Word

Sumantra , a minister of King Dasaratha

Sanskrit

In General

A minister of King Dasaratha. He had eight ministers. The verse in Mahabharatha says ''The great king had eight ministers who were pure and famous and experts in dealing with matters of their concern : Jayanta, Dhrsti, Vijaya, Siddha, Ardhasadhaka, Asoka, Mantrapala and Sumantra were they".

Purana

Unlike other ministers of Dasaratha, Sumantra appear in many places in Ramayana. Sumatra advised Dasaratha to conduct Purakamesi Yaga with Rishi Sringa as chief priest. Sumantra informed Dasaratha about the advice of Vasishtha to crown Rama as the King. Again it is Sumantra who drove Rama and Sita out of Ayodhya in the royal chariot, and on his return to the palace delivered Rama`s parting message to Dasaratha. Sumantra is instrumental in bringing back Bharata and Shatrugna to Ayodhya after the demise of Dasaratha. When Bharat left for Chitrakoot to meet Rama, Sumantra also went along with the royal family members. When Rama returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile, it was Sumantra who arranged for the coronation ceremony.