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Continued from yesterday’s instalment
 The role of Lakshmana right through the later part of the Aranya Kanda requires him to be supportive. He argues logically and reminds Rama again and again of the immediate job at hand. Guided by Sabari, they reach Rishyamuka Parvadha, where Sugriva lives in hiding. When Hanuman in the form of a brahmachari, meets them on behalf of Sugriva, Lakshmana takes over from Rama and plays the role of his minister, after the initial introduction is over.
The roles are clearly defined and Lakshmana is the spokesperson of Rama in more than one instance. We see him taking over from Rama at appropriate points of discussion, without having to be told. It is he who narrates the story of Rama to Hanuman during the first meeting. Kamba Ramayna contains five shorter versions by way of recapitulation on five different occasions and this narration by Lakshmana is the first of them. Later we hear the recaps from Hanuman to Sugriva, Hanuman to Sita etc.
It is Lakshmana who intervenes at difficult points of time where Rama is not supposed to give a direct answer either due to demands of protocol or due to force of circumstances. It is thus Lakshmana answers the final and vital question of Vali, put to
Rama.
‘anayadhu
aaga,’ says Vali. I agree with what you say. You shot your arrow at me because I am at fault.
‘seruk kaLaththu uruththu eyyaadhE,’ instead of facing me directly in the battlefield,
‘vevviya puLignar enna vilangiyE,’ hidden behind a tree like a hunter,
‘villaal evviyadhu ennai’ why did you aim your arrow at me?
 ‘I agree with you. But should you not have fought me face to face? Instead why did you choose to shoot your arrow from behind a tree?’ This is a question, which if Rama answers, would demand him to sound a little too immodest. Lakshmana, who was a silent witness until then, intervenes beautifully.
‘munbu nin thambi vandhu saran puga,’ Your brother (Sugriva) approached (Rama) earlier and surrendered unto him.
‘murai ilOyai then pulaththu uyppan endru seppinan,’ Rama assured him that he would kill you of immoral ways.
‘seruvil neeyum anbinai uyirukku aagi,’ If he chose to engage you in a direct battle, ‘anbinai uyirukku aagi,’ (you would soon be pushed into defeat and) out of sheer love for your life, ‘adaikkalam yaanum endri enbadhu karudhi’ and would seek his protection. He would then be in a delicate situation. And that is why he hid himself behind the tree, thus denying you the opportunity!
‘What could he do, if you, unable to fight with him, fell at his feet, seeking his protection? He would then be not in a position to stick to his words given earlier to Sugriva!’ Apart from being convincing, it takes out the slur on the character of Rama that is otherwise caused. Vali is convinced by this explanation of Lakshmana.
Lakshmana’s role gains much weight and importance as the story
advances.
More follows...
Published on 31st March 2002
Hari Krishnan
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