These queens bore the princes Rama, Lakshmana, Shatrugan, and Bharata. The remaining one-eighth portion was given to Sumitra as well. This porridge was divided among his wives: Half was given to Kaushalya, the eldest wife, one-fourth to Sumitra, and one-eighth to Kaikeyi. Trying to achieve fertility, he conducted a horse sacrifice, and for this he received God-sent porridge. King Dashrath is perhaps the first reported case of infertility in the world. With this caveat, we study various endocrine exemplars from a gland-based, rather than a chronological, viewpoint. Many of the characters do not form part of the actual Ramayana, but are included as they are related to the Suryavanshi or Ikshvaku dynasty, to which Lord Rama belonged. We understand that there may be varied interpretations, both historical and scientific, of the events narrated here. Vignettes of infertility, parthenogenesis, and infatuation adorn both books.
In many regards, the Ramayana's endocrine episodes reveal similarity with events chronicled in the later Indian epic, the Mahabharata. We collate episodes related to endocrine function and dysfunction, providing a glimpse into the rich description of endocrine health provided in the ancient epic. We approach the Ramayana through the eyes of an endocrinologist. Scripture, literature, religion, and myth: Different words have been used to describe this epic. The Ramayana has varied meanings for various people.