Susheṇ

Family: Vánars · Role: Vánar · First appears: Book I, Canto 16 · The Vánars

In Book I, Canto 16, Varuṇ is named as Susheṇ’s father, and Susheṇ is also named alongside Śarabh, Varuṇ’s son. In Book IV, Canto 22, Báli identifies Tárá as Susheṇ’s child. In Canto 42, Sugríva appoints Susheṇ to lead two hundred thousand Vánars westward in search of Rávaṇ and the Maithil queen, and says, “He is my consort’s sire, and hence / Deserves the utmost reverence.” Susheṇ returns from the western search with his legions in Canto 47.

In Book VI, Canto 4, Ráma assigns Susheṇ, Vegadarśí and Jámbaván to guard the rear of the marching army. In Canto 59, Rávaṇ wounds Susheṇ with arrows, driving him and Nala, Gaváksha and Gavaya to seek Ráma. In Canto 102, Susheṇ crushes and grinds a healing herb and bends over Lakshmaṇ; restored by its scent, Lakshmaṇ rises. Susheṇ then tells Hanumán to fetch herbs from Mahodaya’s peak.