Lakshmana

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About: the Hindu deity

For other uses, see Lakshman (disambiguation).


Template:Infobox deity


Lakshmana (Template:Langx, Template:IAST3), also known as Laxmana, Lakhan, Saumitra, and Ramanuja, is the younger brother of Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is considered as an incarnation of Shesha, the lord of serpents.[1] Lakshmana was married to Urmila, and is known for his loyalty and dedication towards Rama.[2][3]

Lakshmana was born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and Queen Sumitra. Shatrughna, is his twin brother. He was married to Urmila, after his brother Rama married Sita in her swayamvara. Lakshmana devoted himself to Rama since childhood and accompanied him during his fourteen-year exile, serving him and Sita endlessly. He also played a pivotal role in the war and killed Meghanada. Lakshmana is worshipped in Hinduism, at various places in India, alongside Rama and Sita.[4]

Etymology

The name Lakshmana is of Sanskrit origin, which means 'the one endowed with auspicious signs'. He bears the epithets of Saumitra (Template:Langx, Template:IAST3) and Ramanuja (Template:Langx, Template:IAST3).[5]

Legend

Birth and early life

File:Four Sons of Dasaratha.jpg
Birth of the four sons of Dasharatha

King Dasharatha of Ayodhya had three wives: Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. He performed a yajna-Putrakameshti yajna to beget sons and as a result, his queens became pregnant.[6] Lakshmana and his brother Shatrughna were born to Sumitra, while Rama and Bharata were born to Kausalya and Kaikeyi respectively.[7]

In the Puranas, Lakshmana is described as an incarnation of Shesha,[8] the multiple-headed naga (serpent) upon whom rests the preserver deity Vishnu, whose avatar Rama is considered to be.[9][10] When sage Vishvamitra asked Rama to kill the demons in the forest, Lakshmana accompanied them and went to Mithila with them. Vishvamitra gives them the knowledge of the Devastras or celestial weaponry [bala and ati bala], trains them in advanced religion and guides them to kill powerful demons like Tataka, Maricha and Subahu.[11]

Marriage to Urmila

File:Urmila and lakshmana marriage.webp
The marriage ceremony of Lakshmana and Urmila. Painting at Ramasamy Temple at Kumbakonam

After Rama won the svayamvara of Sita, their marriage was fixed. King Dasharatha arrived in Mithila for his son's wedding and noticed that Lakshmana had feelings for Urmila, but according to tradition, Bharata and Mandavi were to marry first.[12][13] King Dasharatha then arranged for Bharata to marry Mandavi and Shatrughna to marry Shrutakirti, allowing Lakshmana to marry Urmila. Ultimately, all four sisters married the four brothers, strengthening the alliance between the two kingdoms.[14] The wedding ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Shatananda. During the homeward journey to Ayodhya, another avatar of Vishnu, Parashurama, challenged Rama to combat, on the condition that he was able to string the bow of Vishnu, Sharanga. When Rama obliged him with success, Parashurama acknowledged the former to be a form of Vishnu and departed to perform penance at the mountain Mahendra.[15] The wedding entourage then reached Ayodhya, entering the city amid great fanfare.[16]

According to Vishwamitra, Urmila and Lakshmana equals each other in "grace and heritage".[17] Urmila and Lakshmana had two sons named Angada and Chandraketu. Urmila is described as being as dedicated to Sita as he was to Rama.[18]

Exile and war

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File:Lakshmana is stricken by the magic arrows of Indrajita.jpg
Lakshmana is stricken by the magic arrows of Indrajita a Powerful warrior and Son of Ravana

Lakshmana served Rama and Sita reverently during the exile. In Panchavati, Lakshmana also built a hut for Rama and Sita to live in. Lakshmana cut off Ravana's sister Surpanakha's nose in anger when she tried to seduce Rama and insulted Sita. He played an important role in the war with Ravana and slew Ravana's sons Indrajita (Meghanada) and Atikaya.[19]

On the first night of exile, when Rama and Sita were sleeping, the deity Nidra appeared before Lakshmana and he requested her to offer him the boon of not sleeping for the fourteen years.[20] The goddess asked him that she could grant his wish, but someone else would have to take his place asleep. Lakshmana asked the goddess to enquire his wife Urmila regarding this, who happily accepted the task. Urmila slept continuously for the fourteen years of exile, to complete the sleep of her and her husband's share. Urmila is notable for this unparalleled sacrifice, which is called Urmila Nidra.[21][22]

File:Rama exiled to Forest.jpg
Rama in the exile, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana

When Sita asked Rama to fetch a magical golden deer for her, Rama asked Lakshmana to stand guard as he sensed danger and evil. The golden deer was the demon Maricha, who distracted Rama. When Rama killed Maricha, he cried out in Rama's voice for help. Although Lakshmana knew that Rama was invincible and beyond any danger, Sita panicked and frantically ordered Lakshmana to go to Rama's aid immediately. Unable to disobey Sita, Lakshmana drew a perimeter line (Lakshmana Rekha), which Sita must not cross and went in search of Rama. Sita, however, out of compulsion of religious duty and compassion for Ravana, who was disguised as a poor Brahmin, crossed the line to give him alms, following which she was abducted.[23]

Through their search for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman, the biggest devotee of Rama, greatest of ape heroes, and an adherent of Sugriva. Rama befriends Sugriva and helps him by killing his elder brother Vali, thus regaining the kingdom of Kiṣkindha, in exchange for helping Rāma to recover Sita. However, Sugriva soon forgets his promise and this enrage Lakshmana, who was ready to destroy the ape citadel.[24]

File:Indian - Lakshmana Fights Indrajit - Walters W902.jpg
Lakshmana fights Indrajit (also known as Meghanada) during the war

During the war between Rama and Ravana, Meghanada hurls a powerful weapon at Lakshmana and he is mortally wounded. So Hanumana assumes his gigantic form and flies from Lanka to the Himalayas. Upon reaching mountain, Hanuman is unable to identify the herb, sanjeevani, that will cure Lakshmana and so he decides to bring the entire mountain back to Lanka.[25] Post his recovery, Lakshmana killed Meghanada and Atikaya, who were the sons of Ravana.[26]

Post exile

After the end of the Lanka war, Rama was crowned King of Kosala, and Bharata became the crown prince. Rama had offered to make Lakshmana the crown prince, but he refused, saying Bharata was elder to him and more deserving of the title. Rama, hearing this, was very pleased and said "O Lakshmana, in this birth, you served me so well and did your duties as a younger brother, so I will do the same in my next birth as your younger brother". Thus, in the next birth, Rama became Krishna and Lakshmana became Balarama, Krishna's elder brother.[27]

Goddess Nidra had told Lakshmana that he would have to go to sleep as soon as the exile ends, so that Urmila could awake. After the exile, Lakshmana went to sleep and Urmila saw the coronation of Rama. Template:Quote box

Lakshmana was the one who left Sita in the forests near sage Valmiki's ashram after she expressed her desire to leave the kingdom. Lakshmana remained loyal to his brother and fought against Rama's sons Lava and Kusha later on.[28]

According to the Uttara Kanda, Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada with Urmila as the queen; which was inherited by his elder son, Angada; whilst Lakshmana's younger son, Chandraketu had inherited Mallya, with its capital Chandrakanti being commissioned by Rama.[29][30]

Renunciation of life

Sage Durvasa appeared at Rama's doorstep, and seeing Lakshmana guarding the door, demanded an audience with Rama. At the time, Rama was having a private conversation with Yama. Before the conversation began, Yama gave Rama strict instructions that their dialogue was to remain confidential, and anyone who entered the room was to be relieved of their life. Rama agreed and entrusted Lakshmana with the duty of guarding his door. When Durvasa made his demand, Lakshmana politely refused. The sage grew angry and threatened to curse all of Ayodhya if Lakshmana did not immediately inform Rama of his arrival.[31]

Lakshmana, in a dilemma, decided it would be better that he alone die to save all of Ayodhya from falling under Durvasa's curse and so interrupted Rama's meeting to inform him of the sage's arrival. Durvasa cursed him that he should go to heaven alive. Rama quickly concluded his meeting with Yama and received the sage with due courtesy. In order to fulfil his brother's promise, Lakshmana went to the banks of the river Sarayu, resolved on giving up the world by drowning himself in the Sarayu. From there, Indra removed Lakshmana from the water and took him alive to heaven.[32]

Belief and assessment

File:Rama, Lakshman and Sita at the Kalaram Temple, Nashik..jpg
Rama is often worshiped with Lakshmana (left) and Sita on his sides; Kalaram Temple, Nashik

Lakshmana has been described in the Ramayana, as a man with unwavering loyalty, love and commitment to his elder brother, through times of joy and adversity alike. He was also noted for being an obedient son, both to his parents and to his sister-in-law.[33]

Bandhavgarh Fort in Madhya Pradesh (bandhav as brother, garh as fort) was said to have been given by Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka.[34]

Military officers given the rank equivalent of admirals in navies in the Malay Archipelago, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are titled "Lakshmana" (Jawi script: Template:Lang) after the figure. There are five ranks with his name, under General/flag officers.[35]

Lakshamana Parshuram Conversation

The Lakshmana-Parashurama dialogue in the Bal Kand of the Ramayana is one of the most famous and profound exchanges in Hindu scriptures. This interaction is not only a story but also a medium for imparting deep philosophical, religious, and social teachings. The dialogue involves three prominent characters – Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Parashurama, each embodying unique virtues and qualities.[36]

The confrontation begins after Lord Rama breaks Lord Shiva’s bow at Sita's Swayamvara. Parashurama, who holds a deep connection with Lord Shiva and his bow, becomes enraged. His anger is fueled not just by the bow’s breaking, but also by his own sense of pride and superiority in warfare. In this moment, Lord Rama confronts Parashurama with great wisdom, leading to the insightful dialogue that unfolds.

Expansion of the Dialogue

Source:[37]

Upon hearing of the broken bow, Parashurama storms into King Janak’s court in a rage. His anger strikes fear into the hearts of the assembled kings. Demanding the guilty party, he accuses the person who broke Shiva’s bow of being his enemy. Lakshmana, without hesitation, mocks Parashurama's anger, pointing out the absurdity of getting so upset over an old bow. Parashurama’s response is full of pride, recounting his past battles and his self-proclaimed superiority over the Kshatriyas.

Lakshmana continues to taunt Parashurama, claiming that all bows are the same and that breaking an old one is not such a great offense. The conversation escalates as Parashurama, enraged by Lakshmana’s insolence, declares that his axe can destroy anyone who stands in his way. Lakshmana, ever fearless, continues to challenge Parashurama, saying that true bravery is shown through actions, not words.

As Parashurama raises his axe in anger, Lakshmana dismisses it as a mere show of force. The sage’s pride, however, is not easily quelled, and he declares that he is sparing Lakshmana’s life only out of respect for Vishwamitra’s request.

The exchange reaches a turning point when Lord Rama steps in, calming the situation with his characteristic wisdom. He reminds Parashurama of his own virtuous nature and urges him to show mercy to the young Lakshmana. Rama humbly offers to take the blame for the incident, requesting Parashurama to forgive Lakshmana.

In other versions

Jain version

Template:Main

File:Rama Lakshmana.jpg
Rama and Lakshmana are the eighth set of Baladeva and Vasudeva according to the Jain universal history

Lakshmana is referred to as Vasudeva in the Jain Ramayana. According to the Jain Ramayana, it was Lakshmana who killed Ravana, not Rama.[38] According to Jain storytelling, Lakshmana had around sixteen thousand wives in which Prithvisundari was his principle consort (in the Hindu epic, he had only one wife Urmila).[39][40]

Gond version

Lakshmana is the main protagonist in the Gond Ramayani. In this version, that is set post the Lanka war, Lakshmana goes through agnipravesham and not Sita.[41][42]

Mahaviracharita

The Sanskrit play Mahaviracharita by Bhavabhuti is based on the early life of Rama. According to the play, Vishwamitra invites Janaka to attend his sacrifice, but he sends his brother Kushadhvaja and daughters Sita and Urmila, as his delegates. This is the place, where Laxman and Urmila meet for the first time. By the end of the act, Kushadhvaja and Vishwamitra decide to marry Sita and Urmila to Rama and Lakshamana.[43]

Temples and worship

Although Lakshmana is worshipped with Rama in Rama temples, there are some temples dedicated him, where he is worshipped alongside his wife, Urmila.[44]

File:Thirumoozhikkulam.jpg
Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple, where Lakshmana is the main deity

Lakshmana's story and his devotion have inspired "painting, film, novels, poems, TV serials and plays". Prominently, he is depicted in all the adaptations of Ramayana.[52]

Films

The following people portrayed Lakshmana in the film adaptation of Ramayana.

Television

The following people portrayed Lakshmana in the television adaptation of Ramayana.

YouTube

  • Ankur Vaishnav portrayed him 2024 YouTube series Valmiki Ramayan.

Plays

The following plays portrayed Lakshmana's story in the theatre adaptation of Ramayana.

  • Lakshmana's struggle and separation from wife, was portrayed in the "Laxman-Urmila episode" of the 2023 play, "Prem Ramayan".[63]

Books

The following novels talks about Lakshmana's life.

  • The Sharpest Knife: Lakshmana and His Words of Wisdom by Krishna's Mercy, published in 2011.[64]
  • Lakshmana by Prof. T. N. Prabhakar, published in 2019.[65]
  • LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story by Shubhi Agarwal, published in 2022.
  • The Trials of Lakshmana by Story Buddies Play, published in 2024.[66]

References

  1. ↑ LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Om Books International(20 April 2022). ISBN 978-93-92834-21-9
  2. ↑ Lakshmana, Lakṣmaṇa, Lakṣmaṇā: 34 definitions, www.wisdomlib.org. www.wisdomlib.org(2012-06-29). Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  3. ↑ The Ramayan Of Tulsidas Or The Bible Of Northern India{{#if:MacFie|, MacFie}. Kessinger Publishing(1 May 2004). ISBN 978-1-4179-1498-2
  4. ↑ The Hindu Pantheon{{#if:Moor|, Moor}. J. Johnson(1810)
  5. ↑ Ramayana | Summary, Characters, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  6. ↑ The Ramayana in Sanskrit: Book 1: Chapter 15.
  7. ↑ Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary With Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Motilal Banarsidass(1975). ISBN 978-0-8426-0822-0
  8. ↑ Śrīgargasaṃhitā: Kīrtibhāṣāsārasahitā{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Vyāsa Bālābakṣa Śodhasaṃsthāna(2000)
  9. ↑ Pure Gems of Ramayanam{{#if:aravamudan|, aravamudan}. PartridgeIndia(2014-09-22). ISBN 978-1-4828-3720-9
  10. ↑ The Triumph of the Snake Goddess{{#if:Haq|, Haq}. Harvard University Press(2015-10-12). ISBN 978-0-674-91511-4
  11. ↑ Rama and Lakshmana Slay the mighty tataka. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2020-09-05.
  12. ↑ Vālmīkī Rāmāyaṇa{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Dreamland Publications(1998). ISBN 9788173012549
  13. ↑ Ramayana, the Sacred Epic of Gods and Demons{{#if:Dawar|, Dawar}. Om Books International(2006). ISBN 9788187107675
  14. ↑ The History of Puranas{{#if:Debroy|, Debroy}. Bharatiya Kala Prakashan(2005). ISBN 978-81-8090-062-4
  15. ↑ The Ramayana{{#if:Valmiki|, Valmiki}
  16. ↑ Encyclopaedic Dictionaries of Puranas{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Sarup & Sons(2001-01-01). ISBN 978-81-7625-226-3
  17. ↑ Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 72 - The marriage of the four sons of King Dasaratha. www.wisdomlib.org.
  18. ↑ The Ramayana: Conclusion. www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  19. ↑ Many Ramayanas: The Diversity of a Narrative Tradition in South Asia{{#if:Richman|, Richman}. University of California Press(1991-08-29). ISBN 978-0-520-07589-4
  20. ↑ Sita's Sister{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Rupa Publications India Pvt. Limited(2014). ISBN 9788129134844
  21. ↑ Urmila, The Sleeping Princess(28 March 2014). Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  22. ↑ Ramayana: Check 13 lesser-known facts. Jagranjosh.com(2020-08-05). Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  23. ↑ The Goddess as Role Model: Sita and Radha in Scripture and on Screen{{#if:Pauwels|, Pauwels}. Oxford University Press(2008-10-09). ISBN 978-0-19-970857-4
  24. ↑ A tail's travel from Treta Yuga to DwaparaYuga. shabdbooks.com.
  25. ↑ Story of Mṛtasañjīvanī, www.wisdomlib.org. www.wisdomlib.org(2019-01-28). Retrieved 2022-11-17.
  26. ↑ Ramayana{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. University of California Press(2000). ISBN 978-0-520-22703-3
  27. ↑ Balarama | Hindu mythology. Encyclopedia Britannica(23 August 2023).
  28. ↑ The Penguin Companion to the Ramayana{{#if:Cakrabartī|, Cakrabartī}. Penguin Books(2006). ISBN 978-0-14-310046-1
  29. ↑ Ram7 115 - AncientVoice.
  30. ↑ Uttara Kanda of Ramayana was edited during 5th century BCE - Puranas. BooksFact - Ancient Knowledge & Wisdom(2020-04-26). Retrieved 2020-07-07.
  31. ↑ When Sri Rama gives death penalty to Laxman. News Track(2020-04-02). Retrieved 2020-06-17.
  32. ↑ Questioning Ramayanas: A South Asian Tradition{{#if:Richman|, Richman}. University of California Press(1 January 2001). ISBN 978-0-520-22074-4
  33. ↑ Ramayan: India's Classic Story of Divine Love{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. iUniverse(2009). ISBN 9780595616398
  34. ↑ Holding fort at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The Hindu(2018-02-14). Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  35. ↑ James Goldrick, Jack McCaffrie, Navies of South-East Asia: A Comparative Study (London: Routledge, 2012 Template:ISBN)
  36. ↑ Parshuram Ram and Lakshman Samvad in English - Pranah. pranah.site. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
  37. ↑ Lakshman Parshuram Samvad : लक्ष्मणजी और परशुरामजी का रोचक संवाद, Webdunia. hindi.webdunia.com. Retrieved 2024-12-06.
  38. ↑ No exaggerations: The truth behind what happened in the Ramayana. The Indian Express(2015-11-10). Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  39. ↑ The Jains{{#if:Dundas|, Dundas}. Routledge(2002). ISBN 978-0-415-26605-5
  40. ↑ Asian Variations In Ramayana{{#if:Iyengar|, Iyengar}. Sahitya Akademi(2005). ISBN 978-81-260-1809-3
  41. ↑ Five other Ramayanas: Sita as Kali, Lakshman as Ravana's slayer and more(6 May 2015).
  42. ↑ Gond Ramayani. Times of India(10 July 2011). Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  43. ↑ Bhavabhūti{{#if:Mirashi|, Mirashi}. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers(1996). ISBN 81-208-1180-1
  44. ↑ Temples of Tamil Nadu{{#if:Rao|, Rao}. Vasan Publications(2012). ISBN 9788184681123
  45. ↑ Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Laxman Ji. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  46. ↑ The place where not Ram and Sita, but Lakshman and Urmila are worshipped. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  47. ↑ Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Swamy temple: Small wonder on a hillock. Deccan Chronicle(3 December 2017). Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  48. ↑ This unique Rama temple near Hyderabad where Hanuman finds no place. The News Minute(17 April 2016).
  49. ↑ 108 Divya Desam: A Virtual Tour, Elayavalli, Venkatesh K..
  50. ↑ Thiruvilwamala Vilwadrinatha Temple – Hindu Temple Timings, History, Location, Deity, Shlokas. Retrieved 2023-06-21.
  51. ↑ Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshamana Perumal Temple. www.vaikhari.org.
  52. ↑ Screening Culture, Viewing Politics: An Ethnography of Television, Womanhood, and Nation in Postcolonial India{{#if:Mankekar|, Mankekar}. Duke University Press(1999). ISBN 978-0-8223-2390-7
  53. ↑ Ramayanam Reviews.
  54. ↑ Lav Kush (1997).
  55. ↑ Epic Effort. Indian Express(17 September 2010).
  56. ↑ Telugu Review: 'Sri Rama Rajyam' is a must watch. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  57. ↑ All Indian life is here(23 August 2008). Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  58. ↑ An epic battle. The Financial Express(27 August 2013). Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  59. ↑ Karan Suchak and Yukti Kapoor: Siya Ke Ram's Laxman and Urmila are a match made in heaven. The Asian Age(13 March 2016).
  60. ↑ Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush. PINKVILLA. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  61. ↑ Ramyug first impression: Kunal Kohli's retelling of Lord Ram's story misses the mark. The Indian Express(6 May 2021). Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  62. ↑ Basant Bhatt on playing Lakshmana in Shrimad Ramayan: It is about commitment, brotherhood, loyalty and love. Times of India(6 February 2024). Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  63. ↑ Darpan theatre festival: Tales of epic love, sacrifice draw applause. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  64. ↑ The Sharpest Knife: Lakshmana and His Words of Wisdom{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Krishna's Mercy(8 March 2011). ISBN 9781458108296
  65. ↑ Lakshmana{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Bharatha Samskruthi Prakashana(2 March 2019). ISBN 9789389020717
  66. ↑ The Trials of Lakshmana{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Story Buddies Play(6 May 2024)

Further reading

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