Two sons were born to Sumitra, the second wife of Dashratha, Lakshmana and his twin Shatrughna. According to some Puranic lore, Lakshmana was an incarnation of Sheshnaga, the divine serpent that supports Vishnu while he reclines. Just as Sheshnaga is always close to Vishnu so too Lakshmana is always by Rama’s side.

Lakshmana was completely devoted to Rama and stayed close to him like a living shadow. He was always resolute in his thought and firm in action and was thus named Lakshmana by sage Vashishtha.

To obey Rama and to serve him, this was his goal in life. Kaikeyi, his stepmother asked two boons from Dashratha, an exile of fourteen years for Rama and the throne for her son Vashishtha. When Rama prepared to leave for the forest, Lakshmana insisted on going too, leaving with ease the comfort and luxury of the palace. He even tore himself away from the loving care of his mother and the affection of his newly wedded wife Urmila, to serve Rama and Sita.

In the forest, while Rama rested Lakshmana stayed awake the whole night keeping watch to protect Rama and Sita in the dangerous and dark surrounding. He followed Brahmacharya (the vow of celibacy) for fourteen years in the forest and spent his day serving Rama and Sita and his nights watching over them.

In the battle between Rama and Ravana, Lakshmana killed Indrajit Meghnad who was stronger than Ravana. It is impossible to narrate the glory of Rama, without describing the fraternal love, valor, devotion and sacrifice of Lakshmana. He lived for Rama and died for Rama. This is the sum total of Lakshmana’s character. Wherever there is a temple dedicated to Rama and Sita, there is always place for Lakshmana too.