Lakshmana: Difference between revisions

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia
imported>BHAGWAN
(robot: Create/update articles in Category:Hindu gods.)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Younger brother and close companion of the Hindu god Rama}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{About|Hindu deity|other uses|Lakshman (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| image = Lakshmana at Srivaikundam.jpg
| image = Lakshmana at Srivaikundam.jpg
| caption = Lakshmana at [[Srivaikuntanathan Perumal temple]]
| caption = Statue of Lakshmana at [[Srivaikuntanathan Perumal temple]]
| deity_of = Valiant brother of lord [[Rama]]
| name = Lakshmana
| name = Lakshmana
| Devanagari = लक्ष्मण
| dynasty = [[Raghuvaṃśa dynasty|Raghuvamsha]]-[[Suryavamsha]]
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Lakṣmaṇa
| dynasty = [[Raghuvaṃśa dynasty|Raghuvamsa]], [[Suryavamsa]]
| father =
| mother =
| spouse = [[Urmila]]
| spouse = [[Urmila]]
| children = [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]]<br/> [[Chandraketu]]
| children = [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]]<br/> [[Chandraketu]]


<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dutt/ramaconc.htm Ramayana – Conclusion], translated by Romesh C. Dutt (1899)</ref>
<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dutt/ramaconc.htm Ramayana – Conclusion], translated by Romesh C. Dutt (1899)</ref>
| affiliation = [[Avatar]] of [[Shesha]]
| affiliation = [[Vaishnavism]]
| weapon = [[bow and arrows]], [[dagger]]
| weapon = [[bow and arrows]], [[dagger]]
| abode = [[Vaikuntha]], [[Kshira Sagara]]
| abode = [[Vaikuntha]], [[Kshira Sagara]]
Line 24: Line 15:
<br>
<br>
| parents = [[Dasharatha]] (father)<br />[[Sumitra]] (mother)<br />[[Kausalya|Kaushalya]] (step-mother)<br />[[Kaikeyi]] (step-mother)<br />
| parents = [[Dasharatha]] (father)<br />[[Sumitra]] (mother)<br />[[Kausalya|Kaushalya]] (step-mother)<br />[[Kaikeyi]] (step-mother)<br />
| birth_place = Ayodha
| birth_place = Ayodhya
| death_place = Ayodha suryu river
| death_place = Sarayu river, Ayodhya
}}
}}{{short description|Younger brother and close companion of the Hindu god Rama}}
{{About|Hindu deity|other uses|Lakshman (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
 
'''Lakshmana''' ({{lang-sa|लक्ष्मण|lit=the fortunate one|translit=Lakṣmaṇa}}), also spelled as '''Laxmana''', is the younger brother of [[Rama]] and his loyalist in the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]''. He bears the epithets of '''Saumitra''' ({{Lang-sa|सौमित्र|lit=son of Sumitra|translit=Saumitra}}) and '''Ramanuja''' ({{Lang-sa|रामानुज|lit=younger brother of Rama|translit=Rāmānuja}}). He is the twin of [[Shatrughna]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2012-06-29 |title=Lakshmana, Lakṣmaṇa, Lakṣmaṇā: 34 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/lakshmana |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


'''Lakshmana''' ({{lang-sa|लक्ष्मण}}, [[IAST]]: lakṣmaṇa, lit. ''he who has the signs of fortune''), also spelled as '''Laxman''' or '''Lakhan''', was the younger brother of the god [[Rama]] and his aide in the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]''. He is also known by other names- '''Saumitra''' ( [[IAST]]: saumitra, lit. ''son of Sumitra''), '''Ramanuja''' ( [[IAST]]: rāmānuja, lit. ''younger brother of Rama'') and '''Bharatanuja''' ( [[IAST]]: bharatānuja, lit. ''younger brother of Bharata''). He was the twin of [[Shatrughna]].
== Legend ==


==Birth and marriage==
=== Birth and marriage ===
[[File: Four Sons of Dasaratha.jpg|thumb|250px|Birth of Four Sons of Dasharatha]]
[[File: Four Sons of Dasaratha.jpg|thumb|250px|Birth of the four sons of Dasharatha]]


King [[Dasharatha]] of [[Ayodhya]] had three wives: [[Kausalya]], [[Kaikeyi]] and [[Sumitra]]. He performed a [[yajna|sacrifice]] to beget sons and as a result, his queens became pregnant. Lakshmana and his brother [[Shatrughna]] were born to Sumitra, while [[Rama]] and [[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]] were born to Kausalya and Kaikeyi.<ref name="Mani">{{cite book|author = Mani, Vettam|title = Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary With Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature|url = https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft|publisher = Motilal Banarsidass|year = 1975|location = Delhi|isbn = 978-0-8426-0822-0|author-link =Vettam Mani|pp=[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/448 448]-9}}</ref>
King [[Dasharath|Dasharatha]] of [[Ayodhya]] had three wives: [[Kausalya]], [[Kaikeyi]], and [[Sumitra]]. He performed a [[yajna|sacrifice]] to beget sons and as a result, his queens became pregnant. Lakshmana and his brother [[Shatrughna]] were born to Sumitra, while [[Rama]] and [[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]] were born to Kausalya and Kaikeyi.<ref name="Mani">{{cite book|author = Mani, Vettam|title = Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary With Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature|url = https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft|publisher = Motilal Banarsidass|year = 1975|location = Delhi|isbn = 978-0-8426-0822-0|author-link =Vettam Mani|pages=[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/448 448]-9}}</ref>


In the [[Puranas]], Lakshmana is described as an incarnation of [[Shesha]], the multiple-headed [[nāga]] (serpent) upon whom rests the god [[Vishnu]], whose [[avatar]] Rama is considered.  
In the [[Puranas]], Lakshmana is described as an incarnation of [[Shesha]], the multiple-headed [[nāga|naga]] (serpent) upon whom rests the preserver deity [[Vishnu]], whose [[avatar]] Rama is considered to be.<ref>{{Cite book |last=aravamudan |first=krishnan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ&dq=lakshmana+adishesha&pg=PA294 |title=Pure Gems of Ramayanam |date=2014-09-22 |publisher=PartridgeIndia |isbn=978-1-4828-3720-9 |language=en}}</ref>


When sage [[Vishwamitra]] asked Rama to kill the demons in the forest, Lakshmana accompanied them and went to [[Mithila (ancient)|Mithila]] with them. Lakshmana was especially attached to Rama. When Rama married [[Sita]], Lakshmana married Sita's younger sister, [[Urmila]]. They had two sons: [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]] and [[Chandraketu]].  
When sage [[Vishwamitra|Vishvamitra]] asked Rama to kill the demons in the forest, Lakshmana accompanied them and went to [[Mithila (ancient)|Mithila]] with them. Lakshmana was especially attached to Rama. When Rama married [[Sita]], Lakshmana married Sita's younger sister, [[Urmila]]. They had two sons: [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]] and [[Chandraketu]].


Later, when Rama was exiled for fourteen years on the insistence of Kaikeyi, Lakshmana left his wife Urmila and joined Rama and Sita in exile.<ref name="Mani"/>
Later, when Rama was exiled for fourteen years on the insistence of Kaikeyi, Lakshmana left his wife Urmila and joined Rama and Sita in exile.<ref name="Mani"/>


==Rama's exile==
=== Rama's exile ===
Lakshmana served Rama and Sita reverently during the exile. In Panchvati, 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 [[Indrajit]] and [[Atikaya]].
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 [[Indrajit|Indrajita]] and [[Atikaya]].


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 in fact the demon [[Maricha]], who distracted Rama. When Rama killed Maricha, he cried out in his own 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]] or Lakshmana's line), 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. Lakshmana Rekha has become a metaphor in situations where a certain limit must not be transgressed by human beings in any circumstance whatsoever.
When Sita asked Rama to fetch a magical golden hind for her, Rama asked Lakshmana to stand guard as he sensed danger and evil. The golden hind was in fact the demon [[Maricha]], who distracted Rama. When Rama killed Maricha, he cried out in his own 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]] or Lakshmana's line), 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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pauwels |first=Heidi R. M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BSRXu4pcyCsC&dq=lakshmana+rekha&pg=PA396 |title=The Goddess as Role Model: Sita and Radha in Scripture and on Screen |date=2008-10-09 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-970857-4 |pages=396 |language=en}}</ref>


During the war between [[Rama]] and [[Ravana]], Lakshmana killed [[Indrajit]] and [[Atikaya]], who were the sons of Ravana. Before he killed Indrajit, Lakhshmana and [[Rama]] were twice defeated by [[Indrajit]], and on both occasions, [[Hanuman]]'s intervention saved them from certain death.<ref name="Ramayana">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=4Wzg6wFJ5xwC | title=Ramayana | publisher=University of California Press | author=B. A van Nooten William | year=2000 | isbn=978-0-520-22703-3}}</ref> After the war, when Rama asked Sita to give a test of her purity, Lakshmana for the first time got angry with Rama and opposed him.
During the war between [[Rama]] and [[Ravana]], Lakshmana killed [[Indrajit|Indrajita]] and [[Atikaya]], who were the sons of Ravana. Before he killed Indrajita, Lakhshmana and [[Rama]] were twice defeated by [[Indrajit|Indrajita]], and on both occasions, [[Hanuman]]'s intervention saved them from certain death.<ref name="Ramayana">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Wzg6wFJ5xwC | title=Ramayana | publisher=University of California Press | author=B. A van Nooten William | year=2000 | isbn=978-0-520-22703-3}}</ref>  


<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
=== After exile ===
File:Rama_in_forest.jpg|Rama portrayed as a vanavasi (forest dweller) in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana
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. {{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}
File: Lakshamana cuts Surpanaka's nose.jpg|Lakshamana cut Surpanakha's nose


File: Killing of Indrajit Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi.jpg|Killing of Indrajit by Lakshmana
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 (Ramayana)|Lava]] and [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kusha]] later on. {{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}
 
</gallery>
 
==After exile==
[[File: Rama, Lakshman and Sita at the Kalaram Temple, Nashik..jpg|thumb|Rama is often worshiped with Lakshmana (left) and Sita on his sides; [[Kalaram Temple]], [[Nashik]].]]
 
After the end of the Lanka war, Rama was crowned king of Ayodhya, and Bharata became the crown prince. Rama had offered to make Lakshmana the crown prince, but he refused, saying Bharata was elder than 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. {{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}


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 (Ramayana)|Lava]] and [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kusha]] later on. {{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}
According to the Uttara Kanda, Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada; which was inherited by his elder son, Angada; whilst Lakshmana's younger son, Chandraketu had inherited [[Malla (tribe)|Mallya]], with its capital Chandrakanti being commissioned by Rama.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ancientvoice.wikidot.com/src-vrm:ram7-115 | title=Ram7 115 - AncientVoice }}</ref>


===Abandonment of life===
===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. 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 <ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-02|title=When Sri Rama gives death penalty to Laxman|url=https://english.newstracklive.com/news/ram-and-laxman-katha-in-hindi-ramayan-ram-laxman-and-parshuram-story-sc93-nu612-1081526-1.html|access-date=2020-06-17|website=News Track|language=en}}</ref>
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. 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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-02|title=When Sri Rama gives death penalty to Laxman|url=https://english.newstracklive.com/news/ram-and-laxman-katha-in-hindi-ramayan-ram-laxman-and-parshuram-story-sc93-nu612-1081526-1.html|access-date=2020-06-17|website=News Track|language=en}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==In popular culture==
Lakshmana was depicted by the [[Ramayana]] as a man with unwavering loyalty, love and commitment to his elder brother, through times of joy and adversity alike.
[[File: Rama, Lakshman and Sita at the Kalaram Temple, Nashik..jpg|thumb|Rama is often worshiped with Lakshmana (left) and Sita on his sides; [[Kalaram Temple]], [[Nashik]].]]Lakshmana was depicted by the [[Ramayana]] as a man with unwavering loyalty, love and commitment to his elder brother, through times of joy and adversity alike.


[[Bandhavgarh Fort]] at [[Madhya Pradesh]] (''bandhav'' as brother, ''garh'' as fort) was said to have been given by Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep watch on [[Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Padmanabhan|first=Geeta|date=2018-02-14|title=Holding fort at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/holding-fort-at-bandhavgarh-wildlife-sanctuary/article22752398.ece|access-date=2 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
[[Bandhavgarh Fort]] at [[Madhya Pradesh]] (''bandhav'' as brother, ''garh'' as fort) was said to have been given by Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep watch on [[Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Padmanabhan|first=Geeta|date=2018-02-14|title=Holding fort at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/holding-fort-at-bandhavgarh-wildlife-sanctuary/article22752398.ece|access-date=2 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


Military officers given the rank equivalent of [[admiral]]s in navies in the Malay Archipelago, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are titled "Lakshmana" ([[Jawi script]]: {{rtl-lang|ms|لقسامان}}) after the figure.
Military officers given the rank equivalent of [[admiral]]s in navies in the Malay Archipelago, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are titled "Lakshmana" ([[Jawi script]]: {{lang|ms|لقسامان}}) after the figure.
 
==Descendants==
The community members of an [[empire|imperial dynasty]] of [[Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty|Gurjara-Pratiharas]] claimed that they were called Pratihara as their ancestor, who Lakshmana served as a door-keeper to his elder brother [[Rama]]. They ruled much of Northern India from the mid 7th to the 11th century. The first Pratihara inscription to discuss the origin of the Pratihara dynasty was the Jodhpur inscription of Bauka Pratihara 837 CE, It also gave its name to the dynasty, as the ancestors from [[Lakshmana]], who worked as a gatekeeper for his brother [[Ramachandra]]. <ref>  K.M. Munshi Diamond Volume, II, p. 11 </ref> <ref>Epigraphia Indica, XVIII, pp. 87 </ref> Laxman's son [[Angad]], who was the ruler of Karpath (Rajasthan and Punjab), mention King Shri Harichandra Pratihara in the 126th generation of this dynasty (590 AD).


==Jain version==
==Jainism==
{{main|Rama in Jainism|Śalākāpuruṣa}}
{{main|Rama in Jainism|Śalākāpuruṣa}}


Lakshmana is referred to as Vasudeva in the Jain Ramayana. According to the Jain Ramayana, it was Lakshmana who killed [[Ravana]], not [[Rama]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-10|title=No exaggerations: The truth behind what happened in the Ramayana|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/no-exaggerations-the-truth-behind-what-happened-in-the-ramayana/|access-date=2020-07-02|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
Lakshmana is referred to as Vasudeva in the Jain Ramayana. According to the Jain Ramayana, it was Lakshmana who killed [[Ravana]], not [[Rama]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-10|title=No exaggerations: The truth behind what happened in the Ramayana|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/no-exaggerations-the-truth-behind-what-happened-in-the-ramayana/|access-date=2020-07-02|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Rama_in_forest.jpg|Rama portrayed as a vanavasi (forest dweller) in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana
File: Lakshamana cuts Surpanaka's nose.jpg|Lakshamana cut Surpanakha's nose
 
File: Killing of Indrajit Painting by Balasaheb Pant Pratinidhi.jpg|Killing of Indrajit by Lakshmana


{| class="wikitable sortable"
</gallery>
|-
! Year !! TV Series !! Channel !! Country !! Played by
|-
| 1987–1988 || [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|Ramayan (TV series)]] || [[DD National]] || [[India]] ||  [[Sunil Lahri]]
|-
| 1997-2000|| [[Jai Hanuman (1997 TV series)]] || [[DD Metro]] || [[India]] || Manish Khanna
|-
| 2000|| [[Vishnu Puran (TV series)|Vishnu Puran]]|| [[Zee TV]] || [[India]] ||  Amit Pachori
|-
| 2002 ||[[Ramayan (2002 TV series)]]||[[Zee TV]]||[[India]]|| Bijay Anand
|-
| 2008–2009 || [[Ramayan (2008 TV series)]] || [[NDTV Imagine]] || [[India]] ||  [[Ankit Arora]]
|-
| 2011-2014 || [[Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev]] || [[Life OK]] || [[India]] ||  Kunal Verma
|-
| 2012–2013 || [[Ramayan (2012 TV series)]] || [[Zee TV]] || [[India]] ||  [[Neil Bhatt]]
|-
| 2015–2016 || [[Siya Ke Ram]] || [[Star Plus]] || [[India]] || [[Karan Suchak]]
|-
|2015–2017
|[[Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman]]
|[[Sony Entertainment Television (India)|Sony TV]]
|[[India]]
|Ankur Verma / Arun Mandola
|-
| 2019–2020 || [[Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush]] || [[Colors TV]] || [[India]] || Navi Bhangu
|-
|2018-Present
|[[RadhaKrishn]]
|[[Star Bharat]]
|[[India]]
|[[Basant Bhatt]]
|}


==Notes==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Commonscat-inline|Lakshmana}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Lakshmana}}


{{Ramayana}}
{{Ramayana}}
Line 128: Line 85:
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category: Characters in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Characters in the Ramayana]]
[[Category: Hindu gods]]
[[Category:Hindu gods]]
[[Category: Raghuvamsa]]
[[Category:Salakapurusa]]
[[Category: Salakapurusa]]
[[Category:Solar dynasty]]
[[Category:Descendants of Ikshvaku]]

Revision as of 07:51, 3 January 2023

Lakshmana
Lakshmana at Srivaikundam.jpg
Statue of Lakshmana at Srivaikuntanathan Perumal temple
AffiliationVaishnavism
AbodeVaikuntha, Kshira Sagara
Weaponbow and arrows, dagger
Personal information
Born
Ayodhya
Died
Sarayu river, Ayodhya
ParentsDasharatha (father)
Sumitra (mother)
Kaushalya (step-mother)
Kaikeyi (step-mother)
SiblingsShatrughna (brother)
Rama (half-brother)
Bharata (half-brother)
Shanta (half-sister)
SpouseUrmila
ChildrenAngada
Chandraketu [1]
DynastyRaghuvamsha-Suryavamsha
This article is about Hindu deity. For other uses, see Lakshman (disambiguation).

Lakshmana (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मण, romanized: Lakṣmaṇa, lit. 'the fortunate one'), also spelled as Laxmana, is the younger brother of Rama and his loyalist in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He bears the epithets of Saumitra (Sanskrit: सौमित्र, romanized: Saumitra, lit. 'son of Sumitra') and Ramanuja (Sanskrit: रामानुज, romanized: Rāmānuja, lit. 'younger brother of Rama'). He is the twin of Shatrughna.[2]

Legend

Birth and marriage

Birth of the four sons of Dasharatha

King Dasharatha of Ayodhya had three wives: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. He performed a sacrifice to beget sons and as a result, his queens became pregnant. Lakshmana and his brother Shatrughna were born to Sumitra, while Rama and Bharata were born to Kausalya and Kaikeyi.[3]

In the Puranas, Lakshmana is described as an incarnation of Shesha, the multiple-headed naga (serpent) upon whom rests the preserver deity Vishnu, whose avatar Rama is considered to be.[4]

When sage Vishvamitra asked Rama to kill the demons in the forest, Lakshmana accompanied them and went to Mithila with them. Lakshmana was especially attached to Rama. When Rama married Sita, Lakshmana married Sita's younger sister, Urmila. They had two sons: Angada and Chandraketu.

Later, when Rama was exiled for fourteen years on the insistence of Kaikeyi, Lakshmana left his wife Urmila and joined Rama and Sita in exile.[3]

Rama's exile

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 and Atikaya.

When Sita asked Rama to fetch a magical golden hind for her, Rama asked Lakshmana to stand guard as he sensed danger and evil. The golden hind was in fact the demon Maricha, who distracted Rama. When Rama killed Maricha, he cried out in his own 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 or Lakshmana's line), 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.[5]

During the war between Rama and Ravana, Lakshmana killed Indrajita and Atikaya, who were the sons of Ravana. Before he killed Indrajita, Lakhshmana and Rama were twice defeated by Indrajita, and on both occasions, Hanuman's intervention saved them from certain death.[6]

After 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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

According to the Uttara Kanda, Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada; 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.[7]

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. 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.[8]

In popular culture

Rama is often worshiped with Lakshmana (left) and Sita on his sides; Kalaram Temple, Nashik.

Lakshmana was depicted by the Ramayana as a man with unwavering loyalty, love and commitment to his elder brother, through times of joy and adversity alike.

Bandhavgarh Fort at Madhya Pradesh (bandhav as brother, garh as fort) was said to have been given by Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep watch on Lanka.[9]

Military officers given the rank equivalent of admirals in navies in the Malay Archipelago, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are titled "Lakshmana" (Jawi script: لقسامان) after the figure.

Jainism

Main articles: Rama in Jainism and Śalākāpuruṣa

Lakshmana is referred to as Vasudeva in the Jain Ramayana. According to the Jain Ramayana, it was Lakshmana who killed Ravana, not Rama.[10]

Gallery

  • Rama portrayed as a vanavasi (forest dweller) in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana

    Rama portrayed as a vanavasi (forest dweller) in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana

  • Lakshamana cut Surpanakha's nose

    Lakshamana cut Surpanakha's nose

  • Killing of Indrajit by Lakshmana

    Killing of Indrajit by Lakshmana

References

  1. ↑ Ramayana – Conclusion, translated by Romesh C. Dutt (1899)
  2. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (29 June 2012). "Lakshmana, Lakṣmaṇa, Lakṣmaṇā: 34 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary With Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 448-9. ISBN 978-0-8426-0822-0.
  4. ↑ aravamudan, krishnan (22 September 2014). Pure Gems of Ramayanam. PartridgeIndia. ISBN 978-1-4828-3720-9.
  5. ↑ Pauwels, Heidi R. M. (9 October 2008). The Goddess as Role Model: Sita and Radha in Scripture and on Screen. Oxford University Press. p. 396. ISBN 978-0-19-970857-4.
  6. ↑ B. A van Nooten William (2000). Ramayana. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-22703-3.
  7. ↑ "Ram7 115 - AncientVoice".
  8. ↑ "When Sri Rama gives death penalty to Laxman". News Track. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  9. ↑ Padmanabhan, Geeta (14 February 2018). "Holding fort at Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  10. ↑ "No exaggerations: The truth behind what happened in the Ramayana". The Indian Express. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2020.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lakshmana&oldid=378514"