Lakshmana’s Vow of Eternal Companionship (Ramayana Series 29)

Lakshmana’s Vow of Eternal Companionship

Lakshmana, who had arrived earlier with Sri Rama from Queen Kausalya’s inner chambers, listened silently to the entire exchange between Rama and Sita. Unable to bear the weight of sorrow any longer, his face drenched in tears, he clasped his elder brother’s feet firmly and bowed in reverence. Folding his hands before Sri Rama, who had undertaken the great vow of fourteen years of forest exile, and before the noble Sita, Lakshmana spoke with resolute emotion:

“If you have resolved to journey into the dense forests—infested with wild beasts and mighty elephants—I shall follow you into that wilderness. Without you, I desire neither heaven nor divinity. I seek no sovereignty over worlds, nor any form of celestial glory. My only longing is to remain eternally by your side.”

Hearing these words, Sri Rama replied gently:

“Lakshmana, you are deeply affectionate toward me and steadfast in dharma. You tread the very path followed by the virtuous across all ages. To me, you are dearer than life itself. Yet, if you too come with me to the forest, who will care for our mothers—Kausalya and Sumitra? Bharata, bound as he is by Kaikeyi’s influence, may not be able to console or support them in their grief. Therefore, O knower of dharma, you must stay behind and serve Queen Kausalya—either with the king’s consent or through your own means. By fulfilling this duty, your devotion to me will shine forth clearly, and you shall attain immeasurable merit.”

Lakshmana, however, replied with unwavering conviction:

“Brother, by your very influence, Bharata will certainly honor and care for both Kausalya and Sumitra with diligence. Moreover, Mother Kausalya is capable of sustaining even a thousand sons like me. Hence, there is no cause for concern regarding their welfare. O Rama the Auspicious, accept me as your attendant. To serve you is not against dharma. Through such service, I too shall find fulfillment. Bearing bows and arrows, I shall walk ahead of you, clearing the path. Each day I shall bring fruits and roots from the forest. You may wander freely and without worry with Vaidehi across the slopes and valleys of the wilderness.”

Pleased by Lakshmana’s words, Sri Rama said:

“Lakshmana, I grant you permission to accompany me. Prepare to depart at once. During King Janaka’s great sacrifice, the pleased Lord Varuna appeared and gifted him two formidable bows, two impenetrable armors, two quivers filled with inexhaustible divine arrows, and two radiant swords with golden hilts, blazing like the sun’s rays. King Janaka bestowed all these upon me at the time of my marriage. I have duly worshipped them and kept them at the residence of our revered preceptor, Sage Vasishta. You must bring all those weapons here immediately.”

Obeying Rama’s command, Lakshmana informed his friends of his decision to accompany Sri Rama to the forest. He then went to Sage Vasishta’s abode, collected all the sacred weapons, and returned to Rama.

Thereafter, Sri Rama—accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana—summoned Suyajna, the son of Sage Vasishta, and generously donated precious ornaments, gems, and wealth to him and his wife. Rama and Lakshmana, along with Sita, also bestowed immense charity upon the Brahmins. Having completed these acts of righteousness, they set out toward King Dasharatha’s palace to meet him.

The divine weapons borne by Rama and Lakshmana, worshipped by Sita herself and adorned with garlands of flowers, gleamed with enchanting brilliance. As Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana walked along the royal highway toward the palace, the citizens of Ayodhya—nobles and wealthy alike—climbed onto their houses, temples, and seven-storied mansions, watching with sorrow-filled faces. The roads were so densely crowded that swift movement was impossible. Grief-stricken citizens stood atop balconies and rooftops, gazing helplessly at Sri Rama.

Seeing Rama walking on foot with his brother and wife, the people were overwhelmed with despair and spoke among themselves in hushed, sorrowful tones.

Though Sri Rama heard the many conversations and lamentations of the people, his mind remained unshaken. A righteous soul of elephantine strength and composure, he walked steadily toward his father’s palace, which stood majestic like the peak of Mount Kailasa. As he entered the royal precincts, he noticed Sumantra—humble, valiant, and sorrow-stricken—standing nearby.