Lakshmana Archives - Daily Religion

Dearer than Sita, dearer than Lakshmana- (Feb 22^nd 2002)
What would a man hold the most important and dearer than his or her own life? Ask Rama. He would come up with just only one answer

What is dearer than Sita?- (Feb 23^rd 2002)
Sita herself says, ‘You don’t know! Lakshmana is dearer to my husband than I am.’ Women know this by instinct

Nothing is greater than Rama- (Feb 24^th 2002)
There is no Dharma greater than Rama for him. There is no relation superior to Rama for him. There is no duty better than standing in readiness…

Love unfathomable…- (Feb 25^th 2002)
In several places we see Rama overjoyed and pouring his heart out in exuberance, holding Lakshmana as his own father…

A part of Rama - (Feb 26^th 2002)
It may be observed that Lakshmana is not asked for. Viswamitra very specifically asks for only one son…

Lakshmana in rage - (Feb 27^th 2002)
 It was not just an accident that Lakshmana was not with Rama especially at the most crucial time

The contrasting manifestation - (Feb 28^th 2002)
Both Rama and Lakshmana are made of the same substance. But that substance manifested in different forms in each…

Unusual indeed! - (Mar 01^st2002)
That is one of the favourite beginnings of Rama. Praising before criticising. He would not indulge in criticism straightway…

You are my all - (Mar 02^nd2002)
Rama is so happy that Lakshmana has quite unwittingly given him a very valid point to stop him and make him listen to him!

A cub in the mousetrap - (Mar 03^rd2002)
Rama sets the trap here. He knows that Lakshmana would not listen to him even now and would persist in doing what he had already decided…

Don’t come with me! - (Mar 04^th2002)
If Rama silenced Lakshmana with a very tactful move, Lakshmana won the heart of Rama with love and supplication.

My life depends on you - (Mar 05^th2002)
‘You sound crueller now than when you pacified me with the strength of your character…’ says Lakshmana

Unparalleled love! - (Mar 06^th2002)
Lakshmana was, as you know, characterized as the very embodiment of the principle of ‘kainkarya’; his ‘Lakshmi’ was ‘Kainkaryalakshmi’…

Love has a different perception - (Mar 07^th2002)
Love has strange ways of interpreting events. While Dasaratha's known for his unswerving love for Truth, Lakshmana has his own way of disproving it…

Love blinds too… - (Mar 08^th2002)
The verses of Kamban describing the enraged words of Lakshmana make him all the more loveable. There about twelve verses… 

River in spate but within banks - (Mar 09^th2002)
Though highly volatile and explosive in nature, Lakshmana would not take any action on impulse, unless he has the approval of Rama…

Capping the volcano - (Mar 10^th2002)
A stunning example of administering admonition without sounding harsh or painful; but at the same time driving the message home…

The power of devotion - (Mar 11^th2002)
"His devotion to Rama and Sita gives him a power of insight which is denied to Rama himself."

The Surpanakha incident - (Mar 12^th2002)
This is one example for Lakshamana's quick action, judgement and quick decision-making…

Smelling a rat - (Mar 13^th2002)
Was it a deer or was there a ploy behind it? Lakshmana has strong reasons and mentions that it is Märïca who has come in that form…

The wise think twice - (Mar 14^th2002)
The amazing thing is Lakshmana's mind remains so wide awake that he is able not only to see the falsity of the situation but also able to spot that it is Märïca…

My sire is great - (Mar 15^th2002)
As Märïca fell down in his original form, he thought of his brother who restrained him in the first instance - (and exclaimed) my sire is great…

Calming the storm or storming the calm? - (Mar 16^th2002)
The process of arguing, reasoning and concluding logically needs a very clam and clear mind stoically refusing to get disturbed by whatever happens around…

The urgent and the immediate I - (Mar 17^th2002)
And now, when Lakshmana is prioritising his responsibilities and be of assistance to the one who needs it most, he is accused of disloyalty and unfounded and wanton designs…

The urgent and the immediate II - (Mar 18^th2002)
Anxiety is the mother of most of the woes. It gives birth to vain and pointless anger, which needs to be expended on some direction that one is not very sure of…

The urgent and the immediate III - (Mar 19^th2002)
Sita utters several words that are unkindly and unbecoming to Lakshmana…

The urgent and the immediate IV - (Mar 20^th2002)
Kamban presents a totally different drama that is convincing and at the same time serves the same purpose…

Staying focussed - (Mar 21^th2002)
It is this moment at which a person needs to remain focussed. Rama displays a human quality at this time and is pulled by the strong currents of emotions…

The stoic - (Mar 22^nd2002)
Anybody else in the position of Lakshmana would have crumbled. On the one hand his sister-in-law accused him and on the other, here is his brother…

A tower of strength - (Mar 23^rd2002)
Now there is something very interesting at this point in the story, a tinge of science - aeronautical science for that matter - which surprises us…

A razor sharp intellect - (Mar 24^th2002)
With a remarkable eye for details and a very sharp and analytical mind, Lakshmana picks up details, which though obvious, did not strike Rama.

The Ayomukhi incident - (Mar 25^th2002)
The verses describing him going through agony and pain deserve to be studied. We tend to think Rama being a superhuman, did not have as many troubles…

Light of my light - (Mar 26^th2002)
Let him be born as my elder brother, in our next incarnation. I would render all the service that he did to me now and pay this debt back…

Lakshmana the courageous - (Mar 27^th2002)
Courage is not simply quelling the external enemy. It is the willingness and the stubbornness to root out the enemy within…

Lakshmana the catalyst - (Mar 28^th2002)
Notice the words of Lakshmana once again. He is performing a difficult job. He is advising his senior whom he has been valuing as more than his parent…

The Kabandha episode I - (Mar 29^th2002)
The form is so massive and the arms are so long that it resembles a large citadel. Rama gets the impression that they have reached the fort...

Who is the real warrior? - (Mar 30^th2002)
Only he who stays and fights and overcome their problems are warriors in the truest sense. "They give sorrow to sorrow who in sorrow do not suffer sorrow." 

The Kabandha episode II - (Mar 31^st2002)
'The logic that applies to you applies to me too! If you have your father's word to follow, I have my mother's!  

The trusted minister - (Apr 01^st2002)
It is Lakshmana who intervenes at difficult points of time when Rama is not supposed to give a direct answer either due to demands of protocol or due to force of circumstances…

On the loyalty of Sugriva - (Apr 02^nd2002)
It is only natural that people see the world from their personal stand point and Lakshmana, at least when he sees the tussle between Sugriva and Vali, is no different…

Who can equal Bharata? - (Apr 03^rd2002)
Look what he says! Lakshmana is anguished at the thought of Sugriva, having brought someone to kill his brother and when he mentions that to Rama…

The voice of the rebel - (Apr 04^th2002)
‘No way. There is nothing more apt left for us to do than to take up our bows and arrows and fight. No more negotiations. No more talk of peace,’ protested Lakshmana…

Silence is more eloquent - (Apr 05^th2002)
And now there is only one voice that remains to be heard - (that of Lakshmana) and that voice remains unheard. This is something very striking… 

The first encounter with Ravana - (Apr 08^th2002)
The Poets do due justice to all characters, be it Rama or Ravana, or anyone else for that matter. The characters display a very rare quality to be seen these days…

O! What a man! - (Apr 09^th2002)
Ravana is unable to believe the destruction that Lakshmana was wreaking in his ranks and files, under his very nose…

A war of wits - (Apr 10^th2002)
Now this is a precarious situation. Lakshmana would not beat a retreat and he needed time to gather his weapons and get ready to face the demon…

His divine nature - I - (Apr 11^th2002)
The Poet very carefully strives to put Rama in oblivion of his real self, not even recognising His own ‘periya thiruvadi’…

His divine nature - II - (Apr 12^th2002)
Ravana was simply flabbergasted by the speed and fury with which Lakshmana directed his arrows and he could not but express his amazement…

His divine nature - III - (Apr 15^th2002)
This is the only place in which Valmiki shows Lakshmana as being aware of his divinity and the fact that he is an incarnation of the Supreme…

Love makes it possible - (Apr 16^th2002)
What was not possible for insolent might was such an easy task for love and devotion…

Lakshmana’s question answered - (Apr 17^th2002)
Remember this question of Lakshmana - If Ravana hands back Sita now, what would happen to your promise to Vibishana…

Kumbakarna and Lakshmana I - (Apr 18^th2002)
It was not an easy war that Lakshmana fought and it was not ‘just another ogre’ that he was confronted with…

Kumbakarna and Lakshmana II - (Apr 19^th2002)
Kumbakarna’s rich tributes to Lakshmana during the battle and at the time of death…

he battle with Atikaya - (Apr 22^nd2002)
It is only after the death of Kumbakarna, Lakshmana’s role as a warrior of a superior order comes to light and full play in the battle with Atikaya… 

The battle with Atikaya - II - (Apr 23^rd2002)
He is no ordinary demon. He is the reincarnation of one of the most valiant...

The battle with Atikaya - III - (Apr 24^th2002)
He thought that the only way to punish Rama was to kill Lakshmana...

The right punishment - (Apr 25^th2002)
‘I will kill Rama only after killing Lakshmana and make him go through the same kind of agony that my father is going through now,’ thought Atikaya…

What am I before him! - (Apr 26^th2002)
Vibishana's narration suggesting the inadequacy of Lakshmana to fight Atikaya and Rama's spirited response…

See for yourself - (Apr 29^th2002)
Now Rama has a two-fold responsibility. He has to convince Vibishana and at the same time he has to establish the credibility of Lakshmana…

The preparation of the field - (Apr 30^th2002)
One can very easily read through the strategy of Atikaya in deputing so many warriors for Lakshmana to fight his way through…

Siriya Thiruvadi the second - (May 01^st2002)
This same rule applies to the arrow as well. One needs an elevation - to make effective use of gravity as well - to make the job easier…

The Challenge - (May 03^rd2002)
In a war scene, the role of the charioteer must be clearly understood. A charioteer is not something like a car-driver…

The reason for his rage - (May 06^th2002)
Kamban beautifully brings out a unique character trait of Lakshmana that was seen earlier in Rama…

The killing of Atikaya - (May 07^th 2002)
The use of a divine astra without seeking the permission of Rama, an unusual deed…

Indrajit - (May 08^th 2002)
Here is a father, who dares to send his son on a mission from which he himself could not come back victorious!

Number one among warriors - (May 09^th 2002)
The name of Indrajit is intertwined with that of Lakshmana as far as the Book of War is concerned. One cannot be studied without a reference to the other…

His exploits and boons - (May 10^th 2002)
When the mind is obstinately set in an aimless pursuit, and eyes are bloodshot with rage and the personality is submerged by vanity and ego, wisdom takes a back seat.

The first war with Indrajit - (May 13^th 2002)
The anger of Indrajit shot up multi-fold on seeing Hanuman. Here was the person who was responsible for turning Lanka into shambles…

There finally is a match - (May 14^th 2002)
For the first time in his entire life, Indrajit saw a person who was a match for him in all respects. He was soon overtaken by awe and respect… 

Error of judgement I - (May 15^th 2002)
Lakshmana immediately destroyed the chariot of Indrajit for one more time. His idea was to kill Indrajit after destroying the chariot. But he erred.

Error of judgement II - (May 16^th 2002)
All Lakshmana knew was a straight face-to-face battle. As far as he was concerned, the battle was over once the enemy leaves the battlefield.

The divine will - (May 17^th 2002)
It was due to divine Will that Lakshmana woke up from the numberless serpents that held him down in their powerful hold…

A compliment from the enemy ranks - (May 20^th 2002)
The words of Mali clearly establish the name that Lakshmana had earned among the ranks and files of the Lanka army.

To use or not to use - (May 21^st 2002)
The part played by Rama on that day in the warfront lasted only for a few hours while Lakshmana fought with all his force and might and filled the field with severed limbs, blood and broken chariots. 

He is at it again… - (May 22^nd 2002)
Indrajit was watching everything from yonder skies. He was waiting for the opportune moment. He did not stir. However he started his preparations… 

Killing from hiding - (May 23^rd 2002)
Indrajit did not have the compunction that Rama and Lakshmana had in the use of Brahmastra. We do not question that. But Indrajit did not have the temerity…

Is Vibishana right, after all? - (May 24^th 2002)
What Vibishana told is true, really. Rama is none other than Narayana. I have understood this fact - (today) without an iota of doubt,' said Indrajit…

Towards fulfilment - (May 27^th 2002)
Brahma had granted Indrajit a boon that at the conclusion of the Nikumbhila Yaga... 

A Clever ploy - (May 28^th 2002)
Should they fly back on Hanuman to Ayodhya? Or should they remain there, sending Hanuman alone? Difficult decisions had to be made.

Goodbye to your Dharma! - (May 29^th 2002)
If Rama is affected by - what he perceives as - practising that Dharma, Lakshmana is unable to contain himself. His serpent energy takes complete hold of him...

Stand by your Dharma - (May 30^th 2002)
The third and decisive battle with Indrajit commences now, with a condition that requires Lakshmana to stand by the side of Dharma…

Destruction of Nikumbhila - (May 31^st 2002)
May be the stipulation of Rama carries a message for the nations that are at loggerheads with the nuclear option open...

Rama is my Dharma - (June 3^rd 2002)
Lakshmana, even if he has his own opinion in any matter, is not prepared violate the words of Rama even at the risk of death, for Rama is his Dharma...

Lakshmana the Supreme - (June 4^th 2002)
'Who could he be,' Indrajit thought with awe. Is he the Lord, the Lord Supreme?' surprise filled his heart…

Lakshmana the Supreme II - (June 5^th 2002)
'My dear father,' said Indrajit, please do not think - (and say) that I am afraid. If only you can wipe your heart of the desire for Sita, their anger would be pacified…'

At least after my death… - (June 6^th 2002)
'I am going now,' said Indrajit. Be well. Let realisation dawn on you at least after my death.

Slaying of Indrajit I - (June 7^th 2002)
Nor did Lakshmana. He admired his enemy. He did not hesitate to express his amazement at what he saw…

Slaying of Indrajit II - (June 10^th 2002)
If Rama is the Ultimate abode of Dharma, if he is the one whose nature could be seen only with the help of the Holy Books...

The greatness of the two - (June 11^th 2002)
It was a very difficult victory that Lakshmana had won. On the other side, the supreme sacrifice of Indrajit in fight for his father to the last cannot be taken lightly... 

Nikumbhila I - (June 12^th 2002)
It is very strange that Ravana, who performed penance of the fiercest kind to reach the heights that he scaled, could not bear the sight of his son Indrajit performing penance...

Nikumbhila II - (June 13^th 2002)
And that puts Indrajit on a higher pedestal than his father, who had learnt all the Vedas and holy texts and was a master at them...

Nikumbhila III - (June 14^th 2002)
That itself shows the great change that is coming over in the mind of Ravana though he is not prepared to accept it...

The attempt on Vibishana - (June 17^th 2002)
Right at that moment Ravana decided to kill Vibishana and decided to use the javelin known as Shakti, a missile that was made by his father-in-law, Mayan...

Remarkable hero - (June 18^th 2002)
'If this missile cannot be stopped, I will offer myself to it instead,' Lakshmana decided quickly, in a split-second. He pushed Vibishana aside and ran towards the javelin...

A solider to the core - (June 19^th 2002)
That is the last battle in the Ramayana that Lakshmana waged, in the Yuddha Kanda. A soul so devoted to his brother, who valued his words so much...

The fire ordeal and Lakshmana - (June 20^th 2002)
The strongest of love had to be put to the most burning of all acid tests simply because Rama happened to be the king...

A painful decision - (June 21^st 2002)
Rama was not satisfied with the good reports that Bhadra was giving him. He wanted to know both the good and bad points that people discussed about him...

The painful decision II - (June 24^th 2002)
"Sita, - (pure of conduct) has been handed over to me by Mahendra in the presence of gods and my inner conscience bears testimony to her purity and nobility..."

Take her away - (June 25^th 2002)
Delivering his order, Rama retired to his apartment sighing as an elephant. The difficult task was left to Lakshmana to carry out.

The pain of duty - (June 26^th 2002)
'Take heart Lakshmana and do not weep… the separation from your brother won't last longer than two days,' Sita teased...

Look at me! - (June 27^th 2002)
'Look at me Lakshmana. I am pregnant and it is your duty to stand witness to my character...'

"Sufferings which have no tongue" - (June 28^th 2002)
Read in this context, the request of Sita to look at her should have been a heart-rending experience for Lakshmana to listen to...

Children of Lakshmana - (July 1^st 2002)
Though not much is known about Lakshmana's personal life we come to know that Lakshmana had two sons...

Visited by death - (July 2^nd 2002)
The second occasion on which Lakshmana had to violate the order of Rama comes at the very end of the epic...

Here is trouble - (July 3^rd 2002)
'I have come to see Rama and let me see him right now,' said Durvasa. Lakshmana was placed in a very delicate situation. He could not let this man in!

All for a meal! - (July 4^th 2002)
If Lakshmana lets Durvasa in, he would be violating the order of Rama and would face death sentence. If he does not, here is the impatient and excitable sage…

Of milk pudding and death sentence… - (July 5^th 2002)
One is not but able to stand in amazement by the finesse with which the Poet has employed black humour to bring out the best qualities ingrained in the family…

I leave you - (July 8^th 2002)
Rama consented. But these two words are not sufficient to express the feelings that sundered him that day. "I leave you, O son of Sumitra...

Unparalleled - (July 9^th 2002)
What are the chief points of his character? He has a dog's qualities, a slave's virtues. As a watchful guard, if there is a stranger or even a friend in apparent enmity, he barks...