Ramayana, one of the largest ancient epics in world literature, has widely transformed, translated, and lived throughout eternity. The epic narrates the life of Rama, a legendary prince of Ayodhya city in the kingdom of Kosala. Ramayana is best known for the all ideal characters, who are worshipped till date. Apart from the other characters, lady characters in Ramayana are portrayed as strong, devotional and full of self-respect.
Here Take a look at all the famous female characters in the Ramayana story:
Goddess Sita, the central female character of Ramayana, is said to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and the consort of Lord Rama (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The character of Mata Sita was portrayed as a strong woman, who possesses all the good qualities.
Sita stood by with her husband Rama in the hardest time and never turned her back from facing challenges and problems. After being kidnapped by Lankapati Ravana, Sita didn't lose her hope, she patiently waited for Lord Rama. Her courage, dedication, faith, and purity were also some of the reasons that helped Lord Rama to defeat Ravana.
Surpanakha, another key female character in Ramayana, was supposed to be the one who instigated the battle between LordRama and Ravana. Being portrayed as an ugly woman in Valmiki Ramayana, she had power to transform herself into different physical appearances/forms. She was the rakshasa princess and a sister of Ravana, whose husband was killed by Ravana.
Surpanakha fell attracted to Lord Rama, while he was serving his exile period. But her demonic behavior and remarks regarding Sita, instigated Lakshmana to cut off her nose. Therefore, as revenge, she forced her Ravana to abduct Rama's beautiful wife.
The devoted wife of King Dasharatha, Mata Kaushayla was the mother of Lord Rama. She is the beloved wife of King as she won his heart with her virtues. She was the daughter of the King Sukaushal and Queen Amritaprabha of Dakshina Kosala. At her birthplace, there is a temple dedicated to her called the Mata Kaushalya Temple.
Just like Surpanakha, Kaikeyi is another key female character in Ramayana, who was responsible for all the misfortunes that happened in Ayodhya (such as exile of Lord Rama and death of King Dasaratha). Kaikeyi was the princess of the Kekaya Kingdom and was a good warrior who once saved King Dashratha during the war and thus was awarded with two boons. Later, she asked King Dashratha to make Bharata as a king, and to exile Ram for 14 years using her boons.
Another important female character in Ramayana was Urmila, who was also the younger sister of Devi Sita. She was married to Lakshman, on the same day of Rama and Sita's marriage. Princess Urmila was the biological daughter of King Janaka and Queen Sunanya. Urmila also wanted to accompany her husband in exile, but she was asked to stay back and take care of the people at Ayodhya.
Mandodari, portrayed as the beautiful, intelligent woman in the epic, was the wife of Ravana. She was born to Mayasura (the king of Asura) and Hema (Apsara). Her role in the Ramayana was short but was really impressive as she warned her husband not to kidnap Sita.
Sumitra, second consort of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. She is the mother of twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna. She belonged to the ancient Kingdom of Kashi. At the same time, Sumitra is considered as the wisest amongst the wives of Dasaratha. She also encouraged Lakshmana to accompany Rama and serve him during his exile.
Another key character of Ramayana, who was held responsible for all the misfortune happened in the Ayodhya Kingdom. Meanwhile, she instigated Queen Kaikeyi that the throne of the kingdom belonged to her son Bharata and that her step-son—crown prince Rama should be exiled from the kingdom.
Mandavi was the Princess of Sankashya and consort of king Dasharatha's 2nd son Bharata. She was the daughter of King Kushadhwaja and Queen Chandrabhaga. Meanwhile, there is very little written about Mandavi's life in Ramayana.
Another key character of the epic was Sulochana, who was the virtuous wife of Meghanada and daughter-in-law of Ravana. She showed courage and go to Lord and ask for her deceased husband's head who was killed by Lakshamana. At the same time, the decision showed her strong will and her affection towards her husband.
