Lakshmana's end in Ramayana

Daughter, "You all keep talking of Sita's departure and death. Do you know how Lakshmana died. No one seeks the entire story, the entire understanding ..."

And she told me. From her reading in Valmiki Ramayanam, Uttarakandam, the original in Sanskrit.

Yama Dharmaraja came to meet Rama. For a very important discussion. A private discussion, only between Yamaraja and Rama.

Lakshmana was stationed outside. On guard. To not allow anyone entry. Nor to himself enter. On pain of death.

It was a long discussion, very very long. Where Yama explained to Rama that it was time for him to leave. That his time was over. That the further requirement would be of Krishnavatara now. Not Rama ...

Then Durvasa, of famed anger came. Lakshmana stopped him. Durvasa raged. Swore to reduce Ayodhya to ashes is he was not allowed to enter.

Lakshmana faltered.

Then knowing that he was signing his death warrent he entered. Choosing death to allowing Ayodhya to burn down.

The meeting ended.

But now Yamas word had to be honoured. Lakshmana had to die.

Rama was devastated.

He called all the learned Brahmins. To ask what could be done. If there was any other punishment which matched death that could be given in lieu.

The brahmanas sat for long. Debated. And then proclaimed that exile forever was the only other option.

And Lakshmana left the kingdom.

And in the forest he died thereafter. Of grief.

Ramayana. A story of duty, or suffering faced unflinchingly in the adherence to duty. A story of the vast pain ...

A story of Dharmam. That has sustained this land. Forever.