Written by Bhu__2007

The eldest daughter of Kushadwaj and Chandrabhaga, the princess of Mithila, the dear younger sister of Sita, the protective elder sister of Urmila and Shrutakirti, the wife of Bharata, the mother of Taksha and Pushkala, regarded as the incarnation of the shank of Lakshmi. She is MANDAVI!

Born to Chandrabhaga and Kushadwaj, she was named Mandavi meaning 'to rejoice'. She was a fierce and bold princess. Though she was the daughter of Kushadwaj, she also considered Janak and Sunaina equal to her parents and they never differentiated between Mandavi and their daughters. She even had a pretty sister Shrutakirti. One could never separate the sisters from each other. They were soul sisters!

She was tutored under the first female philosopher of those times, Gargi Vachaknavi. The bold princess of Mithila often helped in the administration of the province. It is said that she was an amazing artist and a great decorator.

She was infuriated in the swayamvar of Sita when all the kings and princes present in the hall started to fight amongst themselves for marrying Sita. Her and the other's tension was soon relived as Ram came and won Sita's hand. She was later married to the younger brother of Ram, Kaikeyi Nandan Bharat. Her marriage was a grand celebration in the whole Bharatvarsh. Nothing descriptive is mentioned solely on her marriage as Sita and Ram's marriage took place the same day with their sisters and brothers.

Her martial life was blissful, until few months after their marriage. A few months later, Bharat, Shatrugna, Mandavi and Shrutakirti were invited to Kekeya, by king Ashwapathi. Humbled by the invite, the four of them agreed and started their journey though they had an unusual feeling.

Few days later, they got a message from Ayodhya, saying that their presence was required in Ayodhya immediately. When they came back, Bharat was summoned by Kaikeyi to her chambers while the 3 others went to Maharani Kaushalya's chamber to see the unexpected.

Their mothers Kaushalya and Sumitra clad in white. Shatrugna was broken and angry. He also went to kill Manthara but was stopped timely by Bharat and Kaikeyi. Bharat had cut his bonds with Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi was now just a Queen Mother for him, nothing else.

Bharat and Shatrugna with a broken heart completed the final rites of their father, Maharaj Dasharath. Bharat was determined to bring back the trio from the forest. Kaikeyi, who regretted her doings supported the decision.

Bharat was welcomed with an angry voice of his brother and an arrow targeted on him. Ram, came in time and stopped Lakshman from doing it so. The royal family were welcomed by Ram, Sita and Lakshman.

After reciting the happenings in Ayodhya, Bharat fell on his knees and requested Ram to come back and have what's rightfully his. The Crown of Ayodhya! But, stating that he should follow his father's promise, Ram declined the proposal.

But, Bharat considered himself unrightful to sit on the throne of Ayodhya. Therefore, he requested Ram's wooden sandals for him to keep it on the throne and rule behalf of Ram or in the name of Ram. Ram gladly abided by his request and gave his pair of wooden sandals. Bharat, took the sandals with devotion and placed it on his head and headed back to Ayodhya.

Placing, Ram's sandals on the throne, he announced a very important decision that he had taken to his family. Mandavi thoroughly listened to her husband's decision only to be heartbroken. Her husband had taken the decision to live his life of 14 years as an ascetic and would live in Nandigram. Now even she had to bear the pain of separation like her sister Urmila.

Everyone praised for Bharat's decision stating that he was a devoted brother. Even she agreed to her husband's decision. Yes. She agreed because she was proud of her husband's decision. Her husband was a devoted brother.

But one thought nagged her mind. Responsibilities. Now, all the responsibilities are on Shatrugna's hands. He was the pampered brother. Now, all the kingdom affairs on that young mind? She was determined to help him with the responsibilities and she did so.

Encouraging the mothers, managing the state affairs, looking after people's problems. She took part in everything. She managed everything for 14 long years. Without her husband...

There is one more tale where she accompanies Bharat to Nandigram. While Bharat slept 1ft below the ground, she slept 2 ft below. This shows her devotion towards her husband.

14 years later, her pain had an end only to find a new beginning (Site's exile). But, she had her husband with her who would support her. She had new responsibilities. She was the Yuvrani (Crown Princess) of Ayodhya. The Maharani (Sita) was not there with them to assist her. And she had double the responsibilities. And, she triumphed in each one of them.

Mandavi had given birth to two boys, Taksha and Pushkala who established flourishing kingdoms on the two sides of the Indus river. Taksha founded Takshashila while Pushkala founded Pushkalavati.

Sadly, there are no mentions about Mandavi's death. It is still hidden.

A/N : Her life was not easy. She underwent many things. But stayed strong for her family. She was broken inside. But never showed it to anyone. She took many responsibilities and managed it really well. And she never expected appreciation. At least now, we should take a moment to appreciate this great lady from Ramayan!

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1st April 2021
Thursday