Exploring the Lesser-Known Characters of the Ramayana: Stories Beyond the Main Heroes

Despite its vital relevance, the Ramayana is relatively briefly mentioned in literature. While we are familiar with the Ramayana's main and complicated characters, let us take a closer look at some of the epic's lesser-known individuals. The ancient epic of the Ramayana is evocative of the bedtime stories we were taught as children. The sacred Hindu writings are full of fascinating stories and sagas. Numerous characters in the Ramayana play significant roles yet are just briefly mentioned in the book. We are all familiar with the prominent and complicated characters described in the Ramayana, but today we will take a look at some of the lesser-known characters from the famous epic.

Table of Contents:

1. The Role of Garuda in the Ramayana
2. Kewat: The Boatman Who Served Lord Rama
3. Urmila: Lakshmana’s Silent Sacrifice
4. Sampati: The Valiant Brother of Jatayu
5. Marich: The Demon Who Took the Form of a Golden Deer
6. Nal and Neela: The Builders of the Rama Setu
7. Jambavan: The King of Bears and His Wisdom
8. Shabari: The Devoted Servant of Lord Rama

The Role of Garuda in the Ramayana

In several Hindu legend epics, including the Ramayana, Garuda is regarded as the king of birds and Lord Vishnu's vehicle. In the Yuddha Kanda, Garuda fearlessly appeared from the sky, spreading his gigantic wings, when Meghanada bound Rama and Lakshmana with the serpent's poisonous noose, known as Nag-Pash. He freed them from the dreadful hold of the serpents and the snake-noose. It was a relief to see Shri Rama and Lakshmana recuperate from the poisonous attack on everyone in the area. 

Kewat: The Boatman Who Served Lord Rama

Kewat was a boatman who spent his life serving Lord Rama. Kewat was an excellent friend when Rama had to cross the Ganga River during his exile. However, Kewat insisted that Lord Rama wash his feet before entering his boat. After that, he transported Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita across the Ganges River. Kewat turned down Lord Rama's gift of a ring when they arrived at the bank.

Urmila: Lakshmana’s Silent Sacrifice

The Ramayana relates that Urmila was Lakshmana's consort. After 14 years apart from her spouse, she realized that Lakshmana couldn't avoid Rama and couldn't take her with him into exile. Furthermore, it is believed that Lakshman did not sleep for fourteen years. According to certain versions of the story, Nidra Devi, the Goddess of Sleep, had told Lakshman to put someone to sleep in his place. Urmila agreed to sleep with Nidra Devi for the next fourteen years. It is also claimed that when Rama decided to send Sita into the woods, she was the only one who resisted.

Sampati: The Valiant Brother of Jatayu

As Jatayu's older brother, Sampati was vital to Sita's search. Only until Sampati and Jatayu had flown closer to the Sun did they realize how hot it was. Sampati covered his little sibling with his wings to keep him safe. That catastrophe scorched his wings and prevented him from flying again. When Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, along with a band of monkeys, were looking for Sita, Sampati informed them that she was 100 Yojans away in Lanka. Following the excellent news, the troops began preparing to march against Lanka.

Marich: The Demon Who Took the Form of a Golden Deer

Son of Sund and Tadka, Marich was a Demon (Rakshas) and the uncle of Demon King Ravana. March's brother was Subahu, and both of them were proud of their powers and would annoy sages who were interfering with their religious rituals, such as Havan or Poojan. Lord Rama and Lakshmana killed Subahu on the battlefield after they were totally overpowered. Later, Marich assumed the form of a "Golden Deer," and he went to the hermitage of Rama-Sita.

Nal and Neela: The Builders of the Rama Setu

In order for the Rama Sena to cross the river and save Sita, the Vanaras Nala and Neela are credited with designing and building the Rama Setu, which connects Rameswaram in India to Lanka. Nala, the son of Vishwakarma, the builder of the gods, has great building ability, and several versions of the Ramayana credit him solely with the bridge's construction. However, Ramcharitra Manas credited both brothers with building and installing the bridge with the assistance of the Vanar Sena.

Jambavan: The King of Bears and His Wisdom

The king of bears, Jambvan, was highly respected, knowledgeable, and experienced. He helped Rama find his bride Sita and destroy Ravana. He had previously worked as Sugreeva's counselor and was an important tutor to the vanar sena throughout Goddess Sita's hunt. Jambvan encouraged Lord Hanuman to go over the seas to Lanka in quest of Mata Sita. He reminded Hanuman of his strength by narrating to him the story of his birth.

Shabari: The Devoted Servant of Lord Rama

Shabari has been a loyal servant of Lord Rama since she was a tiny child. She was reared in a tribal environment but finally found refuge in Rishi Matang's ashram, where she worked with steadfast dedication. In his closing moments, Rishi Matang blessed her with the promise that Lord Rama will ultimately pay her a visit. After that, she cleaned her house, placed flowers inside, collected berries, and waited for Rama every day. When her wait was finally ended, Lord Rama paid her a visit at the ashram. She offered Lord Rama some berry fruits after sampling them all and selecting the most delicious ones.
Shri Rama ate them pleasantly while maintaining her true devotion. Then he reminded Lakshmana that nothing could be more precious than those berries, especially because they were given with real affection. Even sages struggle to reach the lofty levels of spirituality that she did.