Editing Lakshmana

{{short description|Hindu god and Rama's brother in epic Ramayana}}
{{About|the Hindu deity|other uses|Lakshman (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| image = Lakshmana at Srivaikundam.jpg
| caption = Statue of Lakshmana at [[Srivaikuntanathan Perumal temple]]
| name = Lakshmana
| devanagari = लक्ष्मण
| dynasty = [[Raghuvaṃśa]]-[[Suryavamsha|Suryavaṃśa]]
| spouse = [[Urmila]]
| 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>
| affiliation = [[Avatar]] of [[Shesha]]
| weapon = [[Bow and Arrow]], [[Dagger]]
| abode = [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]], 
[[Vaikuntha]], [[Kshira Sagara]]
| siblings = [[Shatrughna]] (brother)<br>[[Rama]] (half-brother)<br>[[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]] (half-brother)
| parents = {{unbulleted list|[[Dasharatha]] (father)|[[Sumitra]] (mother)|[[Kaikeyi]] (step-mother)|[[Kausalya]] (step-mother)}}
| avatar_birth = [[Ayodhya]], [[Kosala (Mahajanapada)|Kosala]] (present-day [[Uttar Pradesh]], India)
| avatar_end = [[Sarayu river]], Ayodhya, Kosala (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India)
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}

'''Lakshmana''' ({{langx|sa|लक्ष्मण|lit=the one endowed with auspicious signs}}, {{IAST3|Lakṣmaṇa}}), also known as '''Laxmana''', '''Lakhan''', '''Saumitra''', and '''Ramanuja''', is the younger brother of [[Rama]] in the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]]''. He is considered as an incarnation of [[Shesha]], the lord of serpents.<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> Lakshmana was married to [[Urmila]], and is known for his loyalty and dedication towards Rama.<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><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>

Lakshmana was born to King [[Dasharatha]] of [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]] and Queen [[Sumitra]]. [[Shatrughna]], is his twin brother. He was married to [[Urmila]], after his brother Rama married [[Sita]] in her swayamvara. Lakshmana devoted himself to Rama since childhood and accompanied him during his [[Exile of Rama|fourteen-year exile]], serving him and [[Sita]] endlessly. He also played a pivotal role in the war and killed [[Indrajit|Meghanada]]. Lakshmana is worshipped in Hinduism, at various places in [[India]], alongside [[Rama]] and [[Sita]].<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 Lakshmana is of [[Sanskrit]] origin, which means 'the one endowed with auspicious signs'. He bears the epithets of Saumitra ({{Langx|sa|सौमित्र|lit=son of Sumitra}}, {{IAST3|Saumitra}}) and Ramanuja ({{Langx|sa|रामानुज|lit=younger brother of Rama}}, {{IAST3|Rāmānuja}}).<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 ===
[[File: Four Sons of Dasaratha.jpg|thumb|250px|Birth of the four sons of Dasharatha]]

King [[Dasharatha]] of [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]] had three wives: [[Kausalya]], [[Sumitra]] and [[Kaikeyi]]. He performed a [[yajna]]-[[Ashvamedha|Ashwamedha yajna]] to beget sons and as a result, his queens became pregnant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rys/rys1015.htm|title=The Ramayana in Sanskrit: Book 1: Chapter 15}}</ref> Lakshmana and his brother [[Shatrughna]] were born to Sumitra, while [[Rama]] and [[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]] were born to Kausalya and Kaikeyi respectively.<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]],<ref>{{cite book |title=Śrīgargasaṃhitā: Kīrtibhāṣāsārasahitā |date=2000 |publisher=Vyāsa Bālābakṣa Śodhasaṃsthāna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r3PXAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%80 |language=sa}}</ref> 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><ref>{{Cite book |last=Haq |first=Kaiser |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jCmoCgAAQBAJ&dq=shesha+snake&pg=PT28 |title=The Triumph of the Snake Goddess |date=2015-10-12 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-91511-4 |language=en |access-date=29 July 2022 |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615185004/https://books.google.com/books?id=jCmoCgAAQBAJ&dq=shesha+snake&pg=PT28 |url-status=live }}</ref> When sage [[Vishwamitra|Vishvamitra]] asked Rama to kill the demons in the forest, Lakshmana accompanied them and went to [[Mithila (ancient)|Mithila]] with them. Vishvamitra gives them the knowledge of the ''Devastras'' or celestial weaponry [bala and ati bala], trains them in advanced religion and guides them to kill powerful demons like [[Tataka]], [[Maricha]] and [[Subahu]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rama and Lakshmana Slay the mighty tataka|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/spirituality/2018/apr/28/rama-and-lakshmana-slay-the-mighty-tataka-1806617.html|access-date=2020-09-05|website=The New Indian Express|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805023717/https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/spirituality/2018/apr/28/rama-and-lakshmana-slay-the-mighty-tataka-1806617.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Marriage to Urmila ===
[[File:Urmila and lakshmana marriage.webp|thumb|The marriage ceremony of Lakshmana and Urmila. Painting at [[Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam|Ramasamy Temple]]  at [[Kumbakonam]]]]

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.<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 book|last=Dawar|first=Sonalini Chaudhry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NxFPAQAAMAAJ&q=Lakshmana|title=Ramayana, the Sacred Epic of Gods and Demons|date=2006|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=9788187107675|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=Lakshmana|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 Mountains|Mahendra]].<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 he was to 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>

=== Exile and war ===
{{Main|Exile of Rama}}
[[File:Lakshmana is stricken by the magic arrows of Indrajita.jpg|thumb|Lakshmana is stricken by the magic arrows of Indrajita a Powerful warrior and Son of Ravana]]
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]]a (Meghanada) and [[Atikaya]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Richman|first=Paula|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XkifYfljHP4C&q=surpanakha&pg=PA74|title=Many Ramayanas: The Diversity of a Narrative Tradition in South Asia|date=1991-08-29|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-07589-4|location=|pages=|language=en|chapter=The Mutilation of Surpanakha}}</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>

[[File:Rama exiled to Forest.jpg|thumb|Rama in the exile, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana]]

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 the demon [[Maricha]], who distracted Rama. When Rama killed Maricha, he cried out in Rama's 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]]), 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>

Through their search for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman, the biggest devotee of Rama, greatest of ape heroes, and an adherent of Sugriva. Rama befriends Sugriva and helps him by killing his elder brother Vali, thus regaining the kingdom of Kiṣkindha, in exchange for helping Rāma to recover Sita. However, Sugriva soon forgets his promise and this enrage Lakshmana, who was ready to destroy the ape citadel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://shabdbooks.com/gallery/392-may-2020.pdf|title=A tail's travel from Treta Yuga to DwaparaYuga|website=shabdbooks.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519175458/http://shabdbooks.com/gallery/392-may-2020.pdf|archive-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Indian - Lakshmana Fights Indrajit - Walters W902.jpg|thumb|Lakshmana fights [[Indrajit]] (also known as Meghanada) during the war]]

During the war between [[Rama]] and [[Ravana]], [[Indrajit|Meghanada]] hurls a powerful weapon at Lakshmana and he is mortally wounded. So Hanumana assumes his gigantic form and flies from Lanka to the Himalayas. Upon reaching mountain, Hanuman is unable to identify the herb, sanjeevani, that will cure Lakshmana and so he decides to bring the entire mountain back to Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Mṛtasañjīvanī |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241774.html |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> Post his recovery, Lakshmana killed Meghanada and [[Atikaya]], who were the sons of Ravana.<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>

=== Post 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.<ref name="EB_Balarama">{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Balarama|title=Balarama &#124; Hindu mythology|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|date=23 August 2023 }}</ref>

Goddess Nidra had told Lakshmana that he would have to go to sleep as soon as the exile ends, so that Urmila could awake. After the exile, Lakshmana went to sleep and Urmila saw the coronation of Rama.
{{quote box
|quote= "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."<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>
|source=—''The Princess Who Slept For 14 Years''}}

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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cakrabartī |first=Bishṇupada |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FCAqAAAAYAAJ&q=interpolation+uttara+kanda |title=The Penguin Companion to the Ramayana |date=2006 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-310046-1 |language=en |access-date=12 July 2022 |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118062022/https://books.google.com/books?id=FCAqAAAAYAAJ&q=interpolation+uttara+kanda |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to the ''[[Uttara Kanda]]'', Lakshmana had ruled over Karupada with Urmila as the queen; 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><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>

===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.<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>

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 River (Ayodhya)|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 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>

== Belief and assessment ==
[[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 has been described in the ''Ramayana'', as a man with unwavering loyalty, love and commitment to his elder brother, through times of joy and adversity alike. He was also noted for being an obedient son, both to his parents and to his sister-in-law.<ref>{{Cite book |author=P. R. Mitchell |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W18OeYVi9ygC |title=Ramayan: India's Classic Story of Divine Love |year=2009 |publisher= iUniverse|isbn=9780595616398 |language=en |page=42}}</ref>

[[Bandhavgarh Fort]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]] (''bandhav'' as brother, ''garh'' as fort) was said to have been given by Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a 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]]: {{lang|ms|لقسامان}}) after the figure. There are five ranks with his name, under General/flag officers.<ref>James Goldrick, Jack McCaffrie, ''Navies of South-East Asia: A Comparative Study'' (London: Routledge, 2012 {{ISBN|9780415809429}})</ref>

== Lakshamana Parshuram Conversation ==
The Lakshmana-Parashurama dialogue in the Bal Kand of the Ramayana is one of the most famous and profound exchanges in Hindu scriptures. This interaction is not only a story but also a medium for imparting deep philosophical, religious, and social teachings. The dialogue involves three prominent characters – Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Parashurama, each embodying unique virtues and qualities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parshuram Ram and Lakshman Samvad in English - Pranah |url=https://pranah.site/brief/parshuram-ram-and-lakshman-samvad-in-english |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=pranah.site |language=en}}</ref>

The confrontation begins after Lord Rama breaks Lord Shiva’s bow at Sita's Swayamvara. Parashurama, who holds a deep connection with Lord Shiva and his bow, becomes enraged. His anger is fueled not just by the bow’s breaking, but also by his own sense of pride and superiority in warfare. In this moment, Lord Rama confronts Parashurama with great wisdom, leading to the insightful dialogue that unfolds.

=== Expansion of the Dialogue ===
Source:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webdunia |title=Lakshman Parshuram Samvad : लक्ष्मणजी और परशुरामजी का रोचक संवाद |url=https://hindi.webdunia.com/ramayana/lakshman-parshuram-samvad-121051000058_1.html |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=hindi.webdunia.com |language=hi}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the broken bow, Parashurama storms into King Janak’s court in a rage. His anger strikes fear into the hearts of the assembled kings. Demanding the guilty party, he accuses the person who broke Shiva’s bow of being his enemy. Lakshmana, without hesitation, mocks Parashurama's anger, pointing out the absurdity of getting so upset over an old bow. Parashurama’s response is full of pride, recounting his past battles and his self-proclaimed superiority over the Kshatriyas.

Lakshmana continues to taunt Parashurama, claiming that all bows are the same and that breaking an old one is not such a great offense. The conversation escalates as Parashurama, enraged by Lakshmana’s insolence, declares that his axe can destroy anyone who stands in his way. Lakshmana, ever fearless, continues to challenge Parashurama, saying that true bravery is shown through actions, not words.

As Parashurama raises his axe in anger, Lakshmana dismisses it as a mere show of force. The sage’s pride, however, is not easily quelled, and he declares that he is sparing Lakshmana’s life only out of respect for Vishwamitra’s request.

The exchange reaches a turning point when Lord Rama steps in, calming the situation with his characteristic wisdom. He reminds Parashurama of his own virtuous nature and urges him to show mercy to the young Lakshmana. Rama humbly offers to take the blame for the incident, requesting Parashurama to forgive Lakshmana.

==In other versions==
=== Jain version ===
{{main|Rama in Jainism|Śalākāpuruṣa}}

[[File:Rama Lakshmana.jpg|thumb|upright|Rama and Lakshmana are the eighth set of Baladeva and Vasudeva according to the Jain universal history]]

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> 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>

=== Gond version ===
Lakshmana is the main protagonist in the ''[[Gondi people#Culture|Gond Ramayani]]''. In this version, that is set post the Lanka war, Lakshmana goes through [[agnipravesham]] and not Sita.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 May 2015|title=Five other Ramayanas: Sita as Kali, Lakshman as Ravana's slayer and more|url=https://scroll.in/article/725361/five-other-ramayanas-sita-as-kali-lakshman-as-ravanas-slayer-and-more|accessdate=14 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Mona |title=Gond Ramayani |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gond-ramayani/articleshow/8205480.cms |website=Times of India |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=17 November 2021}}</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>

== Temples and worship ==
Although Lakshmana is worshipped with Rama in Rama temples, there are some temples dedicated him, where he is worshipped alongside his wife, Urmila.<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>

[[File:Thirumoozhikkulam.jpg|thumb|[[Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple]], where Lakshmana is the main deity]]

* 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}}</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>
* In the [[Ernakulam]] district of [[Kerala]], there is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana, called [[Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Elayavalli|first=Venkatesh K.|title=108 Divya Desam: A Virtual Tour|url=http://www.srivaishnava.org/ddesam/ddesam.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719231824/http://www.srivaishnava.org/ddesam/ddesam.htm|archive-date=2011-07-19}}</ref>
* In [[Thrissur]] district of Kerala, there is a temple called [[Vilwadrinatha Temple]], where Lakshmana is one of the main deity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thiruvilwamala Vilwadrinatha Temple – Hindu Temple Timings, History, Location, Deity, Shlokas |url=https://www.ishtadevata.com/temple/thiruvilwamala-vilwadrinatha-temple-sree-rama-temple-thiruvilwamala-thrissur/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In [[Kottayam]] district of Kerala, there is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana and Rama, called the [[Vennimala|Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshmana Temple]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vaikhari.org/vennimala.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423110651/http://www.vaikhari.org/vennimala.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=23 April 2011|title=Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshamana Perumal Temple|website=www.vaikhari.org}}</ref>

== Influence and popular culture ==
Lakshmana's story and his devotion have inspired "painting, film, novels, poems, TV serials and plays". Prominently, he 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>

=== Films ===
The following people portrayed Lakshmana in the film adaptation of ''Ramayana''.

* Umakant portrayed him in the 1943 Hindi film ''[[Ram Rajya (1943 film)|Ram Rajya]]''.
* [[P. V. Narasimha Bharathi]] portrayed him in the 1958 Tamil film ''[[Sampoorna Ramayanam (1958 film)|Sampoorna Ramayanam]]''.
* Raghavaiah portrayed him in the 1968 Telugu film ''[[Veeranjaneya]]''.
* [[Master Sridhar]] portrayed him in the 1976 Tamil film ''[[Dasavatharam (film)|Dasavatharam]]''.
* Venkateswarlu portrayed him in the 1977 Malayalam film ''[[Kanchana Sita]]''.
* Mishal Varma and [[Shakti Singh (actor)|Shakti Singh]] voiced him in the 1992 animated film  ''[[Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama]]''.
* Narayanam Nikhil portrayed him 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>
* [[Arun Govil]] portrayed him 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>
* [[Rishabh Shukla]] voiced him 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>
* [[Srikanth (actor, born 1968)|Srikanth]] portrayed him in the 2011 Telugu film ''[[Sri Rama Rajyam]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telugu-review-sri-rama-rajyam-is-a-must-watch/204138-8-69.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122051451/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telugu-review-sri-rama-rajyam-is-a-must-watch/204138-8-69.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 November 2011|title=Telugu Review: 'Sri Rama Rajyam' is a must watch|work=CNN-IBN|access-date=20 November 2011}}</ref>
* [[Sunny Singh (actor)|Sunny Singh]] portrayed him in the 2023 Hindi film ''[[Adipurush]]''.
* Vansh Pannu portrayed him in the 2024 Hindi film ''[[Singham Again]]''.

=== Television ===
The following people portrayed Lakshmana in the television adaptation of ''Ramayana''.

* [[Sunil Lahri]] portrayed him 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>
* [[Manish Khanna]] portrayed him in the 1997 series ''[[Jai Hanuman (1997 TV series)|Jai Hanuman]]''.
* [[Amit Pachori]] portrayed him in the 2000 series ''[[Vishnu Puran (TV series)|Vishnu Puran]]''.
* Bijay Anand portrayed him in the 2002 series ''[[Ramayan (2002 TV series)|Ramayan]]''.
* [[Ujjwal Rana]] portrayed him in the 2006 series ''[[Raavan (TV series)|Raavan]]''.
* [[Ankit Arora]] portrayed him in the 2008 series ''[[Ramayan (2008 TV series)|Ramayan]]''.
* Kunal Verma portrayed him in the 2011 ''[[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>
* [[Neil Bhatt]] portrayed him in the 2012 series ''[[Ramayan (2012 TV series)|Ramayan]]''.
* [[Aniruddh Singh]] portrayed him in the 2012 mini-series ''[[Ramleela – Ajay Devgn Ke Saath]]''.
* Ankur Verma / Arun Mandola portrayed him in the 2015 series ''[[Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan]]''.
* [[Karan Suchak]] portrayed him 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>
* Navi Bhangu portrayed him 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>
* Priyom Gujjar portrayed him in the 2019 series ''[[Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran]]''.
* Richard Joel voices him in the 2021 web series ''[[The Legend of Hanuman]]''.
* [[Akshay Dogra]] portrayed him in the 2021 web series ''Ramyug''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ramyug first impression: Kunal Kohli's retelling of Lord Ram's story misses the mark |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ramyug-first-impression-kunal-kohli-mx-player-7303122 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=31 July 2023 |language=en |date=6 May 2021}}</ref>
* [[Basant Bhatt]] portrayed him in the 2024 series ''[[Shrimad Ramayan]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/basant-bhatt-on-playing-prince-lakshmana-in-shrimad-ramayan-says-it-is-about-commitment-brotherhood-loyalty-and-love-exclusive/articleshow/107461002.cms | title=Basant Bhatt on playing Lakshmana in Shrimad Ramayan: It is about commitment, brotherhood, loyalty and love | access-date=12 February 2024 |work=Times of India| date=6 February 2024 }}</ref>
* Devesh Sharma portrayed him in 2024 DD National series  [[Kakabhushundi Ramayan- Anasuni Kathayein]]. 

====YouTube ====

* Ankur Vaishnav portrayed him 2024 YouTube series Valmiki Ramayan.

=== Plays ===
The following plays portrayed Lakshmana's story in the theatre adaptation of ''Ramayana''.

* Lakshmana's struggle and separation from wife, was 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 Lakshmana's life.

* ''The Sharpest Knife: Lakshmana and His Words of Wisdom'' by Krishna's Mercy, published in 2011.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SSXuEAAAQBAJ&dq=The+Trials+of+Lakshmana&pg=PA45 | title=The Sharpest Knife: Lakshmana and His Words of Wisdom | isbn=9781458108296 | date=8 March 2011 | publisher=Krishna's Mercy}}</ref>
* ''Lakshmana'' by Prof. T. N. Prabhakar, published in 2019.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NhGLDwAAQBAJ&q=lakshmana+ramayana | title=Lakshmana | isbn=9789389020717 | last1=Prabhakar | first1=Prof. T. N.  | date=2 March 2019 | publisher=Bharatha Samskruthi Prakashana}}</ref>
* ''LakshmiLa : The Eternal Love Story'' by Shubhi Agarwal, published in 2022.
* ''The Trials of Lakshmana'' by Story Buddies Play, published in 2024.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OikGEQAAQBAJ | title=The Trials of Lakshmana | author=Story Buddies Play | date=6 May 2024 | publisher=Story Buddies Play}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{citation|title=Balkand |last=Poddar |first=Hanuman Prasad |author-link=Hanuman Prasad Poddar |date=2001 |url=http://www.gitapress.org |location=[[Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh|Gorakhpur]] |publisher=[[Gita Press]] |isbn=81-293-0406-6 |series=94 |language=awa, hi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713120313/http://www.gitapress.org/ |archive-date=13 July 2010 |df=dmy }}
* {{citation |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 }}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Hinduism|Mythology|India}}
{{Commons category|Lakshmana}}

{{Ramayana}}
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