The Forgotten Sister of Lord Rama: The Story of Princess Shanta

When we think of Ayodhya, the divine city of King Dasharatha, names like Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna immediately come to mind. Yet, very few know that Lord Rama had an elder sister, Princess Shanta, the daughter of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. Her story, though not often retold in popular versions of the Ramayana, carries themes of love, sacrifice, and the quiet grace of duty.

Before the birth of Rama and his brothers, King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya longed for a child. Their prayers were answered when Shanta was born, a princess of beauty, wisdom, and unmatched grace. Her presence filled the royal palace of Ayodhya with joy. Shanta was known to be intelligent and compassionate, traits that would later make her beloved not just in Ayodhya but also in the kingdom of Anga.

Shanta’s story takes a remarkable turn when King Romapada of Anga and his wife, who were childless, visited Ayodhya. Seeing their sorrow, King Dasharatha made a heartfelt decision, he gave his beloved daughter in adoption to them. It was an act of immense compassion and dharma, as the ancient traditions valued fulfilling the desires of others over one’s own attachments. Thus, Shanta became the princess of Anga, growing up amidst deep love and care from her adoptive parents. Her humility and wisdom soon made her one of the most admired figures in the kingdom.
Shanta’s destiny intertwined with that of Sage Rishyasringa, a revered sage known for his deep meditation and purity. According to legend, King Romapada faced a severe drought in Anga, which was believed to be caused by divine displeasure. The royal priests advised the king that only Rishyasringa could bring rain by performing sacred rituals. With Shanta’s help and wisdom, the young sage was brought to Anga. Moved by her devotion and sincerity, Rishyasringa married Shanta. Their union symbolized the harmony of spirituality and royal duty , of wisdom meeting grace.

The story of Shanta and Rishyasringa doesn’t end in Anga. Later, King Dasharatha, still childless after many years, sought Rishyasringa’s help. The sage, along with Shanta, performed the Putrakameshthi Yajna, a sacred ritual meant to bless Dasharatha with sons. It was through this yajna that Lord Vishnu himself incarnated as Rama, along with Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. In this way, Shanta played a vital but often forgotten role in bringing Lord Rama to earth, not just as a sister, but as a divine instrument of destiny.

In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, there stands a temple dedicated to Shanta and Rishyasringa. It is one of the few shrines where a woman from the royal family of Ayodhya is worshipped alongside her sage husband. This temple celebrates their bond, of devotion, balance, and purity. Pilgrims believe that visiting the temple brings peace and harmony to family life.

Princess Shanta’s story is one of quiet strength and sacrifice. While she may not appear prominently in popular retellings of the Ramayana, her role was pivotal in shaping its divine events. Her life teaches us that true devotion lies not in fame or recognition, but in selfless service and dharma. Shanta may be the forgotten sister of Rama, but her spirit continues to shine as the embodiment of grace, wisdom, and love, qualities that make her one of the most inspiring women in Hindu mythology.