Shrutakirti (Sanskrit: श्रुतकीर्ति, romanized: Śrutakīrti) is a princess of Videha, in the Hindu epic Ramayana. She is the wife of Shatrughna and is considered an incarnation of the disc of goddess Lakshmi.[1] Shrutakirti is known for her foresight and dedication.[2][3]
Shrutakirti was born as the younger daughter of King Kushadhvaja and his wife Chandrabhaga. She is the younger sister of Mandavi.[5] Shrutakirti is considered as the incarnation of Lakshmi's disc.[6] Her father was the ruler of Samkasya, but Shrutakirti and Mandavi were brought up in Mithila, along with Sita and Urmila.[7]
After Rama won the hand of Sita at her svayamvara, his father, King Dasharatha arrived in Mithila for his son's wedding. King Dasharatha noticed that Lakshmana had feelings for Urmila, 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 named Subahu and Shatrughati. While, Subahu became king of Mathura, Shatrughati ruled over Vidisha.[10]
Later, Shrutakirti became the queen of Madhupura (Mathura), when her husband Shatrughna captured the capital after killing Lavanasura.[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 in Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, 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's Angada and Chandraketu, and Sita's sons Lava and Kusha.[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 the Medak districtofTelangana, 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]
