A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.960

c5.960

LAKSHMANA. 1. Son of King Dasa-ratha by his wife Sumitrā. He was the twin brother of Satru-ghna, and the half-brother and especial friend of Rāma-chandra. Under the peculiar circumstances of his birth, one-eighth part of the divinity of Vishnu became manifest in him. (See Dasa-ratha.) But according to the Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇa, he was an incarnation of Sesha. When Rāma left his father's court to go to the hermitage of Viswāmitra, Lakshmana accompanied him, and afterwards attended him in his exile and in all his wanderings. He was also very attached to Rāma's wife Sītā, which gave rise to the reproach that the two brothers were husbands of one wife. On one occasion, indeed, Sītā reproached Lakshmana that he did not hasten to rescue Rāma from danger, because he wished to obtain herself. His own wife was Ūrmilā, the sister of Sītā, and he had two sons, Angada and Chandra-ketu. While Rāma and Lakshmana were living in the wilderness, a Rākshasī named Sūrpa-nakhā, sister of Rāvana, fell in love with Rāma and made advances to him. He jestingly referred her to Lakshmana, who in like manner sent her back to Rāma. When she was again repulsed she attacked Sītā, whom Rāma was obliged to defend. Rāma then called upon Lakshmana to disfigure the Rākshasī, and accordingly he cut off her nose and ears. The mutilated female called upon her brother to avenge her, and a fierce war ensued. When Sītā was carried off by Rāvana, Lakshmana accompanied Rāma in his search, and he ably and bravely supported him in his war against Rāvana. Rāma's earthly career was drawing to a close, and Time was sent to inform him that he must elect whether to stay longer on earth, or to return to the place from whence he had come. While they were in conference, the irascible sage Dur-vāsas came and demanded to see Rāma instantly, threatening him with the most direful curses if any delay were allowed to occur. To save his brother Rāma from the threatened curse, but aware of the consequences that would ensue to himself from breaking in upon Rāma's interview with Time, he went in and brought Rāma out. Lakshmana knowing his fate, retired to the river Sarayū and resigned himself. The gods then showered down flowers upon him and conveyed him bodily to heaven. 2. A son of Duryodhana, killed by Abhimanyu.