Sumitra s son, twin of Lakshmana and brother of Rama. The name means ‘slayer of enemies’. (Glossary of the Vahinis)

The third day after the birth of Rama, were born the twins - Chaitra, bright half, eleventh day, Ashlesha Star, Vriddhiyoga. (RKRV Part I, p.43)

Out of the part of the pudding given by Kausalya, Lakshmana was born to Sumitra, whereas Shatrughna was born out of the share of the pudding given by Kaikeyi. (SSB 1996, p.14)

The conch and mace manifested as Bharata and Shatrughna. (SSS Vol.31, pp.201-202)

Vashistha knew, the younger brother of Lakshmana, would be a formidable destroyer of enemies, and would be a contented follower in the footsteps of his elder brothers. (RKRV Part I, p.46) He named her second son as Shatrughna, saying he would destroy all shatrus (enemies). (SSS Vol.38 p.107)

Pined for The Company of Bharata:

Shatrughna was melancholic, averse to food and play. He appeared very weak and tired. Sumitra was worried at this development. So, she invited the Preceptor to the palace and enquired from him the reason. Vashistha smiled again. He said, ‘Mother! your children are not of the common stamp. They are born to enact a Divine Drama! Place Shatrughna on the same bed as Bharata! Then his daily routine will be joyful. He will be extremely happy. You need not worry anymore.’ Vashistha blessed her and left. Sumitra followed his instructions immediately. Since then, Shatrughna spent time in the company of Bharata. The children were in unbounded bliss together; their progress was beyond measure! Like the splendour of the Sun, they grew in intelligence and glory from hour to hour. (RKRV Part I, p.48)

Vashistha laid bare the real reason: ‘Mother, Lakshmana is a ‘part’ of Rama; Shatrughna is a ‘part’ of Bharata.’ (RKRV Part I, p.49)

Shatrughna would follow Bharata, since he was the very reflection of Bharata. (SSB 1996, p.22)

Serving the elder Brother:

Shatrughna matched Lakshmana in every way. Shatrughna would always serve Bharata, Lakshmana engaged himself in service to Lord Rama. The twins hence spent their lives in serving their elder brothers. Bharata always relied on Shatrughna’s wisdom and sane counsel. True to his name, Shatrughna was one of tremendous strength and valour – one who destroyed his enemies. There was none to surpass him when it came to routing the enemies. It was his presence that enabled Rama, Lakshmana and Bharata to remain safe and secure. Shatrughna was one who never talked. Even Lakshmana would talk and sometimes argue, but not Shatrughna. (SSB 2002, pp.65-66)

Shatrughna served Bharata to the last. Bharata would not live without Shatrughna even for a moment, a feeling that was well reciprocated. (SSB 1996, p.14)

Shatrughna was closely following Bharata. Such was the inseparable connection that existed between Bharata and Shatrughna. If Bharata was not present for a moment, Shatrughna would be in great sorrow. Like Lakshmana, Shatrughna was also easily excited. (SSB 1977, p.59)

Sumitra advised her second son Shatrughna to serve Bharata. (SSS Vol.33, p.127)

Nobility:

Sumitra had already made a promise to the other queens, ‘Kausalya! Your son may become the king. My son Lakshmana will become his personal aide. Kaikeyi! Bharata also may become king. I shall then send Shatrughna to serve him. Both my sons were born to serve and not earn name and fane or kingdoms,’ How noble were the two brothers Lakshmana and Shatrughna. Without them, both Rama and Bharata would not have achieved fame and glory. They always stood by their elder brothers giving them solid support. This cooperation caused the brothers to remain very dear to each other. (SSB 2002. pp.87-88)

Master of Science:

Shatrughna was one who had mastered all the sciences and used his powers for protecting his brothers. He was skilled in the use of all kinds of weapons. (SSS Vol.20, pp.49-50)

Represents the Atharvana Veda

Shatrughna was the one who annihilated the shatrus (enemies) and protected the pious. He was obedient to his brothers and was ever devoted to serving the other three brothers. He stands for Atharvana Veda. The essence of Atharva Veda lies in destroying wickedness and fostering sacred feelings and activities. (SSS Vol.36, p.57)

Shatrughna, had conquered the internal and external foes (SSS Vol. 23, p.41)

Shatrughna followed the advice of three brothers Rama, Lakshmana, and Bharata and attempted to destroy all the enemies. Shatrughna can, therefore, be compared to the Atharva Veda. (SSB 1977, p.95) Shatrughna safeguarded the places of sacred rituals like Yajnas and Yagas from the invasion of evil spirits and demons. (SSS Vol.34, p.70)

Embodiment of Shakti and Prema:

Rama is the embodiment of Dharma (righteousness), Lakshmana is the embodiment of Shraddha (dedication). Bharata embodies Bhakti (devotion), Shatrughna personifies Shakti (valour). Dharma is associated with Shraddha. The protecting cover for Bhakti is Shakti. Hence Rama and Lakshmana were always together as a pair, and Bharata and Shatrughna as another.  (SSS Vol.20, p.46)

Bharata and Shatrughna were always following Rama because Rama was the embodiment of Dharma and they were always ready to please Him and earn His grace. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna were embodiments of the four qualities of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema. (SSB 1977, p 60)

Bharata did not go into Ayodhya with Rama’s sandals, He instead built a small ashram in Nandigrama and remained there worshipping Rama’s sandals. His wife Mandavi too spent her time contemplating on Rama’s name and thus gave support to her husband. Rama and Sita spent their time moving in the forest. Lakshmana was totally dedicated to their service. But little is said about Shatrughna. None of the texts mentions much about him. Intellectuals are thriving in thousands. People with a power to enquire are also many. Sadly, there are very few who tend to enquire into the intricate and delicate spiritual matters.

From the times of Dasharatha, Sumantra remained the chief minister of the kingdom. He was very loyal to Dasharatha and implicitly obeyed him. In such a situation, the legal heir, Rama was in the forest. His representative Bharata was on self-imposed exile at Nandigrama. So, who was handling the day-to-day administration of Ayodhya? It is here that we must probe deeply. From dawn to dusk, it was Shatrughna who stayed in Ayodhya, enquired into the problems of the citizens and governed the kingdom. By night he would faithfully report everything to Bharata. Shatrughna carried out every aspect of administration of the kingdom without causing the least trouble to Bharata. Though he did so much, his name appears scarcely in literature.

Both sons of Sumitra always engaged themselves in serving their elder brothers and fostering unity among themselves. They never went after name and fame. Shatrughna dedicated himself totally to Bharata and executed all his commands. He was highly intelligent, able and powerful. Sadly, such a noble character has not been deeply enquired into. For fourteen long years, it was Shatrughna who held the reins of the kingdom in his able hands. However, he will never disturb Bharata even if he had any doubts. The reason was that he felt he would be responsible for disturbing Bharata’s concentration as he was in constant meditation of Rama.

Bharata was the ruler representative only in name. The groundwork was carried out entirely by Shatrughna. He alone was responsible for keeping the boundaries of Ayodhya safe. During the fourteen years, not even a single enemy dared to march on Ayodhya. There was no unrest amongst the civilians. Initially there were fears about an Ayodhya without a king. Rama advised Bharata regarding the duties of a ruler. He said, ‘Bharata, you are now the king. Our father was a mighty emperor who ruled his kingdom well. After his death, it is your responsibility now. Do not answer back to anyone. Never use harsh words to hurt anyone. Always carry out pleasant conversation.’ Bharata and Shatrughna received the advice and followed it faithfully. (SSB 2002, pp.96-97)