Last Updated:June 10, 2025, 13:50 IST
Two women proposed to Ram in the Ramayana. One was promised reunion in another life; the other’s rejection led to a chain of events that sparked a great war
Many women were enamoured with Lord Ram, but steadfast in his fidelity and religious principles, he refused all proposals. (AI Generated)
In the Ramayana, numerous women sought to marry Lord Ram, presenting him with proposals that he invariably declined out of loyalty to his wife, Sita. Among these admirers, two women stand out due to their distinctive circumstances. One, Vedvati, had long harboured feelings for Ram and was promised a reunion in the next life, while the other, Shurpanakha, became infatuated at first sight. Ram’s rejection of Shurpanakha ultimately provoked perilous consequences.
Ram’s Sole Devotion To Sita
Lord Ram is portrayed as a devoted husband, exclusively married to Sita. Despite this, many women from Ayodhya and beyond were enamoured by him, openly expressing their affection or proposing marriage. Ram, steadfast in his fidelity and religious principles, refused all proposals.
In his recent book Sati Savitri, Devdutt Pattanaik sheds light on various feminist narratives that have historically remained in the shadows, including the lesser-known accounts of women who were smitten with Lord Ram. This theme is also explored in the Aranyakand of the Ramayana.
Vedvati: A Promise For Another Lifetime
Vedvati was profoundly in love with Ram, though her feelings were unreciprocated. She approached him with a proposal of marriage, which he courteously declined. However, Ram assured her that they would be united in his next incarnation on earth as Krishna. It is believed that Vedvati was reborn as Rukmini, who later married Krishna. Ram’s gentle refusal thus came with a promise of future fulfilment.
Mentioned in the Uttarakand of Valmiki’s Ramayana, Vedvati was an ascetic and a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. The daughter of Rishi Kushadhwaj, she had worshipped Vishnu since childhood, hoping to marry him. When Ram, an incarnation of Vishnu, appeared during the Treta Yuga, she recognised him and declared her desire to wed him. Ram explained that in this life, he was bound in matrimony to Sita, but pledged to unite with Vedvati in his next life.
Ravana’s Curse
Vedvati’s story takes a dramatic turn when Ravana, entranced by her beauty, attempted to abduct her. In response, she cursed him, prophesying that he would meet his end because of a woman. To preserve her honour, Vedvati entered a fire and gave up her life.
Shurpanakha’s Infatuation
The second woman enamoured with Ram was Shurpanakha, sister of Ravana. She openly expressed her wish to marry him. Ram refused, directing her towards his brother Lakshman. Upon being rebuffed again, Shurpanakha, enraged, attacked Sita. In retaliation, Lakshman severed her nose, a pivotal event that ultimately triggered the war with Ravana.
Sita’s Love For Ram
Devdutt Pattanaik also recounts that prior to the famous bow contest to determine Sita’s suitor, she encountered Ram in a garden and fell in love at first sight. Certain of his victory, she longed to spend her life with him, a wish that came true when Ram successfully strung Shiva’s bow and won her hand in marriage.
- First Published:
#Ramayana #Stories #Women #Ram #Vedvatis #Patience #Shurpanakhas #Fury
