Unknown facts about mother of Lord Rama, Kaushalya (2025)

Kaushalya: The Mystery

Other than Kaushalya; the mother of Lord Rama and first wife of King Dasharatha, not much is known about her. Only if you come across Ananda Ramayana you would get to know about her in exhaustive details. In Manas literature, Kaushalya has been described as an extremely intelligent woman. Let’s delve in to know more about this mysterious character from one of the greatest Epics of all time.

The Mythical History

Kaushalya is one of the major characters in Epic history. But it is not a known fact that she is also one of the strongest characters of all time. In some Puranas, it has been mentioned that Sage Kashyap and his wife Aditi had been reincarnated as Dashratha and Kaushalya due to their tough penance.

A bend in the story

Well, the mystery that revolves around Kaushalya doesn’t seem to end, as some texts contend that she was Manushatrupa in her previous birth and her tough penance and deep reverence for Lord Vishnu had pleased him. Vishnu had then blessed her to bear him as a child in her next incarnation.

Kaushalya’s and other wives of Dashratha

Kaushalya was a woman of great character and penance. When Dasharath married Kaikeyi and later, Sumitra she had no malice in her heart. She accepted them without any negative emotions of jealousy or pretence of acceptance. In fact, she assured them they would both be like her sisters. The three wives per the ancient scriptures shared an amicable relationship.

Kaushalya’s unconditional love for Bharat

Kaushalya loved both Bharat and Ram equally, she never differentiated between the two. Not that she did not love Lakshmana and Shatrughana, but her relation with Bharat is stressed upon for what was to unfold for her later in life.

The ‘Ayodhyakanda’

When Dasharatha decided that Rama was going to be the crown-bearer and heir to the throne; Kaushalya was immensely happy. Her soul had registered the fact that her life path was finally going to play its part. Kaikeyi and Sumitra shared her feelings and the three women were overcome with joy and happiness. It was later that Manthara had manipulated Kaikeyi to take drastic steps.

Dethroning of Lord Rama

Not much has been spoken about Kaushalya’s response to dethroning of lord Rama. But, per the scriptures when Rama informed his mother that he would no more bear the crown she was jolted to utter shock and fell on the floor like a branch that was axed from its tree.

Kaushalya's love for Rama

Kaushalya was mighty intelligent and intellectual woman, however, she was so overcome with grief as her son announced her dethroning that she got mad at her husband Dashratha. More than angry she was disappointed. However, Lord Rama’s sermon regarding the faithfulness of a chaste woman helped her to gain back her sanctity.

Kaushalya and Sita

Both, Kaushalya and Sita shared an amicable relationship. It is believed that both of them were very tight with each other and bore strength of a woman of spirit. When she got to know that Sita will be leaving Ayodhya along with Rama, she was filled with joy. She inherently knew Sita was one true companion and other-half of Rama.

Strained relations between Dasharatha and Kaushalya

Kaushalya and Dashratha shared a very beautiful relationship and she was his true companion when he needed intellectual sanity. They would have exhaustive discussions about spirituality and philosophical aspects of life. However, after Rama’s departure, she behaved quite rudely with Dashratha. He merely begged her pardon, truly understanding her pain of separation.

Cont.

Later, Kaushalya realised her mistake, extending her empathetic understanding for Dasharatha’s decision. The couple was grief-stricken and became each other’s support crying their hearts out. A small part of her always registering the fact that it was all a part of a bigger plan.

Dashratha’s deteriorating health and Kaushalya’s Support

Dashratha was deeply grief-stricken and could not handle separation from his eldest son, Rama well. He had given up food and would not drink. Kaushalya forgot all about her grief at this moment and like a true consort gave Dashratha hope to best of her abilities.

Kaushalya and Bharata

Time is a weird kaleidoscope of the Universe we theoretically know, Kaushalya’s penance and soul growth were questioned when it was time for Bharata to take charge of Ayodhya after Dashratha’s demise. She in her true spirit and as a mother advised Bharata to take over the kingdom and work for the welfare of Ayodhyans. She reminded him of all Rama had taught him and Bharata’s love for his elder brother

Kaushalya’s Liberation

When Lord Rama returned from 14 years of exile in the forest, Kaushalya was overjoyed and ran towards her son to embrace him, she let her emotions take over and let them flow as is. Finally, she was enlightened and liberated because of her son.

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