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{{short description|Wife of Lakshmana in Hindu epic Ramayan}}
{{short description|Hindu goddess and wife of Lakshmana in epic Ramayana}}
{{other uses}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity
| name = Urmila
| name = Urmila
| image = Urmila and lakshmana marriage.webp
| caption = Wedding ceremony of Urmila and Lakshmana
| devanagari = ऊर्मिला
| affiliation = [[Avatar]] of [[Nagalakshmi]]
| texts = [[Ramayana]] and [[Versions of Ramayana|its other versions]]
| texts = [[Ramayana]] and [[Versions of Ramayana|its other versions]]
| abode = [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]], [[Vaikuntha]], [[Kshira Sagara]]
| gender = Female
| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| spouse = [[Lakshmana]]
| spouse = [[Lakshmana]]
| 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> Somada (daughter) .
| children = [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]] <br/> [[Chandraketu]]
| father = [[Janaka]]
| father = [[Janaka]]
| mother = Sunayana
| mother = [[Sunayana (Ramayana)|Sunayana]]
| siblings = [[Sita]] (adoptive sister)<br>[[Mandavi]] and [[Shrutakirti]] (cousins)
| siblings = [[Sita]] (adoptive sister)<br>[[Mandavi]] (cousin)<br>[[Shrutakirti]] (cousin)
| image = Ramayana - Marriage of Rama Bharata Lakshmana and Shatrughna.jpg
| dynasty = [[Kingdom of the Videhas|Videha]] ''(by birth)''<br />[[Raghuvamsha]]-[[Solar dynasty|Suryavamsha]] ''(by marriage)''
| caption = Marriage of Urmila and her 3 sisters
| birth_place = [[Mithila (ancient city)|Mithila]], [[Videha]]
| dynasty = [[Kingdom of the Videhas|Videha]] ''(by birth)''<br />[[Raghuvanshi]]-[[Ikshvaku dynasty|Ikshvaku]]-[[Suryavansha|Suryavanshi]] ''(by marriage)''
| death_place = [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]]
| birth_place = Mithila
| affiliation = [[Avatar]] of nagalakshmi
| death_place =  
}}
}}
{{Vaishnavism}}
'''Urmila''' ({{Langx|sa|ऊर्मिला|Urmilā|lit=enchantress}}), is a [[Hindu goddess]] and the princess of [[Videha]] in the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]]''. She is considered to be an avatāra of [[Nagalakshmi]], the serpent goddess. Urmila was married to [[Lakshmana]] and is known for her dedication towards her husband, for her sacrifice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2012-06-24 |title=Urmila, Urmilā, Ūrmilā: 9 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/urmila |access-date=2022-09-10 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SOZsEAAAQBAJ&dq=gomati+the+chakra+of+lakshmi+and+wife+of+sudarshan&pg=PT16 | title=LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story | isbn=978-93-92834-21-9 | last1=Agarwal | first1=Shubhi | date=20 April 2022 | publisher=Om Books International }}</ref>
Urmila was born as the daughter of King [[Janaka]] of [[History of Mithila|Mithila]] and Queen [[Sunayana (Ramayana)|Sunayana]]. [[Sita]], the female protagonist of the epic, is her elder sister. She was married to Lakshmana, after her sister's ''[[svayamvara]]''. According to a legend, Urmila slept continuously for fourteen years, so that her husband could stay awake throughout those years protecting Rama and Sita during the exile. She is notable for this unparalleled sacrifice, which is called ''Urmila Nidra''. Urmila is worshipped in Hinduism, at various places in [[India]], alongside her husband.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Moor |first=Edward |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kJDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA316 |title=The Hindu Pantheon |date=1810 |publisher=J. Johnson |pages=316 |language=en}}</ref>
== Etymology ==
The name Urmila is of [[Sanskrit]] origin, and could be divided into ''Ur'' meaning waves, and ''mila'', meaning to join''.'' Thus'','' her name means 'waves of passion that unite a couple'. Her name also means 'humble' or 'enchantress'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic|title=Ramayana {{!}} Summary, Characters, & Facts|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18|archive-date=12 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412065621/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramayana-Indian-epic|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Legend ==
=== Birth and early life ===
Urmila was born as the daughter of King [[Janaka]] of [[History of Mithila|Mithila]] and Queen [[Sunayana (Ramayana)|Sunayana]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Mishra, V. |year=1979 |publisher=Mithila Prakasana |location=Allahabad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FBuAAAAMAAJ&q=area+of+mithila |title=Cultural Heritage of Mithila | access-date=28 December 2016 | pages=13}}</ref> Urmila is considered as the incarnation of [[Nagalakshmi]], [[Shesha]]'s consort. In the [[Garga Samhita (Vaishnavite text)|Garga Samhita]], Nagalakshmi is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the [[Kshira Sagara]] and is called as Kshira.<ref>{{cite book |title=Garga Saṁhita |date=2006 |publisher=Rasbihari Lal & Sons |isbn=978-81-87812-98-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nkv9PgAACAAJ&q=naga+lakshmi+garg+samhita |language=en}}</ref><ref name="c">{{cite book |last1=Raj |first1=Selva J. |last2=Dempsey |first2=Corinne G. |title=Sacred Play: Ritual Levity and Humor in South Asian Religions |date=12 January 2010 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-2981-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hEJ-vMgbSlwC&q=%C2%A0Nagalakshmi&pg=PA43 |language=en}}</ref>
Urmila was born on Jaya ekadashi, after her elder sister [[Sita]], was adopted by her parents.<ref>''Dictionary of Hindu Lord and Legend'' ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dhallapiccola</ref> [[Mandavi]] and [[Shrutakirti]] are her cousins, who were born to her father's younger brother, [[Kushadhvaja]] and his wife [[Chandrabhaga (Ramayana)|Chandrabhaga]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Raychaudhuri |first=Hemchandra|author-link=Hem Chandra Raychaudhuri|title=''Political History of Ancient India'' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h1KObc_qaXYC|year=2006|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=81-307-0291-6}}</ref> According to legends, she was a scholar and an artist .<ref>{{cite web|author-link=Kavita Kane|title=Sita's Sisters: Conversations On Sisterhood Between Women Of Ramayana |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/sita-sisters-conversations-on-sisterhood-between-women-of-ramayana-magazine-325515|work=Outlook India |accessdate=26 October 2023}}</ref>
=== Marriage to Lakshmana ===
[[File:The marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita.jpg|thumb|The marriage ceremony of Urmila and Lakshmana, along with the other three brothers and sisters. Folio from the Shnagri Ramayana, early 18th-century. [[National Museum, New Delhi]]]]
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 (Ramayana)|Bharata]] and Mandavi were to marry first.<ref>{{cite book|author=Praśānta Guptā|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RazqpUWg3KYC&pg=PA32|title=Vālmīkī Rāmāyaṇa|publisher=Dreamland Publications|year=1998|isbn=9788173012549|pages=32}}</ref><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> 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.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Debroy|first=Bibek|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6oQlAQAAIAAJ&q=Urmila+|title=The History of Puranas|date=2005|publisher=Bharatiya Kala Prakashan|isbn=978-81-8090-062-4|language=en}}</ref> 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 (Hindu mythology)|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]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Bhalla |first=Prem P. |title=The Story Of Sri Ram |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xiv9_Cp3OtQC&pg=PA24 |date=1 January 2009 |publisher=Peacock Books |isbn=978-81-248-0191-8 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Valmiki |url=http://archive.org/details/TheRamayan |title=The Ramayana |date= |pages=126–145}}</ref> The wedding entourage then reached Ayodhya, entering the city amid great fanfare.<ref name="Parmeshwaranand">{{cite book |author=Swami Parmeshwaranand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FdIkaccgneAC&pg=PA1210 |title=Encyclopaedic Dictionaries of Puranas |date=2001-01-01 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |isbn=978-81-7625-226-3 |pages=1210–1220 |access-date=31 July 2012}}</ref>
According to [[Vishwamitra]], Urmila and Lakshmana equals each other in "grace and heritage".<ref>{{cite news|title=Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 72 - The marriage of the four sons of King Dasaratha|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-ramayana-of-valmiki/d/doc423941.html|work=www.wisdomlib.org|accessdate=21 December 2023}}</ref> Urmila and Lakshmana had two sons named [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]] and [[Chandraketu]]. Urmila is described as being as dedicated to Sita as Lakshmana was to Rama.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dawar|first=Sonalini Chaudhry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NxFPAQAAMAAJ&q=Urmila+|title=Ramayana, the Sacred Epic of Gods and Demons|date=2006|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=9788187107675|language=en}}</ref>
=== Exile and Urmila Nidra ===
Some time after the wedding, [[Kaikeyi]] compelled Dasharatha to make Bharata king, prompted by the coaxing of her maid [[Manthara]], and forced Rama to leave Ayodhya and spend a period of exile. Sita and Lakshmana willingly renounced the comforts of the palace and joined Rama in exile. Urmila was ready to accompany her husband, but he asked her to stay back in Ayodhya, so that she could take care of his aging parents and he could serve his brother and his wife.<ref>{{cite book |author=Smriti Dewan |year=2021 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IIAlEAAAQBAJ&q=urmila+ramayan |title=Urmila: The Forgotten Princess |isbn=9789390252916}}</ref>
According to a legend, Urmila decided to sleep continuously for fourteen years, so that her husband could protect his brother and sister-in-law.<ref>[http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/ramayana/lakshmans-wife-goes-to-sleep.html Lakshman's wife goes to sleep] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619050925/http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/ramayana/lakshmans-wife-goes-to-sleep.html |date=19 June 2019 }} - ''Devlok''</ref> On the first night of exile, when Rama and Sita were sleeping, the deity [[Ratri|Nidra]] appeared before Lakshmana and he requested her to offer him the boon of not sleeping for the fourteen years.<ref>{{cite book |author=Kavita Kané |year=2014 |publisher=Rupa Publications India Pvt. Limited |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WfYWrgEACAAJ |title=Sita's Sister |isbn=9788129134844}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece | title=Urmila, The Sleeping Princess | work=[[Indian Express]] | date=28 March 2014 | access-date=1 June 2016 | author=Reeja Radhakrishnan | place=Chennai | archive-date=25 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625064009/http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-05|title=Ramayana: Check 13 lesser-known facts|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/ramayana-check-lesser-known-facts-1585545052-1|access-date=2020-08-07|website=Jagranjosh.com}}</ref>
Nidra told Lakshman that he would have to go to sleep as soon as the exile ends, so that Urmila could awake. After the exile, Lakshaman went to sleep and Urmila saw the coronation of Rama.
{{Blockquote
|text= My brother, I have waited for this grand moment for years and just when I was about to witness my Lord Ram being crowned king, the goddess of sleep, Nidra, reminds me of our agreement and demands that I submit to her this very moment and go to sleep and let Urmila awaken.
|author=
|title=
|source=''The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years'' (2018)<ref>{{cite book |author=Tulika Singh |year=2018 |publisher=Notion Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZyBFDwAAQBAJ&dq=urmila+ramayan&pg=PT24 |title=The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years |isbn=9781948372176 |page=20}}</ref>
}}
=== Post exile and later life ===
Urmila had been sleeping all those years of the exile, as per the boon by Goddess Nidra. When Lakshmana returned from the exile, he woke her up. Urmila opened her eyes and wept with joy when she saw him. Rama was then crowned the King of Kosala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pressbooks.pub/ramayana/chapter/chapter-9-after-the-war/|title=Chapter 9: 171. Rama Becomes King|website=Press Book|accessdate=29 August 2023 }}</ref> According to the ''[[Uttara Kanda]]'', Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada, with Urmila as the queen, who advised him on important state matters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ancientvoice.wikidot.com/src-vrm:ram7-115 | title=Ram7 115 - AncientVoice }}</ref>
Urmila and Lakshmana's elder son Angada, inherited the Kingdom of Karupada, from his father and their younger son Chandraketu, inherited the kingdom of [[Malla (tribe)|Mallya]], being commissioned by Rama.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Ramayana: Conclusion|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dutt/ramaconc.htm|access-date=2020-08-07|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-26|title=Uttara Kanda of Ramayana was edited during 5th century BCE - Puranas|url=https://www.booksfact.com/puranas/uttara-kanda-ramayana-edited-5th-century-bce.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=BooksFact - Ancient Knowledge & Wisdom|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Death ===
According to a legend in [[Tulsidas]]'s ''[[Ramcharitmanas]]'', after Sita and Lakshmana's death, Rama, Bharata and Shatrughan's samadhi, Mandvi and Shrutakirti, became Sati and died after their husband's samadhi.<ref>{{cite book
|last=MacFie
|first=J. M.
|title=The Ramayan Of Tulsidas Or The Bible Of Northern India
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AbG4yfdE1b4C&pg=PA115
|date=1 May 2004
|publisher=Kessinger Publishing
|isbn=978-1-4179-1498-2}}</ref> As per the promise given to her sister Sita, Urmila stayed in Ayodhya to look after her son's Angada and Chandraketu, and Sita's sons [[Lava (Ramayana)|Lava]] and [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kusha]]. After few years, Urmila took samadhi in the [[Sarju|Sarayu river]].<ref>{{cite book
|last=Richman
|first=Paula
|title=Questioning Ramayanas: A South Asian Tradition
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7RW6MrAiJ-0C&pg=PA9
|date=1 January 2001
|publisher=University of California Press
|isbn=978-0-520-22074-4}}</ref>
== In other versions ==
=== Jain version ===
{{main|Rama in Jainism}}
Urmila is referred to as Prithvisundari in ''Jain Ramayana''. 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).<ref>{{cite book |last=Dundas |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Dundas |title=The Jains |url={{Google books|X8iAAgAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}} |edition=Second |date=2002 |orig-date=1992 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-415-26605-5 |location=London and New York }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Iyengar|first=Kodaganallur Ramaswami Srinivasa|title=Asian Variations In Ramayana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CU92nFk5fU4C|year=2005|publisher=Sahitya Akademi|isbn=978-81-260-1809-3}}</ref>
=== 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.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mirashi|first=V. V.|title=Bhavabhūti|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|year=1996|chapter = The Mahavira-charita|isbn=81-208-1180-1}}</ref>
== Portrayal and assessment ==
[[File:Sculpture-showing-sri-rama.jpg|thumb|Urmila (extreme left to Rama, who is in centre). Sculpture at [[Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam|Ramasamy Temple]] at [[Kumbakonam]]]]
Urmila has been portrayed as an ideal wife and an ideal mother known for her sacrifice in various texts, stories, illustrations, movies.<ref>{{cite news|title=Urmila: The Goddess of sacrifice in the Hindu epic Ramayana|url=https://english.newsnationtv.com/india/news/urmila-the-goddess-of-sacrifice-in-epic-ramayana-182913.html|work=News Nation|accessdate=22 September 2023}}</ref> She is also portrayed as a devoted and patient wife who waits faithfully for her husband. She is often considered gentle, kind, compassionate and is known for her beauty and grace.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sleeping beauty: The unsung sacrifice of Urmila|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-unsung-sacrifice-of-urmila/article19369516.ece|work=The Hindu|accessdate=29 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Deepa Hariharan |year=2021 |publisher=Independently Published |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IzuPzgEACAAJ |title=Princesses Recall - Stories of Grit and Sacrifice of Shanta, Ruma, Shrutakeerti and Urmila Based on the Indian Epic Ramayana |isbn=9798528594781}}</ref> The ''[[Balakanda]]'' chapter of the ''Ramayana'', describe her as "illustrious".<ref>{{cite news|title=Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 77 - King Dasaratha returns to Ayodhya|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-ramayana-of-valmiki/d/doc423946.html|work=www.wisdomlib.org|accessdate=20 December 2023}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|मानस-मन्दिर में सती, पति की प्रतिमा थाप, जलती-सी उस विरह में, बनी आरती आप। <br/>
"Urmila has the image of her husband in her heart but she is distraught with the separation and is burning in it like the flame of an aarti."
– [[Maithili Sharan Gupt]] talks about Urmila's pain in his poem ''Saket''.<ref>{{cite news|title=The anguish of Lakshmanpriya Urmila in Maithilisharan Gupt's 'Saket'|url=https://www.amarujala.com/kavya/irshaad/maithilisharan-gupt-saket|work=Amar Ujala|accessdate=28 December 2023}}</ref>}}


'''Urmila''' ([[Sanskrit]]: ऊर्मिला, {{IAST3|Ūrmilā}})) is a character in the [[Hindu]] religious text ''[[Ramayana]]''. She is the younger sister of [[Sita]] and the wife of [[Lakshmana]], the younger brother of [[Rama]]. She is considered to be an avatar of Nagalakshmi.
Urmila was known for her sincerity towards her husband and her family, but at the same time she stood with what was right.<ref>{{cite news|title=Urmila's feminist stand against patriarchy in Sita's sister|url=https://www.journalijar.com/article/12792/urmila%E2%80%99s-feminist-stance-against-patriarchy-in-sita%E2%80%99s-sister./|work=International Journal of Advanced Research|accessdate=27 September 2023}}</ref> She was the only one who fights for justice for her sister when Sita was banished from Ayodhya. In the ''Ramayana'', Urmila displays patience and fortitude throughout.<ref>{{cite news|title=Urmila: Existential Dilemma and Feminist Concerns|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23345768|work=Sahitya Akademi - Jstor|jstor=23345768 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}</ref> Her sister, Sita always considered Urmila's sacrifice to be much bigger than that of her.<ref name="Urmila Identity" />


== Life ==
== Temples and worship ==
Urmila is the daughter of King [[Janaka]] of [[History of Mithila|Mithila]] and Queen Sunaina, the younger sister of [[Sita]]. She was married to King [[Dasharatha]]'s third son [[Lakshmana]]. They had two sons - [[Angada (Lakshmana's son)|Angada]] and [[Chandraketu]]. She is described to be as dedicated to Sita as Lakshmana was to [[Rama]].<ref>source needed</ref> According to some folklore, it is said that she also bore a daughter called [[Somada]]. She is considered avatar of Nagalakshmi (shirsha).  
Urmila alongside her husband, Lakshmana is worshipped across the country.


When [[Lakshmana]] joined Rama and Sita in their exile, Urmila was ready to accompany him, but he hesitated and asked her to stay back in Ayodhya to take care of his aging parents. According to a legend, Urmila slept continuously for fourteen years. It is believed that during these fourteen years of exile, her husband also never slept to protect his brother and sister-in-law.<ref>source needed</ref> On the first night of exile, when Rama and Sita were sleeping, the deity Nidra appeared to Lakshmana, and he requested her to offer him the boon of not requiring sleep. The goddess asked him that she could grant his wish, but someone else would have to take his place asleep. Lakshmana wondered if his wife could sleep instead of him. After hearing this, Nidra enquired Urmila regarding this, and the latter happily accepted the task. Urmila is notable for this unparalleled sacrifice, which is called ''Urmila Nidra.''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece | title=Urmila, The Sleeping Princess | work=[[Indian Express]] | date=28 March 2014 | access-date=1 June 2016 | author=Reeja Radhakrishnan |place=Chennai}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-05|title=Ramayana: Check 13 lesser-known facts|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/ramayana-check-lesser-known-facts-1585545052-1|access-date=2020-08-07|website=Jagranjosh.com}}</ref>
* In [[Bharatpur district]] of [[Rajasthan]], there is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana and Urmila. The temple was built in 1870 AD by the then ruler [[Balwant Singh of Bharatpur]] and is considered as a ''Royal Temple'' by the royal family of [[Bharatpur State]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in/images/Bharatpur/laxmanji.htm | title=Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Laxman Ji | work=[[Government of Rajasthan]] | access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref>
* In [[Bhind]] district of [[Madhya Pradesh]], there is another temple dedicated to Lakshmana and Urmila.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/madhya-pradesh/bhind-here-laxman-urmila-is-worshiped-not-ram-janaki-6715357.html|title=The place where not Ram and Sita, but Lakshman and Urmila are worshipped|work=News18 India| access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref>
* In the [[Medak district]] of [[Telangana]], there is a temple called Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Sannadhi that is dedicated to Lakshman and Urmila. This temple is the only one in India that has installed statues of Rama's brothers and their wives.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Swamy temple: Small wonder on a hillock |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/031217/hyderabad-small-wonder-on-a-hillock.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=3 December 2017 |archive-date=11 August 2023 |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811092819/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/031217/hyderabad-small-wonder-on-a-hillock.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=This unique Rama temple near Hyderabad where Hanuman finds no place |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/unique-rama-temple-near-hyderabad-where-hanuman-finds-no-place-41757 |work=The News Minute |date=17 April 2016 |language=en}}</ref>
* Urmila also appears alongside Lakshmana, Rama and Sita, at the [[Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam|Ramaswamy Temple]], [[Kumbakonam]], through wall paintings and pillar structures.<ref>{{cite book|title=Temples of Tamil Nadu|publisher=Vasan Publications|last=Rao|first=A.V. Shankara Narayana|isbn=9788184681123|year=2012|pages=71–4}}</ref>


According to another legend, it is said that when Lakshmana came to inform Urmila of his decision to join Rama in his exile, she was dressed as a queen. Lakshmana grew angry with her and compared her with [[Kaikeyi]]. This is stated to be a deliberate act of provocation to alleviate Lakshmana's guilt of leaving her behind so that he could take care of her sister and brother-in-law. When Sita came to know about this, she remarked that a hundred of her would not be able to match Urmila's sacrifice.
== Influence and popular culture ==
Urmila's story and her sacrifice have inspired "painting, film, novels, poems, TV serials and plays". Prominently, she is depicted in all the adaptations of ''Ramayana''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mankekar|first=Purnima|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fZf8wmVdpaIC&q=ramayana+in+serial&pg=PA165|title=Screening Culture, Viewing Politics: An Ethnography of Television, Womanhood, and Nation in Postcolonial India|date=1999|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=978-0-8223-2390-7|language=en}}</ref>


It is said that Urmila, along with [[Mandavi]] and [[Shrutakirti]], died in the period between the demise of Sita and their mother-in-law's death.
=== Films ===
The following people portrayed Urmila in the film adaptation of ''Ramayana''.


== Worship ==
* [[Vasanthi (actress)|Vasanthi]] portrayed her in the 1968 Telugu film ''[[Veeranjaneya]]''.
In [[Bharatpur district]] of [[Rajasthan]], there is a temple dedicated to Lakshman and Urmila. The temple was built in 1870 AD by the then ruler [[Balwant Singh of Bharatpur]] and is considered as a ''royal temple'' by the royal family of [[Bharatpur State]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in/images/Bharatpur/laxmanji.htm | title=Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Laxman Ji | work=[[Government of Rajasthan]] | access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref>
* Sobha Kiran portrayed her in the 1977 Malayalam film ''[[Kanchana Sita]]''.
* Svetha Rao portrayed her in the 1997 Telugu film ''[[Ramayanam (1997 film)|Ramayanam]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.andhratoday.com/movie/RAMAYANA.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980213002122/http://www.andhratoday.com/movie/RAMAYANA.htm | archive-date=13 February 1998 | title=Ramayanam Reviews }}</ref>
* Isha Gupta portrayed her in the 1997 Hindi film ''[[Lav Kush]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/506009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904102009/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/506009 |accessdate=21 February 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2012 |title=Lav Kush (1997)|work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>
* Nayani Dixit voiced her in the 2010 animated Hindi film ''[[Ramayana: The Epic]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Epic-Effort/682610/|last=Nagpaul D'souza|first=Dipti|title=Epic Effort|date=17 September 2010|accessdate=18 September 2010|work=Indian Express|agency=The Indian Express Limited}}</ref>
 
=== Television ===
The following people portrayed Urmila in the television adaptation of ''Ramayana''.
 
* Anjali Vyas portrayed her in the 1987 series ''[[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|Ramayan]]'' and the 1998 series ''[[Luv Kush]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dalrymple|first1=William|author-link1=William Dalrymple (historian)|title=All Indian life is here|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2008/aug/23/art.ramayana|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=15 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902143318/http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2008/aug/23/art.ramayana|archive-date=2 September 2013|date=23 August 2008}}</ref>
* Monika / [[Malavika Shivpuri]] portrayed her in the 1997 series ''[[Jai Hanuman (1997 TV series)|Jai Hanuman]]''.
* Vineeta Thakur portrayed her in the 2000 series ''[[Vishnu Puran (TV series)|Vishnu Puran]]''.
* Ashwini Sidwani portrayed her in the 2002 series ''[[Ramayan (2002 TV series)|Ramayan]]''.
* Meenakshi Arya portrayed her in the 2008 series ''[[Ramayan (2008 TV series)|Ramayan]]''.
* [[Garima Jain]]'' portrayed her in the 2011 series [[Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=An epic battle|last=Bhattacharyya|first=Anushree|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/an-epic-battle/1160681/|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|date=27 August 2013|access-date=30 May 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109095117/https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/an-epic-battle/1160681/|archivedate=9 January 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Pallavi Sapra portrayed her in the 2012 series ''[[Ramayan (2012 TV series)|Ramayan]]''.
* [[Suhasi Dhami]] portrayed her in the 2012 mini-series ''[[Ramleela – Ajay Devgn Ke Saath]]''. [[Sadhna Sargam]] voiced for her in the song, "Jaao Na Morey Piya".
* [[Khyati Mangla]] portrayed her in the 2015 series ''[[Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan]]''.
* [[Yukti Kapoor]] portrayed her in the 2015 series ''[[Siya Ke Ram]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianage.com/tv/match-made-heaven-677|title=Karan Suchak and Yukti Kapoor: Siya Ke Ram's Laxman and Urmila are a match made in heaven|website=The Asian Age|date=13 March 2016}}</ref>
* [[Nisha Nagpal]] portrayed her in the 2019 series ''[[Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/|title=Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush|website=PINKVILLA|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203010609/https://www.pinkvilla.com/node/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Vaidehi Nair portrayed her in the 2024 series ''[[Shrimad Ramayan]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/tv/news/exclusive-vaidehi-nair-to-play-pivotal-role-in-siddharth-kumar-tewarys-shrimad-ramayan-1261770?amp | title=Vaidehi Nair to play pivotal role of Urmila in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Srimad Ramayan | access-date=29 November 2023 |work=Pinkvilla}}</ref>
* Naviya Saini portrayed her in the 2024 series ''[[Kakabhushundi Ramayan- Anasuni Kathayein]]''.
 
=== Plays ===
The following plays portrayed Urmila's suffering in the theatre adaptation of ''Ramayana''.
 
* Urmila played a prominent role in the 1955 play, ''Bhoomikanya Sita'', written by [[Bhargavaram Viththal Varerkar]].<ref name="Urmila Bhoomi">{{cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/columnists/shanta-gokhale/what-about-urmila/articleshow/46532183.cms | title=What about Urmila? | access-date=17 December 2021 |author=Shanta Gokhale |work=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref>
* Meedhu Mrityam portrayed her in Nimmy Raphel's 2023 play titled ''Urmila'', that showcase her struggle with the emotional violence, post her husband's departure to exile.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/urmila-wakes-the-audience-up-to-the-travails-of-lakshmanas-wife/article67014939.ece | title=Urmila wakes the audience up to the travails of Lakshmana's wife | access-date=17 September 2023 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>
* Her suffering was also portrayed in the "Laxman-Urmila episode" of the 2023 play, ''Prem Ramayan''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/full-house-and-constant-applause-for-atul-satya-koushik-s-play-prem-ramayan-depicting-five-love-stories-and-sacrifices-by-women-101684519851768.html | title=Darpan theatre festival: Tales of epic love, sacrifice draw applause | access-date=19 September 2023 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
 
=== Books ===
The following novels talks about Urmila's life.
 
* ''Sita's Sister'' by Kavita Kané, published in 2014.
* ''Urmila'' by Pervin Saket, published in 2016.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fnFmCwAAQBAJ | title=Urmila | isbn=9788184956665 | last1=Saket | first1=Pervin | date=5 January 2016 | publisher=Jaico Publishing House}}</ref>
* ''The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years'' by Tulika Singh, published in 2018.
* ''VISION and RE-VISION - Revisiting Mythologies, Rethinking Women'' by Beena. G.<ref name="Urmila Identity">{{cite book | chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3nOiDwAAQBAJ&dq=sita+says+urmila%27s+sacrifice+is+bigger+than+her&pg=PT132 | title=VISION and RE-VISION - Revisiting Mythologies, Rethinking Women |chapter=Urmila: Quest for an intellectual identity | isbn=9781645873426 | last1=G | first1=Beena | date=15 July 2019 | publisher=Notion Press}}</ref>
* ''Urmila: The Forgotten Princess'' by Smriti Dewan, published in 2021.
* ''Princesses Recall: Stories of Grit and Sacrifice of Shanta, Ruma, Shrutakeerti and Urmila'' by Deepa Hariharan, published in 2021.
* ''LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story'' by Shubhi Agarwal, published in 2022.
 
=== Others ===
* [[Rabindranath Tagore]], included Urmila in his article ''Upekshita'', where he wrote about women who were ignored/overlooked.<ref name="Urmila Bhoomi" />
* Hindi poet [[Maithili Sharan Gupt]] wrote about Urmila's plight after her husband leave for exile, in his 1931 famous poem ''Saket'', that centres upon her life.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4_/_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4#.U1tCtHbgou8 | title=Saket - Maithali Sharan Gupt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426052252/http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4_/_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3_%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4#.U1tCtHbgou8 | accessdate=24 January 2021 |archive-date=26 April 2014 |work=Kavita Kosh}}</ref>
* Hindi poet [[Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen]] praised Urmila, in his 1957 poem ''Urmila'', that centres upon her life and sacrifice.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.org/details/BmjE_urmila-prabandh-kavya-by-bal-krishna-sharma-naveen-1957-delhi-uttar-chand-kapoor-and-sons/mode/1up | title=Urmila - Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen | accessdate=24 September 2021 |work=Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen}}</ref>
* In 2006, a song titled ''Urmila Devi Nidra'', was published, that talks about her sleeping for fourteen year and also centres upon how Lakshmana is reunited with Urmila.<ref>[https://www.manushi.in/culture--faith-traditions/the-song-of-urmilas-separation-andhra-womens-song-spotlights-ramayanas-neglected-urmila The song of Urmila’s separation: Andhra women’s song spotlights Ramayana’s neglected character] ''Manushi'' Retrieved 27 December 2022</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
* [http://www.newindianexpress.com/education/student/Urmila-The-Sleeping-Princess/2014/03/28/article2134735.ece Urmila, the sleeping princess] - The New Indian Express
* [http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/ramayana/lakshmans-wife-goes-to-sleep.html Lakshman's wife goes to sleep] - Devlok


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* [http://valmikiramayan.net ''Valmiki Ramayana'', English verse translation] by Desiraju Hanumanta Rao, K. M. K. Murthy et al.
* [http://valmikiramayan.net ''Valmiki Ramayana'', English verse translation] by Desiraju Hanumanta Rao, K. M. K. Murthy et al.
* [http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24869 ''Ramayana'', English verse translation] by [[Ralph T. H. Griffith]] at the [[Project Gutenberg]]
* [http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24869 ''Ramayana'', English verse translation] by [[Ralph T. H. Griffith]] at the [[Project Gutenberg]]
* [https://www.manushi.in/culture--faith-traditions/the-song-of-urmilas-separation-andhra-womens-song-spotlights-ramayanas-neglected-urmila The Song of Urmila’s Separation: Andhra Women’s Song Spotlights Ramayana’s Neglected Urmila]
 
== External links ==
{{Portal|Hinduism|Mythology|India}}
{{Commons}}


{{Ramayana}}
{{Ramayana}}
{{HinduMythology}}


[[Category:Solar dynasty]]
[[Category:Solar dynasty]]
[[Category:Characters in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Characters in the Ramayana]]

Latest revision as of 21:40, 9 March 2026


For other uses, see Urmila (disambiguation).

Urmila
Wedding ceremony of Urmila and Lakshmana
Devanagariऊर्मिला
AffiliationAvatar of Nagalakshmi
AbodeAyodhya, Vaikuntha, Kshira Sagara
TextsRamayana and its other versions
GenderFemale
Personal information
Born
Mithila, Videha
Died
Ayodhya
Parents
SiblingsSita (adoptive sister)
Mandavi (cousin)
Shrutakirti (cousin)
SpouseLakshmana
ChildrenAngada
Chandraketu
DynastyVideha (by birth)
Raghuvamsha-Suryavamsha (by marriage)
Part of a series on
Vaishnavism
Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
Supreme deity
Vishnu / Krishna / Rama
Important deities
Dashavatara
Other Avatars
Consorts
Related
Holy scriptures
Puranas
Sampradayas
Teachers–acharyas
Related traditions
 Hinduism portal

Urmila (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), is a Hindu goddess and the princess of Videha in the Hindu epic Ramayana. She is considered to be an avatāra of Nagalakshmi, the serpent goddess. Urmila was married to Lakshmana and is known for her dedication towards her husband, for her sacrifice.[1][2]

Urmila was born as the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and Queen Sunayana. Sita, the female protagonist of the epic, is her elder sister. She was married to Lakshmana, after her sister's svayamvara. According to a legend, Urmila slept continuously for fourteen years, so that her husband could stay awake throughout those years protecting Rama and Sita during the exile. She is notable for this unparalleled sacrifice, which is called Urmila Nidra. Urmila is worshipped in Hinduism, at various places in India, alongside her husband.[3]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name Urmila is of Sanskrit origin, and could be divided into Ur meaning waves, and mila, meaning to join. Thus, her name means 'waves of passion that unite a couple'. Her name also means 'humble' or 'enchantress'.[4]

Legend[edit | edit source]

Birth and early life[edit | edit source]

Urmila was born as the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and Queen Sunayana.[5] Urmila is considered as the incarnation of Nagalakshmi, Shesha's consort. In the Garga Samhita, Nagalakshmi is considered to be the personification of the divine ocean called the Kshira Sagara and is called as Kshira.[6][7]

Urmila was born on Jaya ekadashi, after her elder sister Sita, was adopted by her parents.[8] Mandavi and Shrutakirti are her cousins, who were born to her father's younger brother, Kushadhvaja and his wife Chandrabhaga.[9] According to legends, she was a scholar and an artist .[10]

Marriage to Lakshmana[edit | edit source]

The marriage ceremony of Urmila and Lakshmana, along with the other three brothers and sisters. Folio from the Shnagri Ramayana, early 18th-century. National Museum, New Delhi

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.[11][12] 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.[13] 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.[14][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 Lakshmana was to Rama.[18]

Exile and Urmila Nidra[edit | edit source]

Some time after the wedding, Kaikeyi compelled Dasharatha to make Bharata king, prompted by the coaxing of her maid Manthara, and forced Rama to leave Ayodhya and spend a period of exile. Sita and Lakshmana willingly renounced the comforts of the palace and joined Rama in exile. Urmila was ready to accompany her husband, but he asked her to stay back in Ayodhya, so that she could take care of his aging parents and he could serve his brother and his wife.[19]

According to a legend, Urmila decided to sleep continuously for fourteen years, so that her husband could protect his brother and sister-in-law.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22][23]

Nidra told Lakshman that he would have to go to sleep as soon as the exile ends, so that Urmila could awake. After the exile, Lakshaman went to sleep and Urmila saw the coronation of Rama.

My brother, I have waited for this grand moment for years and just when I was about to witness my Lord Ram being crowned king, the goddess of sleep, Nidra, reminds me of our agreement and demands that I submit to her this very moment and go to sleep and let Urmila awaken.

— The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years (2018)[24]

Post exile and later life[edit | edit source]

Urmila had been sleeping all those years of the exile, as per the boon by Goddess Nidra. When Lakshmana returned from the exile, he woke her up. Urmila opened her eyes and wept with joy when she saw him. Rama was then crowned the King of Kosala.[25] According to the Uttara Kanda, Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada, with Urmila as the queen, who advised him on important state matters.[26]

Urmila and Lakshmana's elder son Angada, inherited the Kingdom of Karupada, from his father and their younger son Chandraketu, inherited the kingdom of Mallya, being commissioned by Rama.[27][28]

Death[edit | edit source]

According to a legend in Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas, after Sita and Lakshmana's death, Rama, Bharata and Shatrughan's samadhi, Mandvi and Shrutakirti, became Sati and died after their husband's samadhi.[29] As per the promise given to her sister Sita, Urmila stayed in Ayodhya to look after her son's Angada and Chandraketu, and Sita's sons Lava and Kusha. After few years, Urmila took samadhi in the Sarayu river.[30]

In other versions[edit | edit source]

Jain version[edit | edit source]

Main article: Rama in Jainism

Urmila is referred to as Prithvisundari in Jain Ramayana. 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).[31][32]

Mahaviracharita[edit | edit source]

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.[33]

Portrayal and assessment[edit | edit source]

Urmila (extreme left to Rama, who is in centre). Sculpture at Ramasamy Temple at Kumbakonam

Urmila has been portrayed as an ideal wife and an ideal mother known for her sacrifice in various texts, stories, illustrations, movies.[34] She is also portrayed as a devoted and patient wife who waits faithfully for her husband. She is often considered gentle, kind, compassionate and is known for her beauty and grace.[35][36] The Balakanda chapter of the Ramayana, describe her as "illustrious".[37]

मानस-मन्दिर में सती, पति की प्रतिमा थाप, जलती-सी उस विरह में, बनी आरती आप।

"Urmila has the image of her husband in her heart but she is distraught with the separation and is burning in it like the flame of an aarti."

– Maithili Sharan Gupt talks about Urmila's pain in his poem Saket.[38]

Urmila was known for her sincerity towards her husband and her family, but at the same time she stood with what was right.[39] She was the only one who fights for justice for her sister when Sita was banished from Ayodhya. In the Ramayana, Urmila displays patience and fortitude throughout.[40] Her sister, Sita always considered Urmila's sacrifice to be much bigger than that of her.[41]

Temples and worship[edit | edit source]

Urmila alongside her husband, Lakshmana is worshipped across the country.

Influence and popular culture[edit | edit source]

Urmila's story and her sacrifice have inspired "painting, film, novels, poems, TV serials and plays". Prominently, she is depicted in all the adaptations of Ramayana.[47]

Films[edit | edit source]

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

Television[edit | edit source]

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

Plays[edit | edit source]

The following plays portrayed Urmila's suffering in the theatre adaptation of Ramayana.

  • Urmila played a prominent role in the 1955 play, Bhoomikanya Sita, written by Bhargavaram Viththal Varerkar.[56]
  • Meedhu Mrityam portrayed her in Nimmy Raphel's 2023 play titled Urmila, that showcase her struggle with the emotional violence, post her husband's departure to exile.[57]
  • Her suffering was also portrayed in the "Laxman-Urmila episode" of the 2023 play, Prem Ramayan.[58]

Books[edit | edit source]

The following novels talks about Urmila's life.

  • Sita's Sister by Kavita Kané, published in 2014.
  • Urmila by Pervin Saket, published in 2016.[59]
  • The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years by Tulika Singh, published in 2018.
  • VISION and RE-VISION - Revisiting Mythologies, Rethinking Women by Beena. G.[41]
  • Urmila: The Forgotten Princess by Smriti Dewan, published in 2021.
  • Princesses Recall: Stories of Grit and Sacrifice of Shanta, Ruma, Shrutakeerti and Urmila by Deepa Hariharan, published in 2021.
  • LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story by Shubhi Agarwal, published in 2022.

Others[edit | edit source]

  • Rabindranath Tagore, included Urmila in his article Upekshita, where he wrote about women who were ignored/overlooked.[56]
  • Hindi poet Maithili Sharan Gupt wrote about Urmila's plight after her husband leave for exile, in his 1931 famous poem Saket, that centres upon her life.[60]
  • Hindi poet Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen praised Urmila, in his 1957 poem Urmila, that centres upon her life and sacrifice.[61]
  • In 2006, a song titled Urmila Devi Nidra, was published, that talks about her sleeping for fourteen year and also centres upon how Lakshmana is reunited with Urmila.[62]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (24 June 2012). "Urmila, Urmilā, Ūrmilā: 9 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  2. ↑ Agarwal, Shubhi (20 April 2022). LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story. Om Books International. ISBN 978-93-92834-21-9.
  3. ↑ Moor, Edward (1810). The Hindu Pantheon. J. Johnson. p. 316.
  4. ↑ "Ramayana | Summary, Characters, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 12 April 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  5. ↑ Mishra, V. (1979). Cultural Heritage of Mithila. Allahabad: Mithila Prakasana. p. 13. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  6. ↑ Garga Saṁhita. Rasbihari Lal & Sons. 2006. ISBN 978-81-87812-98-2.
  7. ↑ Raj, Selva J.; Dempsey, Corinne G. (12 January 2010). Sacred Play: Ritual Levity and Humor in South Asian Religions. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-1-4384-2981-6.
  8. ↑ Dictionary of Hindu Lord and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dhallapiccola
  9. ↑ Raychaudhuri, Hemchandra (2006). Political History of Ancient India. Cosmo Publications. ISBN 81-307-0291-6.
  10. ↑ "Sita's Sisters: Conversations On Sisterhood Between Women Of Ramayana". Outlook India. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  11. ↑ Praśānta Guptā (1998). Vālmīkī Rāmāyaṇa. Dreamland Publications. p. 32. ISBN 9788173012549.
  12. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (29 June 2012). "Lakshmana, Lakṣmaṇa, Lakṣmaṇā: 34 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  13. ↑ Debroy, Bibek (2005). The History of Puranas. Bharatiya Kala Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-8090-062-4.
  14. ↑ Bhalla, Prem P. (1 January 2009). The Story Of Sri Ram. Peacock Books. ISBN 978-81-248-0191-8.
  15. ↑ Valmiki. The Ramayana. pp. 126–145.
  16. ↑ Swami Parmeshwaranand (1 January 2001). Encyclopaedic Dictionaries of Puranas. Sarup & Sons. pp. 1210–1220. ISBN 978-81-7625-226-3. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  17. ↑ "Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 72 - The marriage of the four sons of King Dasaratha". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  18. ↑ Dawar, Sonalini Chaudhry (2006). Ramayana, the Sacred Epic of Gods and Demons. Om Books International. ISBN 9788187107675.
  19. ↑ Smriti Dewan (2021). Urmila: The Forgotten Princess. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9789390252916.
  20. ↑ Lakshman's wife goes to sleep Archived 19 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine - Devlok
  21. ↑ Kavita Kané (2014). Sita's Sister. Rupa Publications India Pvt. Limited. ISBN 9788129134844.
  22. ↑ Reeja Radhakrishnan (28 March 2014). "Urmila, The Sleeping Princess". Indian Express. Chennai. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  23. ↑ "Ramayana: Check 13 lesser-known facts". Jagranjosh.com. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  24. ↑ Tulika Singh (2018). The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years. Notion Press. p. 20. ISBN 9781948372176.
  25. ↑ "Chapter 9: 171. Rama Becomes King". Press Book. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  26. ↑ "Ram7 115 - AncientVoice".
  27. ↑ "The Ramayana: Conclusion". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  28. ↑ "Uttara Kanda of Ramayana was edited during 5th century BCE - Puranas". BooksFact - Ancient Knowledge & Wisdom. 26 April 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  29. ↑ MacFie, J. M. (1 May 2004). The Ramayan Of Tulsidas Or The Bible Of Northern India. Kessinger Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4179-1498-2.
  30. ↑ Richman, Paula (1 January 2001). Questioning Ramayanas: A South Asian Tradition. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-22074-4.
  31. ↑ Dundas, Paul (2002) [1992]. The Jains (Second ed.). London and New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-26605-5.
  32. ↑ Iyengar, Kodaganallur Ramaswami Srinivasa (2005). Asian Variations In Ramayana. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-1809-3.
  33. ↑ Mirashi, V. V. (1996). "The Mahavira-charita". Bhavabhūti. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. ISBN 81-208-1180-1.
  34. ↑ "Urmila: The Goddess of sacrifice in the Hindu epic Ramayana". News Nation. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  35. ↑ "Sleeping beauty: The unsung sacrifice of Urmila". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  36. ↑ Deepa Hariharan (2021). Princesses Recall - Stories of Grit and Sacrifice of Shanta, Ruma, Shrutakeerti and Urmila Based on the Indian Epic Ramayana. Independently Published. ISBN 9798528594781.
  37. ↑ "Book 1 (Bala-kanda): Chapter 77 - King Dasaratha returns to Ayodhya". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  38. ↑ "The anguish of Lakshmanpriya Urmila in Maithilisharan Gupt's 'Saket'". Amar Ujala. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  39. ↑ "Urmila's feminist stand against patriarchy in Sita's sister". International Journal of Advanced Research. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  40. ↑ "Urmila: Existential Dilemma and Feminist Concerns". Sahitya Akademi - Jstor. JSTOR 23345768. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 G, Beena (15 July 2019). "Urmila: Quest for an intellectual identity". VISION and RE-VISION - Revisiting Mythologies, Rethinking Women. Notion Press. ISBN 9781645873426.
  42. ↑ "Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Laxman Ji". Government of Rajasthan. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  43. ↑ "The place where not Ram and Sita, but Lakshman and Urmila are worshipped". News18 India. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  44. ↑ "Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Swamy temple: Small wonder on a hillock". Deccan Chronicle. 3 December 2017. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  45. ↑ "This unique Rama temple near Hyderabad where Hanuman finds no place". The News Minute. 17 April 2016.
  46. ↑ Rao, A.V. Shankara Narayana (2012). Temples of Tamil Nadu. Vasan Publications. pp. 71–4. ISBN 9788184681123.
  47. ↑ Mankekar, Purnima (1999). Screening Culture, Viewing Politics: An Ethnography of Television, Womanhood, and Nation in Postcolonial India. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-8223-2390-7.
  48. ↑ "Ramayanam Reviews". Archived from the original on 13 February 1998.
  49. ↑ "Lav Kush (1997)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  50. ↑ Nagpaul D'souza, Dipti (17 September 2010). "Epic Effort". Indian Express. The Indian Express Limited. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  51. ↑ Dalrymple, William (23 August 2008). "All Indian life is here". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  52. ↑ Bhattacharyya, Anushree (27 August 2013). "An epic battle". The Financial Express. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  53. ↑ "Karan Suchak and Yukti Kapoor: Siya Ke Ram's Laxman and Urmila are a match made in heaven". The Asian Age. 13 March 2016.
  54. ↑ "Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush". PINKVILLA. Archived from the original on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  55. ↑ "Vaidehi Nair to play pivotal role of Urmila in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Srimad Ramayan". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Shanta Gokhale. "What about Urmila?". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  57. ↑ "Urmila wakes the audience up to the travails of Lakshmana's wife". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  58. ↑ "Darpan theatre festival: Tales of epic love, sacrifice draw applause". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  59. ↑ Saket, Pervin (5 January 2016). Urmila. Jaico Publishing House. ISBN 9788184956665.
  60. ↑ "Saket - Maithali Sharan Gupt". Kavita Kosh. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  61. ↑ "Urmila - Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen". Bal Krishna Sharma Naveen. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  62. ↑ The song of Urmila’s separation: Andhra women’s song spotlights Ramayana’s neglected character Manushi Retrieved 27 December 2022

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