Lakshmana, the devout brother of Rama.

[Guest guest]

When Shri Rama was undergoing 'vana vasa' as ordained by King Dasaratha, he was walking through the thick forest in the company of Lakshman and Sita Devi. As it was about to be dawn, Shri Rama asked Lakshman to find out a place where they can erect a temporary dwelling place. At this instruction, Lakshmana started crying. Shri Rama, unable to understand the dejection of Lakshmana, asked him, "Oh Lakshmana ! "why you are crying? i just asked you to find a place for a temporary dwelling place". Lakshmana sobbed and fell at Rama's feet and he pleaded 'why you are talking to me like that". Have i got a separate will other than yours. Just show me the place and command me to construct the habitat and hence forth do not plunge me in grief by talking in the same vain. That was the bond between Shri Rama and Lakshmana. Lakshmana felt he is incapable of excercising any thing as his 'will'. It is Rama's work and Rama's will. He is but an humble follower of Rama. Only to show the world, the greatness of Lakshmana, Shri Rama enacted the drama. Again, when Lakshmana fell down consequent to the "Asthra" hurled at him and fell unconsicous, "Rama was crying and wailing. He cried, "Who will equal to you, Oh valiant brother, i can get a life partner, i can redeem others. but if you leave me, how can i get a brother like you". Swami has narrated these episodes in the "Rama katha Rasa Vahini". If Rama is the "flag", Lakshmana is the flag post. If there is no flag post, How the flag will flutter in the wind? Sairam.