Sai message for the day

[Guest guest]

I do not know anything about Satrughna, except listing him in the

names of the brothers: Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna. Kindly

narrate to us at least one episode concerning his character.

 

Satrughna was distinguished as much for his valour as for his

righteousness. His devotion to the master was of an extraordinary

order. His fraternal love was exemplary. You know well that

Lakshmana's name stands next to Rama's. That is why their names are

treated as a compound word, " Rama-Lakshmana " . Similarly, Satrughna

was always by the side of Bharata such that the expression " Bharata-

Satrughna " gained currency. Just as Lakshmana served Rama with

unswerving devotion, even so did Satrughna serve Bharata.

 

Satrughna bore immense love for Rama. Here is an instance. Along with

Bharata, Satrughna returned to Ayodhya. This incident took place when

they left the kingdom of Kekaya, their maternal uncle. Learning that

Kaikeyi was responsible for sending Rama to the forest and for

planning Bharata's coronation, he was heart-broken. He also came to

know that it was the evil counsel of Manthara that made Kaikeyi ask

Dasaratha to fulfil the two boons. Enraged, he cast a look of

unbridled wrath at Manthara who happened to be passing that way. At

that hour Manthara was very happy. News of the crowning of Bharata,

her Queen's son, had sent her into rapturous joy. Satrughna saw her

walking all smiles, dressed in very rich finery, and sporting a

variety of ornaments. Striding towards her, he gave vent to his anger

by kicking Manthara in the waist. She fell down and her necklace of

diamonds and pearls scattered on the floor shone like stars in the

sky. Meanwhile, Bharata arrived on the scene. He said, " Dear brother!

Treating women cruelly like this, Rama does not approve. Actions like

yours do not, in the least, please Rama. Calm down. " Such was

Satrughna's love.