Rama agreed and declared Shatrughna the new king of Mathura, the kingdom ruled by Lavanasura after his defeat. A grand coronation ceremony was held, and Shatrughna approached Rama, expressing concern that crowning the younger brother while the elder remained uncrowned was against tradition. Rama reassured him, saying, “It is my decision and command, and no sin will befall you.”
Rama then instructed Shatrughna on the strategy: “Take 1,000 horses, 250 chariots, 100 elephants, and 5,000 soldiers skilled in combat on land, water, and in forests. I will give you 10 lakh gold coins for expenses. Treat your soldiers as brothers, and they will be loyal unto death. Know that Lavanasura possesses the trident of Lord Shiva, which can destroy entire armies. You must confront him when he goes hunting in the morning, for he leaves the trident behind. Ambush him on his return and do not let him reach the weapon. I am also giving you a divine arrow, created by Lord Vishnu to slay the demons Madhu and Kaitabha. This arrow never misses its mark. Use it wisely, for it carries the power to annihilate all before it.”
After receiving these instructions, Shatrughna set out and, after a month’s journey, arrived at the Ganges and spent two days at the ashram of Sage Valmiki. There, Valmiki blessed him and shared the story of Shatrughna’s ancestors who had built the ashram. Refreshed by this tale and the serene beauty of the ashram, Shatrughna continued his journey, reaching the banks of the Yamuna, where he stayed at the ashram of Sage Chyavana. The sage warned him of Lavanasura’s formidable power but blessed him nonetheless.
After crossing the Yamuna, Shatrughna arrived at Lavanasura’s palace, fully armed. When Lavanasura returned from his hunt, Shatrughna confronted him. A fierce battle ensued, with Lavanasura initially overpowering Shatrughna, who fainted under the assault. However, Lavanasura, in his arrogance, failed to retrieve his trident. Shatrughna regained consciousness, invoked Rama’s blessings, and fired the divine arrow. The arrow struck true, reducing Lavanasura to ashes. Shatrughna’s forces arrived and took control of Mathura, where he spent twelve years restoring the kingdom to its former glory.
In the end, sages, gods, kings, and Rama himself praised Shatrughna for his valor, strategy, and flawless execution of the plan. This tale stands as a testament to the wisdom of Rama, the strategic brilliance of Lakshmana and Bharata, and the unwavering courage and loyalty of Shatrughna. Their deeds serve as a guiding light for all future generations.
